wine – 東京名古屋大阪のWSET認定ワインスクールキャプランワインアカデミー

WSET® Level 1 Award in Wines

A beginner level introduction to wine suitable for those starting a wine career or pursuing an interest in wine.

For individuals new to wine study, this qualification provides a hands-on introduction to the world of wine. You’ll explore the main types and styles of wine through sight, smell, and taste, while also gaining the basic skills to describe wines accurately, and make food and wine pairings. Upon successful completion you will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin.

WSET® Level 1 Award in Wine official page

Curriculum

1: Grapegrowing and winemaking

2: Common wine types and styles; main grape varieties and their characteristics

3: How to store and serve wine

4: How to taste a wine; food and wine pairing

5: The principles of service; food and wine pairing practical exercise

6: Examination

Target

Those who wish to increase their knowledge of the main wine varieties and wine and food pairings.
Those who are new to the wine service or retail industry.

No other WSET accredited school instructors will be allowed to attend the course.

Lecturer: Thomas Seiya Figoni DipWSET, Lu Gao DipWSET

Seating Capaciry: 24

Place: CAPLAN Wine Academy AOYAMA
PASONA SQUARE. 16F, 3-1-30, Minamiaoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo

MAP

Fee

35,200 yen <Price excluding tax: 32,000 yen>

Includes wines, textbook and examination fee
Students attending for the first time a course at CAPLAN Wine Academy need to pay 5,500 yen for registration, tax included.

How to pay: Bank transfer or Credit card

Please transfer the fee to the bank account below or we can accept the credit card.

Bank Name: SUMITOMO MITSUI BANKING CORPORATION
Branch Name: Asakusa Branch
Account Number: 7296264　(Futsu Yokin)
Subscriber: Asahi Beer Communications , Ltd.

Please note that we cannot refund the fee once you pay.
Please make sure bear the bank remitting charges concerned with yourself.

Schedule / Entry

1day Course：7 Hours／（Includes Examination）

Please make sure that your address is registered correctly!

Textbooks and exam results will be sent to the physical address you registered on our website (MyPage).
Please make sure that this is correct and accurate, including the apartment number.
※ Please note that if the package is returned due to an unclear address or missing apartment number, the textbooks will either be handed to you in person on the day or reshipped to you (着払い, i.e. you will be charged for the reshipping).
Thank you for your understanding.

Tokyo（English）class
Thomas Figoni

Monday October 20th 2025　10：00～18：00（※Examination 17:00～18:00）

Application has been closed

The payment MUST be completed by the application deadline.

Tokyo（English）class
Lu Gao

Saturday January 31th 2026　10：00～18：00（※Examination 17:00～18:00）

Application has been closed

The payment MUST be completed by the application deadline.

WSET® Level 2 Award in Wines

Japanese Page >

This course covers the major grape varieties and where they are grown around the world. Students are taught how to taste wine professionally using the WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting. The program follows the U.K. based WSET course textbook used in 60 countries worldwide and includes 5-6 wine tastings every lesson. You are sure to have a splendid time enjoying learning about a variety of high quality wines.

WSET® Level 2 Award in Wines official page

Curriculum

1: Course Induction, tasting technique, pairing wine with food

2: From grapes to wine: factors influencing the production of red wines
Pinot Noir, Zinfandel/Primitivo

3: From grapes to wine: factors influencing the production of white, sweet and rosé wines
Riesling, Chenin Blanc, Sémillon/Semillon, Furmint

4: Main white grape varieties of the World
Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris
Gewurztraminer, Viognier, Albariño

5: Main red grape varieties of the World ①
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah/Shiraz

6: Main red grape varieties of the World ②
Gamay, Grenache/Garnacha, Tempranillo, Carmenère, Malbec, Pinotage

7: Grape varieties of Italy
Cortese, Garganega, Verdicchio, Fiano
Nebbiolo, Barbera, Corvina, Sangiovese, Montepulciano

8: Sparkling wines, fortified wines

: Examination

Seating Capacity: 24 people

Target

Those who want to learn about wine in a thorough and systematic way.
Those who have obtained a sommelier certification and want to learn the WSET method from the basics.

No other WSET accredited school instructors will be allowed to attend the course.

Place: CAPLAN Wine Academy AOYAMA
PASONA SQUARE. 16F, 3-1-30, Minamiaoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Map

Fee

100,100 yen <Price excluding tax:91,000 yen>

To be paid within three days after course application.※
Includes wines, textbook and examination fee※
Students attending for the first time a course at CAPLAN Wine Academy need to pay 5,500 yen for registration, tax included.

Rescheduling: Rescheduling a class is possible upon request before the class date. Please contact the office.
However, if the desired class is full (for example due to a high number of students rescheduling to said class), other dates may be offered.

Please note that it is not possible to reschedule to a hybrid course class, or to transfer from a classroom course to a hybrid course.

How to pay: Bank transfer or Credit card

Please transfer the fee to the bank account below or we can accept the credit card.

Bank Name: SUMITOMO MITSUI BANKING CORPORATION
Branch Name: Asakusa Branch
Account Number: 7296264　(Futsu Yokin)
Subscriber: Asahi Beer Communications , Ltd.

