WSET Level 2: an international journey into the world of wine for students of Global MBA in Food and Wine

27 May 2026

Tasting a wine means much more than simply appreciating its flavor. It means training the senses, understanding territories, cultures, production techniques and entrepreneurial stories.

This is the spirit behind the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines, a course attended by students of Global MBA in Food and Wine at Bologna Business School, designed to provide a structured and international understanding of wine culture.

The WSET Level 2 Award in Wines course was developed in collaboration with Italian Wine Academy, a wine school specialized in certified WSET education and an international point of reference for wine professionals and enthusiasts. The classes were led by Gill Gordon-Smith, an internationally recognized Wine Educator, who guided students through a tasting and analytical journey structured according to the standards of the Wine & Spirit Education Trust. Today, WSET certifications represent one of the most authoritative and globally recognized educational credentials in the wine & spirits industry, providing essential cross-disciplinary skills and an international perspective on the sector.

Over three intensive days, students explored major international grape varieties, tasting techniques, food and wine pairing, and the factors influencing wine style and quality. From Pinot Noir to Riesling, from Sangiovese to Champagne, the course combined theoretical sessions with tasting experiences, featuring more than 40 wines from different regions around the world.

For many participants, the most valuable aspect of the experience was the shift in perspective. One student described how the course taught her “how to think about wine” in a completely new way:

“I’ve never considered myself a wine aficionado, but this course actually taught me how to think about wine. We smelled, tasted, analyzed aromas and characteristics. It’s an exercise that requires practice, attention and sensitivity. In a way, it’s almost like a mindfulness practice.”

Beyond the technical dimension, the course also became an opportunity for exchange between different cultures and professional experiences. The international composition of the class enriched tastings and discussions, allowing students to approach wine through diverse perspectives.

“It was interesting to see how people from different cultural and professional backgrounds relate to wine. One classmate from Oregon had a strong background in wine and became a great resource during the course. A French student brought a perspective deeply connected to family wine traditions, while a Mexican student with a chef background had an incredible sensitivity to aromas.”

The course ultimately transformed wine tasting into a shared experience of discovery, where skills, sensory memory and cultural backgrounds naturally intertwined. A concrete and immersive activity that enabled students to develop a deeper awareness of wine as both a cultural and production-driven product.

The WSET Level 2 experience is part of the international journey offered by Global MBA in Food and Wine, a programme exploring dynamics, markets and cultures of food & beverage through interdisciplinary activities, meetings with professionals and hands-on experiences in the field.