... spreading the word of wine
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ONLINE TASTINGS
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HOW DOES AN ONLINE TASTING WORK?
We'll deliver between 6 and 8 securely packaged 150ml bottles of wine to your door, along with chilling instructions (if applicable) within 24 hours of the start of the tasting. You simply log on to the Zoom link that was emailed to you upon purchase of your tickets in time for the start of the tasting.
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HOW AND WHEN WILL MY WINE ARRIVE?
Your wine will be delivered to you in a protective box to ensure it gets to you in perfect condition.
We use APC Overnight couriers (definitely the most reliable after a lot of trial and error!). As long as you give us your mobile number and email address when booking your ticket, APC will text you the information you need to track the delivery.
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If you don't receive your tracking information or still haven't received your delivery by 6 hours before the tasting, please drop us an email or give us a call and we'll try to get things sorted.
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DO I NEED TO HAVE A ZOOM ACCOUNT TO ATTEND A TASTING?
No, you can join as a participant without creating an account with Zoom.
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CAN I ASK QUESTIONS OR INTERACT WITH OTHER GUESTS DURING THE TASTING?
Absolutely! Although we mute everyone on the tasting so people's background noise doesn't conflict or distract, the message facility, where you can direct questions or messages to everyone, the presenter or each other, is available throughout.
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ARE YOUR TASTINGS DEATH BY POWERPOINT?
Absolutely not! How could you think such a thing. But seriously, there is a time and a place for a few PowerPoint slides, but our tastings are much much more than that, and we pride ourselves on giving dynamic, interactive and visual presentations. And if you're joining us for one of our Meet the Winemaker tastings, you'll often get to go on virtual tours of wineries and vineyards in some of the most beautiful locations in the world!
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ISN'T USING ZOOM A BIT, WELL, CLUNKY?
We're very lucky to get our hands on a Neat Bar, a nifty piece of technology designed specifically for Zoom which allows for a much more enjoyable experience for both the presenter and viewer.
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I CAN'T MAKE THE LIVE TASTING.
No problem. The live tasting is when you will get the most out of the event, as you will be able to interact with us and each other. But we do record each of our tastings, so if you can't make it, just send us a message and we will email you over a link so you can view and taste at your leisure. And if you do have any questions, drop us a line and we'll be happy to answer them.
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DOESN'T THE WINE START TO LOOSE QUALITY IF IT'S DECANTED INTO SMALLER BOTTLES?
Pretty much all of our wine is delivered to us in standard 75cl glass bottles, and we decant it into the smaller 150ml glass bottles you receive (the exception to this is with sparkling wine). You're right in thinking that wine does start to degrade once it has been decanted, but we keep this to the absolute (undetectable) minimum by decanting our wine a maximum of 48 hours before the start of the tasting.
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HOW CAN I PURCHASE BOTTLES OF THE WINES I TASTED?
After the tasting, we will email out a link and exclusive discount code to our sister company's online wine shop, where all the wines you tasted will be listed.
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ARE YOU LICENCED TO SELL ALCOHOL?
Yes, Martin holds a personal licence, and our registered premises holds a premises licence.
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WHAT'S YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?
You can cancel your booking for a full refund up to 48 hours before the start of the tasting, just drop us an email or send us a message via our contact page, but do remember that if you can't make the live tasting, we can send you out a link to the recording for you to do the tasting at a time convenient to you.
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WHO ARE THE WINE & SPIRITS EDUCATION TRUST?
The Wine & Spirits Education Trust (AKA WSET) are a global educational organisation, providing courses and internationally recognised qualifications in wines and spirits. If you want to work in the industry ... or simply want to be recognised as knowing your onions when it comes to grapes, then a WSET qualification is invaluable.
Head over to wsetglobal.com to read more about the organisation.
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WHICH COURSES DO YOU RUN?
We offer WSET courses levels 1 through to 3 in wines.
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HOW ARE THE COURSES DELIVERED?
We offer both In Person and Online courses:
In Person
These courses will mainly be delivered at our sister restaurant, The Pipe of Port in Southend-on-Sea in Essex, although occasionally we will offer courses at a different location - check out our course availability to view which locations we are currently offering.
Online
We get as close to the classroom experience as possible - utilising the same technology as our wine tastings to provide you with live tuition from accredited WSET wine educators, all from the comfort of your own home.
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HOW AM I ASSESSED?
That scary word ... exams! But have no fear, your course educator is available throughout the course and prior to your exam to guide and prepare you for your assessment.
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WHAT ABOUT THE WINE? DO WE PROVIDE OUR OWN?