Please note that we cannot refund the fee once you pay.
Please make sure bear the bank remitting charges concerned with yourself.

Schedule・Application

2025/10 ～ 2026/3

Previous semester schedules

D Class
Lu Gao

Fri 19：00～21：00

See the schedule: Session 1 10/24 ★
Session 2 11/7
Session 3 11/21
Session 4 12/5
Session 5 12/19
Session 6 1/16
Session 7 1/30
ession 8 2/13
Session 9 （Examination） 3/15（Sun） or 3/24（Thu） or 4/4（Sat

★Session 1 will be 2 hours and 15 minutes long.

Please call us for entry（03-6634-9976）

Previous semester schedules

D Class

Thomas Figoni: Session 1：4/14★
Session 2：4/21
Session 3：5/12
Session 4：5/26
Session 5：6/9
Session 6：6/23
Session 7：7/7
Session 8：7/14
Session 9：Examination 8/18（Mon）or 8/24（Sun）or8/30（Sat）or 9/6（Sat）

★Session 1 will be 2 hours and 15 minutes long.

WSET® Level 2 Award in Wine ＜3-days Intensive Course＞

3-days Intensive Course!

日本語ページ >

3-days Intensive Course!

The WSET Level 2 certification is designed for those working in the wine industry and for wine enthusiasts who want to learn about wine in a thorough and systematic manner.

It is a certification that recognizes basic knowledge of wine, tasting and food pairing, and provides a comprehensive knowledge of wine by learning about major grape varieties and wines from major wine regions.

You will learn about the climate, soil, viticulture, vinification, and maturation methods of the regions where the wines are grown, and you will be able to identify which factors contribute to a wine’s style, and upon completion you will be able to read and understand wine labels.
Each session will include a wine tasting.

Upon successful completion of the exam, students will receive WSET certification. The exam consists of 50 multiple choice questions, and there is no tasting.

The course itself will be completed in 3 days, but there will be a 1 to 2 month self-study period afterwards.
The schedule allows for careful review and self-study until the day of the exam.

Textbooks will be sent out in advance to those who have registered for the course after it has been confirmed.

WSET® Level 2 Award in Wine Global Page

Curriculum

Day 1
11/1（SAT）: 10:00～17:00 1 hour lunch break available

【1st】Tasting Basics　Wine and food paring

【2nd】From grapes to wine! Viticulture・Vinification(red wine)
Pinot Noir, Zinfandel/Primitivo

【3rd(1)】From grapes to wine! Viticulture・Vinification①
（white・rose・sweet wine）
Riesling, Chenin Blanc, Semillon, Furmint

Day 2
11/2（SUN）: 10:00～17:00 1 hour lunch break available

【3rd(2)】From grapes to wine! Viticulture・Vinification②
（White・Rose・Sweet）
Riesling, Chenin Blanc, Semillon, Furmint

【4th】Styles of main white varietals
Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc,Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris,
Gewurtztraminer, Viognier, Albarino

【5th】Styles of main red grape varietals①
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah/Shiraz

Day 3
11/3（MON・Holiday）: 10:00～17:00 1hour lunch break available

【6th】Styles of the main black varietals②
Gamay, Grenache/Garnacha, Tempranillo, Carmenere, Malbec, Pinotage

【7th】Styles of Italian varietals
Cortese, Garganega, Verdicchio, Fiano, Nebbiolo, Barbera, Corvina,
Sangiovese, Montepulciano

【8th】Sparkling wine and Fortified wine

Please note that the curriculum may be subject to change.

Course Information

Target

Anyone wishing to learn about the different styles of wine and how they are made.
People seeking to build on the introductory knowledge gained with the WSET Level 2 Award in Wine.

Capacity: 24 people
[ Full. Waiting for cancellation. ]

Venue: Tokyo

CAPLAN Wine Academy AOYAMA
PASONA SQUARE. 16F, 3-1-30, Minamiaoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Access Map

Fee

100,100 yen <Price excluding tax: 91,000 yen>

Icludes wines, textbook and examination fee
Students attending for the first time a course at CAPLAN Wine Academy need to pay 5,500 yen for registration, tax included.

How to pay

Bank transfer or Credit card

Please note that we cannot refund the fee once you pay.
Please make sure bear the bank remitting charges concerned with yourself.

Bank Name: SUMITOMO MITSUI BANKING CORPORATION
Branch Name: Asakusa Branch
Account Number: 7296264　(Futsu Yokin)
Subscriber: Asahi Beer Communications , Ltd.

Important notes: Please be sure to read this before registering and attending the course.

Important notes concerning registration and attendance

Terms of use

Schedule・Application

Please note that the schedule and curriculum may be subject to change.

Tokyo

Intensive Class
【English】
Thomas Figoni

See the schedule: Day 1（11/1 SAT）: 10:00-17:00
Day 2（11/2 SUN）: 10:00-17:00
Day 3（11/3 MON・Holiday）: 10:00-17:00

Exam : Choose from 3/15（SUN）、3/24（TUE）、4/4（SAT）

Please call us for entry（03-6634-9976）

WSET Level2 Award in Wines Online Course

WSET Level2 Award in Wines Online Course Public Demo

Do you want to see what the WSET Level 2 in Wines Online Course looks like?
Now you can! Click the link below and give it a try!

