WSET Level 1 wine course organic farm Fiesole Tuscany

WSET Level 1 at Poggiopiano Winery, Fiesole, Tuscany

March 27–30, 2026

A weekend wine course with accommodation at Poggiopiano. A farm in Fiesole producing organic wine and extra virgin olive oil. Poggiopiano is a family-run estate, driven by love, passion, and a deep craftsmanship for the land and its wines.

Poggiopiano is located in Fiesole, just 7 km from the historic center of Florence.

Discover the fundamentals of wine with a focus on Italian varieties, using the globally recognized WSET approach.

We invite you to visit the vineyard and wine cellar. Experience a tasting of their finest wines.

Lunch is served on the estate, made from fresh ingredients.

Each morning a welcoming breakfast is served in the breakfast room.

The wine course

In WSET Level 1, you learn the basic principles of wine. By the time leaving Poggiopiano, you will have a clear understanding of the wines and the words to describe them.

Other essential topics include:

  • How wine is made
  • The “Noble” wine grapes and their characteristics
  • How to choose the right wine from a wine list
  • How to serve and store wine correctly
  • How to recognize oxidative wines
  • Tasting of 8 wines (the 8 varieties), Champagne and an introduction to the wines of Poggiopiano hosted by Martina
  • How to describe wine using the WSET Level 1 Systematic Approach of Tasting (SAT)

Included: a visit to the winery and a special Champagne breakfast.

WSET Level 1 is an accessible and informative course, ideal for people with little or no prior wine knowledge. The course offers a fun and easy-to-understand introduction to the world of wine.

The program includes at least 6 hours of course time and a straightforward 45-minute multiple-choice exam.

Fattoria di Poggiopiano

Location

Poggiopiano is a winery nestled in the hills of Fiesole with views over the Arno Valley. Florence is just 7 km away and easily to reach by bus (15 minutes) or by car.

Accomodation

You stay in charming rooms and apartments in a rustic Tuscan farmhouse. The property includes a swimming pool surrounded by vineyards and olive groves.

Organic production

Poggiopiano has been officially certified organic since 1999 and is part of the Distretto Biologico di Fiesole, promoting sustainable and healthy food and drinks.

Olive oil and wine production

Plenum Olive Oil 2024 is a blend of Frantoio, Moraiolo, and Leccino. The olive oil received the highest rating of “3 Foglie” in Gambero Rosso’s Guida Oli d’Italia for the sixth year in a row. “Tre Foglie” represents top quality. 

In addition to olive oil, Poggiopiano produces a variety of organic wines. Grapes are hand-picked between late August and early October from vineyards grown on limestone-rich soils near Fiesole.

Wine styles

The winery offers a diverse range of wines, including various styles within the Chianti DOCG and Toscana IGT classifications:

  • Chianti Superiore DOCG “Voce alla Terra”
  • Chianti Riserva DOCG
  • Rosso di Toscana IGT “Com’era”
  • Rosso di Toscana IGT “Poggio Galardi in Anfora”
  • Bianco di Toscana IGT “Erta al Mandorlo”
  • Bianco di Toscana IGT “VinOrange”
  • Rosato di Toscana IGT “RosaÈ”

What will you learn?

  • The fundamental categories and styles in the world of wine
  • Commonly used grape varieties, known as “noble” grapes, and their characteristics
  • How wine is made
  • A tasting of 8 wines, featuring the 8 noble grape varieties and a Champagne (includes an introduction to Poggiopiano’s wines by oenologist Martina Galardi)
  • The basic principles of food and wine pairing
  • How to store and serve wine properly
  • The technique of wine tasting using the WSET Level 1 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine (SAT)

Getting there

Agriturismo Poggiopiano is located in the scenic hills of Fiesole, about 7 km from the historic center of Florence.

Coordinates: 43.7776351 N, 11.3495766 E
Address: Via dei Bassi, Girone, Fiesole

Airport

Florence Airport Amerigo Vespucci (FLR) is situated approximately 20 km from the property. The drive from the airport takes around 30 to 35 minutes. Tram T2 connects the airport to the city center in 20 minutes.

By car

Easily reached from the A1 motorway (Firenze Sud exit), the route to our estate takes you on a scenic 6 km drive through the gentle hills toward Girone and Fiesole.

Please note: the final stretch is narrow. There is a single-lane road uphill. Drive carefully and watch for oncoming traffic.

Once you arrive in the village, simply follow Via dei Bassi. You’ll find the farmhouse 600 meters ahead, and the wine cellar just 1 km further.

By public transport

Arriving by train? From Florence’s Santa Maria Novella station (Firenze S.M.N.), take a bus to Fiesole. Once there, you can reach Via dei Bassi by taxi, local bus, or on foot.

Bus lines:

  • Line 7: Firenze S.M.N. – Fiesole
  • Line 47 or 47E: Firenze Piazza Mino – Il Girone
  • Line 14A: Firenze – Direct to Girone

Course schedule

Day 1 Friday, March 27, 2026

Evening
The weekend begins with an aperitif in the dining room of Agriturismo Poggiopiano, hosted by Martina.

Martina Galardi is the owner and winemaker of Poggiopiano. She will introduce you to the award-winning organic wines and olive oil of the estate.

Dinner in the dining room of Agriturismo Poggiopiano.

Day 2, Saturday March 28, 2026

Morning
A fresh start: breakfast and the beginning of the course: “Introduction to Wine: Grape Varieties, Types, and Styles”.

Afternoon
After a light lunch with local specialties, a guided walk will be followed through the historic vineyards.

Evening
Dinner in the dining room of Agriturismo Poggiopiano.

Day 3, Sunday March 29, 2026

Morning
The day begins with a Champagne breakfast. We’ll explore the art of pairing food and wine and the profiles of noble grape varieties.

Afternoon
The session will begin with a 45-minute multiple-choice examination. Upon request, after the exam, a nice lunch will be served.

Evening
Free time to enjoy Florence.

Day 4, Monday March 30, 2026

Morning
Breakfast.

Saluti e arrivederci!

WSET Level 1 course fee

The cost of the WSET Level 1 course is €320 per person including ebook, all tastings and exam. Travel and accommodation are not included. See details below.

Registration:

All WSET courses are facilitated by Sylvia.

Maximum of 14 participants.

Once your course payment has been received, Sylvia will send you the Level 1 ebook. If you have the change to read through it before the course starts, you’ll be able to focus on the wines themselves.

The true essence of a wine expressed through its colour, aroma and flavours often speaks more clearly and more beautifully than any written description.

If you would like to combine the course with a 2-3 night stay at Poggiopiano, please contact Martina agriturismo@poggiopiano.it

When booking do mention you are a WSET Level 1 course student as there are prices set for students.

For any questions you might have, or to sign up for the course please contact Sylvia:  info@sylvietta.nl

Please note: there can be no refunds. You must accept the terms and conditions in order to participate.

Minimum age requirement (Italy). To join the WSET Level 1 Wines Course in Italy you’ll need to be 18 years or older to take part in the wine tastings.