Nope - if studying online, just like our online tastings, we will supply you with all the samples you need, delivered to your home address in time for each lesson. If attending an In Person course, all wines will be provided for you at the venue.
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HOW DO I KNOW MY COURSE BOOKING IS CONFIRMED?
A booking confirmation email will be sent to you upon submitting your booking online, you will then receive additional details of your booking within five working days, this will be sent to the email provided at the time of booking. If you do not receive either of these emails, in the first instance, please check your junk folder, if you have still not received it, please contact info@evingelical.co.uk.
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WHAT ARE THE COURSE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS?
All classes are delivered in English, therefore a good level of English is essential.
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Level 1 Award in Wines
No prior course is required.
Level 2 Award in Wines
No prior course is required.
Level 3 Award in Wines
You must hold the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines or successfully complete the WSET Level 3 in Wines Award Online Entry Test (please contact us at info@evingelical.co.uk to arrange).
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WILL I GET AN INVOICE?
You will receive a confirmation email and payment receipt upon submitting your booking online, if you require an invoice please contact us at info@evingelical.co.uk.
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WHERE WILL I SIT MY EXAMS?
Level 1 and Level 2
If you are studying on one of our Online courses, you will have the option at the time of booking of either sitting your Award in Wines exam online or at a physical location, which will usually be at our sister restaurant, The Pipe of Port, in Southend-on-Sea (the location will be confirmed at the time of booking).
If you are studying on one of our In Person courses, you will sit your exam at the same location at the end of your final day.
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Level 3
Irrespective of whether you are studying on one of our Online or In Person courses you will sit your exam at a physical location as there is a tasting element, this will usually be at our sister restaurant, The Pipe of Port, in Southend-on-Sea (the location will be confirmed at the time of booking).
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WHAT EQUIPMENT WILL I NEED TO SIT MY EXAMS ONLINE?
You will need a reliable internet connection, a laptop or PC with a camera (this can be built in or external), an additional device with a camera, such as a smartphone, iPad or another computer, and a quiet space where you will not be interrupted. Full instruction will be provided closer to the exam date.
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WHEN WILL I RECEIVE MY RESULTS?
Level 1 and Level 2
Results will usually* take up to 4 weeks from the date you sat your exam.
Level 3
Results will usually* take up to 10 weeks from the date you sat your exam
* Please allow extra time during unforeseen circumstances (for examples future Covid-19 related lockdowns).
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WHAT IF I FAIL AN EXAM?
Have no fear, you can re-sit any failed exam.
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Re-sits are open to students registered on a course with Evingelical who have either failed an examination, or who have paid to transfer their examination date.
Students from other WSET course providers (APPs) can also attend re-sits at Evingelical. These bookings must be made by the student’s course provider on behalf of the student.
Please email info@evingelical.co.uk for resit dates and costs.
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WHAT HAPPENS IF I’M ILL ON THE DAY OF MY EXAM?
You can apply for a deferral under the Candidates Requiring Special Consideration policy, which can be found on our Policy Statements document. You will need to supply relevant documentation. Please do contact us at info@evingelical.co.uk as soon as possible if this is to happen.
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HOW WILL I GET MY COURSE MATERIALS?
Level 1 and Level 2
In Person Course Delivery
Course materials are provided to students on the first day of the course. They will not be posted in advance.
Online Course Delivery
Course materials will be posted to students at the address provided to us upon booking prior to the commencement of the course.
Level 3
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Course materials will be posted to students at the address provided to us upon booking prior to the commencement of the course, irrespective of whether it is an In Person or Online course.
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The pack is bulky and requires a signature. It is essential that a daytime telephone number is provided when booking. Please note that your email addresses will be sent to our distribution centre to enable your materials to be tracked by you to ensure delivery. If you do not wish your email to be sent to this secure third party, please contact info@evingelical.co.uk before booking to arrange another method of receiving materials. It is important for the student to provide a complete and accurate delivery address and make sure someone is available to receive the package, at that address, at the prescribed time. Any materials returned to our distribution centre, having not been successfully received by the student, will automatically result in an additional cost of return being charged.
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WHAT EQUIPMENT WILL I NEED AT HOME IF I AM ATTENDING AN ONLINE COURSE?
You will need a reliable internet connection, a device which will allow you to connect to Zoom (we do not recommend a smartphone as the screen will not allow you to view the slides effectively) and a quiet space to allow you to concentrate on the learning.
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DO I NEED TO HAVE A ZOOM ACCOUNT IF I AM ATTENDING AN ONLINE COURSE?
No, you can join as a participant without creating an account with Zoom.