WSET Level2 Award in Wines Online Course Public Demo

About the Course

The course covers the major grape varieties, regions of the world, food and wine pairing, sparkling wines, fortified wines and the major spirits over a period of five weeks.

What level of knowledge will I need to start this course?

You will not need any formal qualification just an enthusiasm for the subject and willingness to learn. This course is ideal for anyone wishing to be introduced to wine in an informative and structured manner and is suitable for both the enthusiast and those entering or already working in wine and hospitality business requiring good level of product knowledge.

WSET® Level 2 Award in Wines official page

How does it work?

The course is based around a 5-week, 6-module online programme with a recommendation of 6 hours study per week to cover the online activities and read the relevant chapters in the textbook. Regular access and participation in the course online activities is essential for this mode of study.

The course follows a weekly structure, but it allows the student to work ahead or catch up on the activities and forums. There are no set times to log into the course as there are no live chats or webinars.

The student can contact the educator any time for the duration of the scheduled course, should they have any questions. Each week includes a series of independent activities to help students understand wine label terminology and recognise the styles produced by the main grape varieties in key wine regions.

All our online qualification courses are designed to be interactive making learning more accessible and engaging. The course utilises social media to allow students to study alongside their peers under the guidance of a WSET tutor.

Students will be asked to taste and write notes on eight general styles of wines which your tutor will then help you to structure using the systematic approach to tasting.

Where do I get the wines?

The course has a tasting activity each week where you will be required to post your notes. Students should be advised to taste a range of wines during their studies. A list of recommended tasting samples can be found in the specification.

Exam

This course is assessed with a 1 hour written paper consisting of 50 multiple choice questions. The pass mark is 55% and is the last session of each course.

Please note: the exam is NOT online.
認定試験はオンラインではなく、キャプランワインアカデミーの試験会場にてご受験いただきます。

Exam Date
【Tokyo】
March 15 SUN 2026
March 24 TUE 2026
April 4 SAT 2026

【Osaka】
March 14 SAT 2026

【Nagoya】
April 8 WED 2026

Course fee only

68,200 yen (62,000 yen before tax)

Course fee + Intensive tasting／Optional

99,000 yen (90,000 yen before tax)

This option includes an intensive wine tasting of 20+ wines with one of our Certified Educators.
The tasting will be conducted in Japanese.
このオプションには、当校のWSET認定講師によるワイン20種類以上の集中テイスティングが含まれます。
テイスティングは日本語で行われます。

集中テイスティング【東京】: 2026年2月15日、13：00～18：00

東京アクセス

集中テイスティング【大阪】

2026年2月28日、11：00～17：00

途中ランチ休憩あり

大阪アクセス

The course fee includes the textbook fee and the examination fee, plus the certificate and the badge once the exam is passed
Students attending for the first time a course at Caplan Wine Academy need to pay 5,500 yen for registration, tax included.
Please note that we cannot refund the fee once you pay.

Application flow／お申し込みの流れ

Once you have been registered, WSET London will send you an email inviting you to join the online class. Textbooks will be sent to your registered address approximately one week prior to the start of the online class.

登録が済むと、WSETロンドン本校よりオンラインクラスに参加するためのご案内メールが送信されてスタートです。テキストはオンライン講座開始1週間前迄を目途にご登録のご住所宛てにお送りいたします（※送付テキストは英語になります）。

コース開始日

2025 November Course（O2WI2607APP）: Mon October 27th 2025 – Sun November 30th 2025

2025 December Course（O2WI2609APP）: Mon November 24th 2025 – Sun December 28th 2025

2026 January Course（O2WI2611APP）: Mon January 5th 2026 – Sun February 8th 2026

Course Structure

Module 1: – Wine and the consumer –

Recall how to use the WSET’s Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine® and Level 2 Wine-Lexicon to assess and evaluate the quality of a wine.

Understand the key principals and processes involved in the storage and service of wine, and in the pairing of food and wine.

Module 2: – Factors affecting quality and style –

Understand the environmental influences and grape-growing options in the vineyard and how these will impact the style and quality of wine.

Understand how winemaking and bottle ageing influence the style and quality of wine.

Module 3: – Still white wine varieties –

Understand how environmental influences, grape-growing options, winemaking and bottle ageing influence the style and quality of wines made from the principal white grape varieties.

Know the style and quality of wines produced from regionally important white grape varieties.

Module 4: – Still red wine varieties –

Understand how environmental influences, grape-growing options, winemaking and bottle ageing influence the style and quality of wines made from the principal red grape varieties.

Know the style and quality of wines produced from regionally important red grape varieties.

Module 5: – Sparkling and fortified wines –

Understand how the production process can influence the styles of sparkling and fortified wines.

Module 6: – Revision and feedback questionnaire –

There is a mock multiple choice test to complete.

Application

Please make sure that your address is registered correctly!

