The big daddy of them all, the British wine trade's professional educational body now runs courses at a variety of levels for 85,000 students in over 70 different countries and 18 languages. Many non professionals now take the courses too. The WSET Diploma exam is virtually a pre-requisite for the Master of Wine course (see below). WSET is headquartered in an airy building near Borough Market/London Bridge station.
This is the highest academic calling for wine amateurs in every sense and wine professionals such as wine merchants (as opposed to winemakers and vine growers, who may prefer to take specific degrees in those subjects). Only a few hundred people, from all over the world, have qualified for those coveted initials since the Institute's beginnings in 1953. Courses and exams are held in the UK, US and Australia, with Germany in the pipeline. See here to read Richard Hemming's account of studying for this qualification, including details of examination questions.
'The Court of Master Sommeliers was established to encourage improved standards of beverage service in hotels and restaurants.
Education was then, and remains today the Court’s charter.
The first Master Sommeliers examination was held in the United Kingdom in 1969. By 1977 the Court Of Master Sommeliers was established as the premier examining body for Sommeliers worldwide.'
Offers a Masters in Wine Technology and Viticulture. Below Masters level they offer a Grad Diploma and Grad Certificate in Wine Technology and Viticulture. There are also single undergraduate subjects available, which run in the summer semester or winter semester.
The Institut des Sciences de la Vigne et du Vin runs very high-powered, full, residential academic courses in both the production and appreciation of wine. An ability to speak French is virtually a prerequisite.
Created in 2011, WSMA (Wine & Spirits Management Academy) is the KEDGE BS Centre of Excellence in Wine and Spirits. It is recognised by French and international professionals of the wine and spirits sector. Its activities are structured in five poles:
1. WSMA Education: coordination and development of wine and spirits teaching programmes
2. WSMA Academic Network: development of cooperation agreements with international universities serving wine region development in the world
3. WSMA Business Relations: development of business relationships with wine and spirits companies, dedicated institutions, and KEDGE BS global alumni network
4. WSMA Intelligence: provider of information and decision-support tools for the industry
5. WSMA Events: organiser of wine and spirits operations to accelerate business development
Four main programmes are offered in the field of Wine and Spirits Management:
1. MVS in French: “Mastère Spécialisé en management des vins et spiritueux”, part-time, for Master’s students
2. MVS in English: MSc in Wine and Spirits Management, full time, for Bachelor’s international students. This new programme enables participants to obtain the WSET®Level 3 Award in Wines. Opening in September 2016
3. Major Wine and Spirits Management of the Global MBA: up to five two-week sessions dedicated to wine and spirits Management in Bordeaux, Sonoma, Adelaide, Stellenbosch, and Shanghai. For professionals only.
4. WSMA Certificate: short programme in Wine Marketing and Strategy for professionals
Plumpton College is the UK centre of excellence for teaching, training and research in wine business and production. For over three decades, Plumpton has been supporting GB’s wine industry with a wide range of programmes, from Level 3 (‘A’ level equivalent) through apprenticeships, to university degrees in wine business and production, including the MSc in Viticulture and Oenology. In addition, Plumpton College offers bespoke training courses for businesses, a wide range of Wine & Spirit Education Trust courses, and, through the WineSkills project, short and intensive courses for wine professionals. Located in the heart of Sussex, Plumpton boasts outstanding teaching facilities, including a purpose-built wine centre with teaching rooms, labs, sensory evaluation room and research centre, as well as ten hectares of vineyards and a commercial winery, where students produce award-winning still and sparkling wines.
Sonoma State was the first university in the United States to offer an undergraduate degree in wine business (since 1998), a Wine MBA (since 2008), and most recently an Executive Wine MBA (since 2012). In addition to the degree programs in wine business, the university offers a number of wine business seminars and certificate programs at its campus in California. The campus programs are supplemented by an online program in Wine Business Management serving students in over a dozen countries. Contact Jessica Heing.
A school that offers three distinct programmes, designed to fit students' needs and initial background:
MSc in Wine Business: 100% English taught, created in 2009. Intended for students and graduates with prior experience in hospitality or wine industry, intending to create their own business or becoming business specialists in the wine industry
MSc in Wine Management: 100% English taught, created in 2012. Intended for students and graduates with no prior experience in the wine industry, intending to start a career in a managerial position in any sector of the wine industry
Specialised Master Commerce International des Vins et Spiritueux (CIVS): Ranked 1st Master 'Luxury Management: Food and Beverage' in France (6th worldwide), Eduniversal, 2017. 100% French taught, created in 1988. Dedicated to students, graduates or professionals with or without prior experience, preferably in the wine industry, intending to take various positions in the wine trade. This programme is also proposed on a part-time basis (Paris)
Offers a Wine Specialist Certificate and professional sommelier training for the industry (the latter in conjunction with the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers).