Textbooks and exam results will be sent to the physical address you registered on our website (MyPage).
Please make sure that this is correct and accurate, including the apartment number.

Please note that if the package is returned due to an unclear address or missing apartment number, the textbooks will be reshipped to you and you will be charged for the shipping (着払い). Thank you for your understanding.

2025 November Course（O2WI2607APP）: Start Date : Mon October 27th 2025
Finish Date : Sun November 30th 2025

Applications are now closed.

2025 December Course（O2WI2609APP）: Start Date : Mon November 24th 2025
Finish Date : Sun December 28th 2025

Applications are now closed.

2026 January Course（O2WI2611APP）

Start Date : Mon January 5th 2026
Finish Date : Sun February 8th 2026

Deadline : 2025/12/21 (SUN)

WSET® Level 3 Award in Wines

Japanese Page >

The WSET Level 3 Award in Wines is designed to give a thorough understanding of the factors that account for the style, quality and price of the principal still, sparkling and fortified wines of the world. The qualification will assist those who are required to make professional evaluations of wines with regards to their style, quality and price.

The qualification provides the in-depth product knowledge required to underpin job skills and competencies, for example in product selection in the retail and hospitality sectors.
Successful candidates will be able to describe the characteristics of the principal wines of the world and give information on the key factors influencing style, quality and price. They will consequently be in a position to advise management, to answer customer queries authoritatively, and to make informed selections of wines in a variety of situations.

To help you pass the WSET® Level 3 Award in Wine, we have added the original Caplan curriculum as the 10th session for tasting preparation and the 11th session for theory preparation in the middle of the course.

In order to enhance proficiency, three online review sessions will be held after completing the 3rd Session, ‘Viticulture and Vinification’ , after the 14th session, and after the 16th session. If you are unable to attend the live online session, you can watch the recorded sessions (with a 10 day deadline for viewing).

WSET® Level 3 Award in Wines official page

Curriculum

1: Course Induction and Tasting Technique

2: Natural factors and human influences in the vineyard

3: Human Influences in the Winery

【Recap】① Online: The review of winemaking and viticulture

4: White wines of Alsace, Germany, Austria and Tokaj

5: White wines of Burgundy, the Loire Valley and Bordeaux

6: Red and rosé wines of Bordeaux, South West France and the Loire Valley

7: Red wines of Burgundy, Beaujolais and the red and white wines of the northern Rhône Valley

8: Red, white and rosé wines of southern Rhône Valley and southern France Red wines of Spain Part 1 and white wines of Spain and Portugal

9: Red wines of Northern Spain and red and white wines of Northern Italy

10: Red and white wines of central and southern Italy, red wines of Portugal and red and white wines of Greece

11: Examination Preparation : Tasting Feedback Test & Theory Preparation

12: Premium Red Wines of New Zealand, USA and Australia

13: Premium white wines of New Zealand, South Africa, Australia, USA and Canada

14: Regional specialities of Australia, South Africa and USA Premium red & white wines of Argentina and Chile

【Recap】② Online: The review of New and Old World wines

15: Fortified Wines

16: Sparkling Wines

【Recap】③ Online: The review of sparkling wines, and fortified wines

17: Examination

target

Those who want to learn about wine in a thorough and systematic way.
Those who have obtained a sommelier certification and want to learn the WSET method from the basics.

No other WSET accredited school instructors will be allowed to attend the course.

Lecturer: Nicholas Gardiner DipWSET, Christopher Chevillard DipWSET

Seating capacity: 24 for each class

Place: CAPLAN Wine Academy AOYAMA
PASONA SQUARE. 16F, 3-1-30, Minamiaoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Map

Fee

Regular Price 188,500 yen <Price including tax: 207,350 yen>

Early bird 181,500 yen <Price including tax: 199,650 yen>
＊Discount available only for those who apply by Sunday, September 7th.

To be paid within three days after course application.
Includes wines, textbook and examination fee
Students attending for the first time a course at Caplan Wine Academy need to pay 5,500 yen for registration, tax included.

Rescheduling: Rescheduling a class is possible upon request before the class date. Please contact the office.
However, if the desired class is full (for example due to a high number of students rescheduling to said class), other dates may be offered.

Please note that it is not possible to reschedule to a hybrid course class, or to transfer from a classroom course to a hybrid course.

How to pay: Bank transfer or Credit card

Please transfer the fee to the bank account below or we can accept the credit card.

Bank Name: SUMITOMO MITSUI BANKING CORPORATION
Branch Name: Asakusa Branch
Account Number: 7296264　(Futsu Yokin)
Subscriber: Asahi Beer Communications , Ltd.

Please note that we cannot refund the fee once you pay.
Please make sure bear the bank remitting charges concerned with yourself.

Schedule / Entry

2025/10 ～ 2026/4

Previous schedule

E Class
Christopher Chevillard

Mon 19：00～21：00

See the schedule: Session 1：10/6
Session 2：10/27
Session 3：11/10
★Recap① : 11/12（Wed）19:00～20:00 ●
Session 4：11/17
Session 5：11/26（Wed）
Session 6：12/1
Session 7：12/8
Session 8：12/15
Session 9：12/22
Session 10：1/19
Session 11：~~1/26~~ (class cancelled)⇒2/2（make-up class date）
Session 12：~~2/2~~⇒2/9（make-up class date）
Session 13：2/16
Session 14：3/2
★Recap② 3/3（Tue）19:00～20:00 ●
Session 15：3/9
Session 16：3/16
★Recap➂ 3/17（Tue）19:00～20:00 ●
Session 17：4/19（SUN）Examination

★Recap sessions will be held online

Please call us for entry（03-6634-9976）

F Class
Thomas
Figoni

Sat 16：30～18：30

See the schedule: Session 1：10/11
Session 2：10/25
Session 3：11/1
Session 4：11/8
★Recap① 11/12（Wed）19:00～20:00 ●
Session 5：11/29
Session 6：12/6
Session 7：12/13
Session 8：12/20
Session 9：1/10
Session 10：1/17
Session 11：1/24
Session 12：2/7
Session 13：2/14
Session 14：2/21
★Recap② 3/3（Tue）19:00～20:00 ●
Session 15：3/7
Session 16：3/14
★Recap➂ 3/17（Tue）19:00～20:00 ●
Session 17：4/19 SUN Examination

★Recap sessions will be held online

Please call us for entry（03-6634-9976）

Previous schedule

E Class

Nicholas Gardiner: Sat 16：30～18：30

Session 1：4/14
Session 2：4/28
Session 3：5/12
★Recap① : 5/15(Thur)19:00~20:00
Session 4：5/19
Session 5：6/2
Session 6：6/9
Session 7：6/16
Session 8：6/30
Session 9：7/7
Session 10：7/14
Session 11：7/28
Session 12：8/4
Session 13：8/18
Session 14：8/25
Session 15：9/1
★Recap② : 9/2(Tue) 19:00~20:00
Session 16：9/8
★Recap③ : 9/22(Mon)19:00~20:00
Session 17：10/19 SUN Examination

★Recap sessions will be held online

E Class

Thomas Figoni: Mon 19：00～21：00

Session 1：4/12

Session 2：4/19

Session 3：4/26

Session 4：5/10

★Recap① : 5/15(Thur)19:00~20:00

Session 5：5/17

Session 6：5/24

Session 7：6/7

Session 8：6/14

Session 9：6/21

Session 10：7/5

Session 11：7/12

Session 12：7/26

Session 13：8/9

Session 14：8/16

Session 15：8/30

★Recap② : 9/2(Tue) 19:00~20:00

Session 16：9/6

★Recap③ : 9/22(Mon)19:00~20:00

Session 17：10/19 SUN Examination

★Recap sessions will be held online

WSET® Level 3 Award in Wines <Hybrid Course>

The Level 3 Hybrid course is composed by 15 theory sessions held online + 3 review classes held online + 3 tasting sessions in the classrooms. The content is exactly the same as the classroom course, but it offers the comfort of following most of the lessons online.
The exam will be in the classroom at the end of the course.

The WSET Level 3 Award in Wines is designed to give a thorough understanding of the factors that account for the style, quality and price of the principal still, sparkling and fortified wines of the world. The qualification will assist those who are required to make professional evaluations of wines with regards to their style, quality and price.
The qualification provides the in-depth product knowledge required to underpin job skills and competencies, for example in product selection in the retail and hospitality sectors.
Successful candidates will be able to describe the characteristics of the principal wines of the world and give information on the key factors influencing style, quality and price. They will consequently be in a position to advise management, to answer customer queries authoritatively, and to make informed selections of wines in a variety of situations.

WSET® Level 3 Award in Wines official page

How do Caplan online seminars work?

This online seminar will be held through「Zoom」by Zoom Video Communications. A URL link will be sent in advance, by clicking the URL the participants will be able to attend the seminar.

The seminar can be enjoyed by PC, Smartphone, Tablet as long as they are connected to the internet. For PC you can use the internet browser, but installing the dedicated Zoom software is recommended. For smartphones and tablet you will need the Zoom app. Please install it in advance.

The online seminar will also be recorded and the link to the video will be sent to all participants. You will be able to play it as many times as you want for 10 days.

Requirements

・Broadband internet connection (4G/LTE, fiber)
・Speaker or earphones
・Supported OS：Windows 7 and following, Mac OS X 10.7 and following, iOS, Android
・Supported browsers: IE7+, Firefox, Chrome, Safari 5+
・CPU: Dual Core 2Ghz and above
・Memory: 4GB

<<Why choosing Caplan?>>

1. The best WSET center in Japan

With an experience of over 20 years, Caplan Wine Academy is the center that created the highest number of WSET graduates in Japan. We are committed to offering the students excellent selection of wines and high standard of education. Our graduates are regularly awarded scholarships from WSET London for their outstanding results.
In 2018 we were one of the seven finalist schools nominated for the “WSET Educator of the Year 2018” award.

2. A complete route from Level 1 to Level 4

We offer a complete path in wine education from beginner to professional and we are the only school in Japan providing the Level 4 Diploma course. As such, our teaching is also focused on preparing the candidates for this very advanced certification.