Johnson & Wales University offers both a Sommelier minor and Beverage Service Management concentration for matriculating students in Food Service Management as well as Food Entrepreneurship degree programs. They are currently proposing a major for Beverage Management and Sommelier Management degree. Accredited to offer consumers and trade professionals WSET and SWE courses of study for certifications.
The NMIT recently was accredited to offer degrees and not just diplomas, and the Bachelor of Viticulture and Winemaking offers a three-year full-time degree, which can be studied part time. They also offer shorter diploma courses in viticulture, wine production, wine science, wine chemistry, international wine industry and wine appreciation or bar work courses.
Offers both a Bachelors Degree and a Graduate Diploma in Viticulture and Oenology. The Centre for Viticulture and Oenology (CV&O) acts as a focus for New Zealand and global interdisciplinary research on wine, from soil to glass.
The Northwest Wine Academy is dedicated to developing wine professionals for the wine, food service, and hospitality industries by providing an educational program with certificates and diplomas. The Academy is a functioning winery providing students with applicable experience from the vineyard to the customer. It offers three degree/certificate options: winemaking; wine marketing; food and wine pairing. It also is a certified Wine Scholar Guild, French & Italian Wine Scholar Guild provider, and hosts WSET courses through the Wine and Spirit Archive based in Portland.
The International Wine Institute (ISV) is a private business school offering wine-focused courses in Montpellier on commercialisation, exports, marketing, communication, wine tourism, and e-commerce. These courses are aimed at young graduates or professional retraining and who wish to be trained for roles in management, marketing, communication and tourism in the wine and spirit industry. The school also offers a bachelors degree in wine business and marketing, an MBA in wine and international markets, and an MBA in wine tourism and communication.
The Bouilland Symposia, of 4-5 days' duration, take place three times a year in Burgundy. They are limited to a maximum of ten participants and are designed to educate both professionals and amateurs. Allen Meadows presides over a single village appellation Master Class, the Jasper Morris Symposium consists of an overview of Burgundy. There are winemaker dinners, visits to domaines and geological walks with Françoise Vannier-Petit. Tutored tastings and winemaker dinners are held at the home of Becky Wasserman-Hone, and Russell Hone. Lodging: in the village of Bouilland at the local hotel or in apartments.
This week-long intensive course at the Chêne Bleu estate in Provence combines the WSET Level 2 Certificate with their own Food and Wine Pairing Certificate. Designed and tutored by Master of Wine Clive Barlow, it includes far more tasting (and far more top-notch wines) than other similar courses – about 100 wines in total. It's set in beautiful and luxurious surroundings but also allows students to get hands-on experience in the vineyard and winery.
Extreme Wine WSET Level 2: 6–12 September 2020
The next step up, Beyond Extreme, is a little more 'studious' and takes you to WSET Level 3, providing a systematic framework for tasting and evaluating wine.
Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Paris, L'École du Vin caters for some 15,000 students a year. Courses and programs include WSET Levels 1, 2 & 3 which are offered in Paris, Lille, Lyon and Strasbourg.
French Wine Adventures is based at Terroir Feely, an organic and biodynamic estate one hour from Bordeaux city and offers WSET Level 2 plus custom courses on wine and food pairing, French wine and winemaking and on organic and biodynamic wine growing, production and certification.
Linked with the Lycée Viticole de Beaune, the CFPPA runs a range of courses from an international postgraduate program to several short courses in English for amateurs and professionals.
Winevox offers WSET Levels 2 and 3 to wine professionals in Bordeaux, taught by local MWs. They also provide courses such as English for the wine industry, Basics of Chinese and seminars on topics such as social media in wine, wine tourism, Asian wine markets by key speakers.
This group of about 60 lecturers all over Britain with at least WSET Diploma or equivalent experience can be hired to lecture and conduct tastings, and many offer their own local courses.
Venerable St James’s Street merchant Berry Bros. & Rudd, in London SW1, was awarded Wine Educator of the Year award at the 2012 International Wine Challenge. Their Wine School courses are friendly, fun and informative; students benefit from the company’s 316 years of wine expertise and the experience of their knowledgeable teaching staff, including eight Masters of Wine.
An independent wine education company running courses and tastings in the Birmingham region. For people who enjoy wine and want to learn more in a relaxed and friendly style. Tastings to suit all levels of knowledge from beginner to advanced. Office address follows; see website for venue details.
An independent wine education company running courses and tastings in Cambridge. For people who enjoy wine and want to learn more in a relaxed and friendly style. Tastings to suit all levels of knowledge from beginner to advanced. As well as the more informal courses, they will also offer WSET Courses. A member of the www.localwineschool.com network.
An independent wine education company running courses and tastings in the City and East London. For people who enjoy wine and want to learn more in a relaxed and friendly style. Tastings to suit all levels of knowledge from beginner to advanced. As well as the more informal courses, they also offer WSET Level 2 & Level 3 Awards. A member of the www.localwineschool.com network.
Erica Dent – WSET/Riedel Educator of the Year winner – teaches WSET qualification courses Levels 1 to 4. Her company, EDW, is based in Winchester, UK, running WSET courses at all levels, including Diploma. WSET courses (Level 1 to 3) are now all online and they send wine samples as well as WSET materials.
EDW also runs bespoke in-house WSET training for hospitality businesses across the UK.
An independent wine education company running courses and tastings in Southampton and Winchester. For people who enjoy wine and want to learn more in a relaxed and friendly style. Tastings to suit all levels of knowledge from beginner to advanced. As well as the more informal courses, they will also offer WSET Courses. A member of the www.localwineschool.com network.
An independent wine education company running courses and tastings in St Albans and Harpenden. For people who enjoy wine and want to learn more in a relaxed and friendly style. Tastings to suit all levels of knowledge from beginner to advanced. As well as the more informal courses, they also offer WSET Level 1 & Level 2 Awards. A member of the www.localwineschool.com network.
An independent wine education company running courses and tastings in Preston and Blackpool. For people who enjoy wine and want to learn more in a relaxed and friendly style. Tastings to suit all levels of knowledge from beginner to advanced. (Another franchise of the rapidly expanding Newcastle Wine School.)
Consumer wine courses at various levels, featuring one-day workshops as well as evening courses over several weeks. Covers general introductions and more specialist areas, at a variety of venues around London.
An independent wine education company running courses and tastings in Manchester. For people who enjoy wine and want to learn more in a relaxed and friendly style. Tastings to suit all levels of knowledge from beginner to advanced. (Another franchise of the rapidly expanding Newcastle Wine School.)
Popular range of particularly practical courses at many levels held by Michael Schuster, mostly early evenings, at Bordeaux Index in Farringdon, London. His courses are reputedly more fun than most and cover a wider range of wines than the auction houses, which tend to concentrate on the finest, most traditional. Michael also runs pre-exam MW student courses.
An independent and rapidly expanding wine education company running courses and tastings in Newcastle, Edinburgh, and Leeds. For people who enjoy wine and want to learn more in a relaxed and friendly style. Tastings to suit all levels of knowledge from beginner to advanced. As well as the more informal courses, they also offer WSET Foundation and Intermediate levels and plan to expand this to other locations in the form of franchises (see above).
Rose Murray Brown MW offers fun, relaxed wine courses, tastings, dinners and corporate events in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, St Andrews and Newcastle. Tastings to suit all knowledge levels. She also hosts regular tours to wine regions abroad.
Run by acclaimed master sommelier Ronan Sayburn, the RS Wine Academy offers training for trade and public, WSET 2 and 3 courses, and masterclasses in anything from food and wine matching, how to taste wines, and more technical subjects such as wine faults. He also organises and runs bespoke corporate events.
Most courses are held at 67 Pall Mall, where Ronan is Head of Wine.
Run an 8-part wine course in the boardroom of The Spectator offices. Each session is led by a different supplier to The Spectator Wine Club, including established merchants such as Berry Bros. & Rudd and Corney & Barrow.
An independent wine education company running courses and tastings in Guildford and Dorking. For people who enjoy wine and want to learn more in a relaxed and friendly style. Tastings to suit all levels of knowledge from beginner to advanced. As well as the more informal courses, they will also offer WSET Courses. A member of the www.localwineschool.com network. Office address below; see website for venue details.
An independent wine education company running courses and tastings in Sussex and Kent. For people who enjoy wine and want to learn more in a relaxed and friendly style. Tastings to suit all levels of knowledge from beginner to advanced. As well as the more informal courses, they will also offer WSET Level 2 & Level 3 Awards. A member of the www.localwineschool.com network. Office address below; see website for venue details.
Based in Bristol the WEWSA offers regular masterclasses as well as WSET courses at all levels, including the Level 4 Diploma. For venue details and further information contact Lys Hall.