3. A perfected curriculum to give the students an even deeper understanding

To help our candidates passing the WSET Level3, we have created an original session midway through the course (session 11) concerning the exam and the best way to tackle it. This way the students will have a deeper understanding of both the tasting and theory portion of the final test.

In order to enhance proficiency, three online review sessions will be held after completing the 3rd Session, ‘Viticulture and Vinification’ , after the 14th session, and after the 16th session. If you are unable to attend in person, you can watch the recorded sessions (with a deadline for viewing).

Curriculum

Session1
[Classroom]: Course Induction and Tasting Technique

Session 2
Online: Natural factors and human influences in the vineyard

Session 3
Online: Human Influences in the Winery

【Recap】①
Online: Reviewing winemaking and viticulture

Session 4
Online: White wines of Alsace, Germany, Austria and Tokaj

Session 5
Online: White wines of Burgundy, the Loire Valley and Bordeaux

Session 6
Online: Red and rosé wines of Bordeaux, South West France and the Loire Valley

Session 7
Online: Red wines of Burgundy, Beaujolais and the red and white wines of the northern Rhône Valley

Session 8
Online: Red, white and rosé wines of southern Rhône Valley and southern France Red wines of Spain Part 1 and white wines of Spain and Portugal

Tasting Session 1
[Classroom]: 1-day Tasting

Session 9
Online: Red wines of Northern Spain and red and white wines of Northern Italy

Session 10
Online: Red and white wines of central and southern Italy, red wines of Portugal and red and white wines of Greece

Session 11
Online: Examination Preparation : Tasting Feedback Test & Theory Preparation

Session 12
Online: Premium Red Wines of New Zealand, USA and Australia

Session 13
Online: Premium white wines of New Zealand, South Africa, Australia, USA and Canada

Session 14
Online: Regional specialities of Australia, South Africa and USA Premium red & white wines of Argentina and Chile

【Recap】②
Online: Reviewing New World wines Old World wines

Tasting Session 2
[Classroom]: 1-day Tasting

Session 15
Online: Fortified Wines

Session 16
Online: Sparkling Wines

【Recap】③
Online: Reviewing sparkling wines, and fortified wines

Session 17
[Classroom]: Examination

※ Online sessions take place as Zoom meetings.
Please notice that during these meetings you will be supposed to show your face and to ask or answer
questions by voice.

target

Those who want to learn about wine in a thorough and systematic way.
Those who have obtained a sommelier certification and want to learn the WSET method from the basics.

No other WSET accredited school instructors will be allowed to attend the course.

Lecturer: Nicholas Gardiner DipWSET

Seating capacity: 24

Place: Theory： Online　／　Tasting： Tokyo, Aoyama

CAPLAN Wine Academy AOYAMA
PASONA SQUARE. 16F, 3-1-30, Minamiaoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Map

Fee

Regular Price 188,500 yen <Price including tax: 207,350 yen>

To be paid within three days after course application.
Includes wines, textbook and examination fee
Students attending for the first time a course at Caplan Wine Academy need to pay 5,500 yen for registration, tax included.

Rescheduling: A recording of the class will be sent on the working day following the lesson. This will remain available for about 1 week. For this reason, there is no rescheduling system for this course.

Please note that it is not possible to reschedule to a classroom course class, or to transfer from a hybrid course to a classroom course.

How to pay: Bank transfer or Credit card

Please transfer the fee to the bank account below or we can accept the credit card.

Bank Name: SUMITOMO MITSUI BANKING CORPORATION
Branch Name: Asakusa Branch
Account Number: 7296264　(Futsu Yokin)
Subscriber: Asahi Beer Communications , Ltd.

Please note that we cannot refund the fee once you pay.
Please make sure bear the bank remitting charges concerned with yourself.

Schedule / Entry

2025/10 ～ 2026/4

Online/Tokyo
Nicholas Gardiner

Online Saturday Afternoon Class［14:00～15:30］

See the Schedule: Session 1：10/11（Sat） 13:30～15:30【Classroom】 ※
Session 2：10/25
Session 3：11/1
Session 4：11/8
★Recap①：11/12（Wed） 19:00～20:00
Session 5：11/29
Session 6：12/6
Session 7：12/13
Session 8 12/20
Session 9：1/10
Tasting Session 1： 1/11（Sun）13:00～18:00【Classroom】
Session 10：1/17
Session 11：1/24 14:00～16:00 ※
Session 12：2/7
Session 13：2/14
Session 14：2/21
★Recap②：3/3（Thu）19:00～20:00
Session 15：3/7
Session 16：3/14
Tasting Session 2： 3/15（Sun） 13:00～18:00【Classroom】
★Recap➂：3/17（Thu） 19:00～20:00
Exam Tokyo：4/19（Sun）or Osaka：4/18（Sat）

※Session 1 and 11 will be 2 hours long

Please call us for entry（03-6634-9976）

Previous schedule

Online/Tokyo

Nicholas Gardiner: Saturday Afternoon online class

Session 1：4/12 13:30~15:30【Classroom】※

Session 2：4/19 14:00~15:30

Session 3：4/26 14:30~15:30

Session 3：5/10 14:30~15:30

★Recap① : 5/15(Thur)19:00~20:00

Session 5：5/17 14:00~15:30

Session 6：5/24 14:00~15:30

Session 7：6/7 14:00~15:30

Session 8：6/14 14:00~15:30

Tasting Session 1：6/15（SUN）13:00~18:00【Classroom】

Session 9：6/21 14:00~15:30

Session 10：7/5 14:00~15:30

Session 11：7/12 14:00~16:00※

Session 12：7/26 14:00~15:30

Session 13：8/9 14:00~15:30

Session 14：8/16 14:00~15:30

Session 15：8/30 14:00~15:30

★Recap② : 9/2(Tue) 19:00~20:00

Session 16：9/6 14:00~15:30

Tasting Session 2： 9/20 (SAT) 13:00~18:00【Classroom】

★Recap③ : 9/22(Mon)19:00~20:00

Session 17：Exam 10/19（SUN, Tokyo）；10/18（SAT, Osaka）

※Session 1 and 11 will be 2 hours long

WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines Online Course

WSET Level4 Diploma： June 2026 Start／2026年6月スタート

The application for the WSET Diploma in Wines Online Course due to start on June 2026 will open in February 2026.
2026年6月開講予定のWSET Diploma in Winesオンラインコースの申込受付は、2026年2月に開始されます。

Japanese Page >

About the Diploma Online Course

The Diploma is delivered in six mandatory units. All units must be successfully completed to achieve the WSET Diploma. D1 and D2 must be studied at the beginning of a Diploma programmes and the D1 exam sat first. Upon registration in Tokyo, student’s will receive an e-mail from WSET London directly with instructions to participate in WSET’s online classroom.

Duration of the course(D1 to D5) is about one year and a half, Caplan provide the two online courses in a year which starts from January and June every year. Note that all examinations will be held in Tokyo.

Although there are no set times to log into the course, the individual units follows a weekly structure and it is important that the students keep up with the work set for that week. The educator is not obliged to assess work if the student falls behind. The individual units are designed to progressively build upon knowledge gained from the previous weeks, so the student should not skip ahead.

The online units are guided by a WSET educator. The student can contact the educator any time for the duration of the scheduled course, should they have any questions. Each unit includes a series of independent and/or group activities that require you to look in depth at the wine industry, applying subject knowledge and professional skills to analyse key issues. Each unit also includes a feedback test or tests depending on the unit e.g. D1 and D2 have one feedback test. D3 includes 10 theory feedback tests and 4 tasting feedback tests; D4 and D5 have one theory feedback test and one tasting feedback test.

Diploma Online Course（Starts from January 2026）

Scheduled for
January 2026 – April 2027

(D1) – 05/01/2026 – 15/02/2026
(D2) – 06/04/2026 – 17/05/2026
(D4) – 13/07/2026 – 16/08/2026
(D5) – Late August 2026 – End of September 2026
(D3) – End of October 2026 – Mid-April 2027
(D6) 【Submissions twice a year, January and July】

The dates above are only from the draft schedule, so are subject to change. By enrolling, you declare to accept the dates as they are when they are confirmed. No rescheduling will be allowed.※
Students are advised to taste a range of wines during their studies. A list of recommended tasting samples can be found in the Specification.

Previous Schedule

Tutorial Programme and D1 Examination

A 2-day tasting tutorial introducing the Level 4 tasting technique will be offered by Caplan. Each examination will be held at Caplan (not online).
On the day of the D1 exam, as well as the following day (2 days total), an in-class tutorial programme is scheduled to provide instructions and tasting practice, offering guidance for your subsequent units of study involving tasting. This programme is compulsory for all Diploma candidates. It will be instructed in English by a certified WSET instructor and Diploma holder from our school.

Enrollment in the Tutorial Program and in the D1 exam is mandatory. Please be sure to come on those days. You cannot take any other Unit unless you first sit the D1 exam.

Tutorial Programme: Online

① January 15th 2026 (THU) 19：00～20：30
② January 22nd 2026 (THU) 19：00～20：00

Classroom

March 28th (SAT) ～ 29th (SUN) 2026 [2 days]

D1 Examination

March 28th 2026 (SAT）10：30～12：00

The D1 exam will be conducted on the first day of the tutorial (in the morning)

WSET Level4 Diploma in Wines (WSET Official HP)

Schedule of the Tutorial Programme

For more details about the Diploma Online Course.

Entry requirements

Must hold a WSET Level 3 Award in Wines or Level 3 Award in Wines and Spirits.
Must possess basic PC skills (Internet literacy).
A recommended English proficiency level is IELTS 6.5 or higher (equivalent to a TOEIC score of 820 or above).

You will be responsible for setting up the online study environment, such as the Online Classroom and eBook (Digital Study Materials). You will also need to handle communication with the tutor and technical matters on your own. Please ensure that you have a basic level of PC skills (Internet literacy) and sufficient English proficiency.

Application deadline

January 2026 Start (January 5th）December 7th, 2025 (SUN)

Study Materials

All study materials for the WSET Level4 Diploma are available online via the WSET’s digital education learning management system. No hard copy materials for Level4 Diploma.

Candidates will pay a candidate registration fee which will give them access to the WSET Diploma Online Classroom(Canvas). Access will be for an initial three-year period, matching the current registration period.

Diploma Examination

Candidates need to apply for each examination except the first D1 exam attempt.

See the exam details for each Unit.

Learning Outcomes

【D1】 Wine Production（Weighting: 20%）

Learning Outcome1: Understand what the vine requires to produce and ripen grapes for wine production and how the growing environment influences the vines’s ability to produce and ripen grapes.

Learning Outcome2: Understand grape growing options.

Learning Outcome3: Understand winemaking options and how they influence the style, quality and price of wines.

【D2】 Wine Business（Weighting: 10%）

Learning Outcome1: Understand the factors that contribute to the price of wine.

Learning Outcome2: Understand the types of businesses engaged in the production of wine and options for getting wine to the point of sale.

Learning Outcome3: Understand key consideration in wine marketing.

【D3】 Wines of the World（Weighting: 50%）

Learning Outcome1: Understand how the growing environment, grape growing options, winemaking options, wine law and regulation, and wine business influence the style, quality and price of the principal wines of the world.

Learning Outcome2: Demonstrate the ability to taste and evaluate wines from the principal wine regions accurately.

【D4】 Sparkling Wines（Weighting: 5%）

Learning Outcome1: Understand how the growing environment, grape growing options, winemaking options, industry associations and labelling terms, and wine business influence the style, quality and price of the principal sparkling wines of the world.

Learning Outcome2: Demonstrate the ability to taste and evaluate sparkling wines accurately.

【D5】 Fortified Wines（Weighting: 5%）

Learning Outcome1: Understand how the growing environment, grape growing options, winemaking options, industry associations and labelling terms, and wine business influence the style, quality and price of the principal fortified wines of the world.

Learning Outcome2: Demonstrate the ability to taste and evaluate fortified wines accurately.

【D6】Independent Research Assignment（Weighting: 10%）

Learning Outcome1: Research a specified wine-related subject.

Course fee

【Existing Caplan Wine Academy students】Total: 616,000 yen (with tax）

【New Caplan Wine Academy students】Total: 621,500 yen (with tax）
※ Includes a 5,500 yen administration fee for new students

Diploma Candidate Registration fee
for 3 years

95,000 yen（104,500 yen with tax）

Valid for 3 (three) years. Includes digital study materials fee

D1(Wine Production) Exam fee: 30,000 yen（33,000 yen with tax）

Online Course fee: 360,000 yen（396,000 yen with tax）

Tutorial Programme fee: 75,000 yen（82,500 yen with tax）

Exam fees

Please apply to the certification exams separately for each unit.

Details and fees for each exam can be found here.

Concerning refunds

Please check the “Caplan Wine Academy Terms and Conditions WSET® Level 4 Diploma in Wine”

Caplan Wine Academy Terms and Conditions WSET® Level 4 Diploma in Wine

Apply for the Diploma Online Course

IMPORTANT: please complete the application form below BEFORE processing the payment

We will need your “Candidate Number” which can be found on the letter when you received your Level 3 Certificate. Please confirm it yourself.

Students attending for the first time a course at Caplan Wine Academy need to pay 5,500 yen for registration, tax included. Also we ask you to create your new account(new membership registration for Caplan）when you apply from the link below.

Create your new account

Applications are now closed.

Previous Schedules

June 2025 Start: (D1) – 02/06/2025 – 13/07/2025
(D2) – 24/11/2025 – 04/01/2026
(D5) – 12/01/2026 – 15/02/2026
(D4) – 02/03/2026 – 05/04/2026
(D3) – 20/04/2026 – 04/10/2026
(D6) 【Submissions twice a year, January and July】

January 2025 Start: (D1) – 06/01/2025 – 16/02/2025
(D2) – 07/04/2025 – 18/05/2025
(D4) – 14/07/2025 – 17/08/2025
(D5) – 18/08/2025 – 21/09/2025
(D3) – 27/10/2025 – 12/04/2026
(D6) 【Submissions twice a year, January and July】

June 2024 Start: (D1) – 03/06/2024 – 14/07/2024 　
(D2) – 12/08/2024 – 22/09/2024
(D4) – 04/11/2024 – 08/12/2024
(D5) – 13/01/2025 – 16/02/2025
(D3) – 21/04/2025 – 05/10/2025
(D6) 【Submissions twice a year, January and July】

January 2024 Start: (D1) – 08/01/2024 – 18/02/2024
(D2) – 04/04/2024 – 19/05/2024
(D4) – 15/07/2024 – 18/08/2024
(D5) – 19/08/2024 – 22/09/2024
(D3) – 28/10/2024 – 14/04/2025
(D6) 【Submissions twice a year, January and July】

June 2023 Start: (D1) – 05/06/2023 – 16/07/2023
(D2) – 14/08/2023 – 24/09/2023
(D4) – 06/11/2023 – 10/12/2023
(D5) – 15/01/2024 – 18/02/2024
(D3) – 22/04/2024 – 06/10/2024
(D6) 【Submissions twice a year, January and July】