An independent wine education company running courses and tastings in West London. For people who enjoy wine and want to learn more in a relaxed and friendly style. Tastings to suit all levels of knowledge from beginner to advanced. As well as the more informal courses, they also offer WSET Intermediate & Advanced levels. Set up as a franchise by the same company as the Newcastle Wine School and run by the former WSET training person at First Quench.
Based in York, but operating on a national basis, with other training centres in Harrogate and Leeds, The Wine Academy is now one of the biggest wine education companies in the country, and was awarded the Wine Educator of 2011 by the WSET. In 2008 they opened a satellite wine school in Bordeaux at the request of a French Agricultural College to teach their mainly French and Chinese winemaking students about New World wines. The teaching staff are all WSET Certified Educators. The academy runs everything from WSET courses to corporate events to fun wine tastings and workshops.
A national organisation based in London, utilising internationally recognised Italian Sommelier Association (AIS) curriculum, providing internationally recognised and awarded education, consultation services, industry services, event creation and professional qualifications.
An independent wine education company running courses and tastings in Leeds, York and Harrogate. For people who enjoy wine and want to learn more in a relaxed and friendly style. Tastings to suit all levels of knowledge from beginner to advanced. As well as the more informal courses, they will also offer WSET Level 2 & Level 3 Awards. A member of the www.localwineschool.com network.
General wine appreciation courses delivered in Brisbane, Gold Coast and Cairns, some with structured assessments and completion certificates available.
Run WSET Levels 1-3, along with three and five week wine appreciation courses, palate trainer classes and other one-off master classes (eg Champagne & Sparkling, Food & Wine Matching).
Berry Bros& Rudd offer introductory courses to wine regions in the form of tutored tastings, as well as WSET qualifications, at their Hong Kong premises.
Offers the Society of Wine Educators' CSW program (see below) and will soon run the French Wine Society's French Wine Scholar course (see International listings).
Founded by Jay Youmans MW, Capital Wine School run WSET programs Levels 1-3 as well as the Level 4 Diploma. In addition, they offer a number of other courses and classes from organizations such as the Society of Wine Educators, The French Wine Society and the Guild of Sommeliers.
The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone, California runs food and wine courses for enthusiasts as well as an Accelerated Wine & Beverage Certificate Program for trade professionals.
Intensive sommelier training. The first school with a sommelier training program to be approved by the Court of Master Sommeliers. 11 Master Sommeliers on faculty.
Long-established 10-week evening course held in 18th century NY townhouse on 29th at 3rd. With a certificate at the end for those who pass blind tasting. Also single-topic New School University Wine Classes held at the same venue.
Founded in 2011 and run by Christian Oggenfuss, DipWSET, French Wine Scholar, Italian Wine Professional, American Wine Expert. The school offers professional wine certifications including the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Levels 1-3, French Wine Scholar (FWS), Society of Wine Educators’ programs (SWE), Italian Wine Professional (IWP), American Wine Expert (AWE), SommDay School with Tim Gaiser MS, and many consumer-based programs as well. Courses available in Napa Valley, Santa Barbabra, Colorado, Florida, Ohio, and online.
Est. 2002 in Southern California, Neptune School of Wine offers WSET courses (including the Level 4 Diploma) as well as the French Wine Scholar program overseen by Master Sommelier Peter Neptune. Orange and San Diego counties.
Run by David Glancy, Master Sommelier and Certified Wine Educator. The school provides professional wine studies including French Wine Scholar (FWS), Society of Wine Educators’ programs (SWE), California Wine Appellation Specialist (CWAS) and much more.
The American counterpart of Britain's Association of Wine Educators (see above). Although there is no formal minimum qualification for its members, this is a good way of tracking down wine expertise in your area. The society also organises tours of wine regions.
Est. 2010, the Vermont Wine School offers WSET and FrenchWine Scholar courses as well as less formal wine tastings and themed wine flights in their wine bar and retail store.
Founded in 2001 by Keith Wallace, The Wine School offers classes and certification courses for everything from wine basics to advanced diploma programs. You can also go to learn about beer, food pairing, cookery and spirits. Courses are apparently booked out well in advance.
Established in 1991, Utah's first, and longest established wine school. Provides wine education classes, 1-12 week courses, sommelier training and travel opportunities to wine regions.
Winner of IWC Wine Educator of the Year in 2011. We host Fun & Informal Wine Tasting Courses & Experience Days throughout the UK. Suitable for beginners and budding wine enthusiasts alike.
An independent wine education company running courses, tastings & corporate wine events in Edinburgh. For people who enjoy wine and want to learn more in a relaxed and friendly style. Tastings to suit all levels of knowledge from beginner to advanced. As well as the more informal courses, they also offer WSET Courses. A member of the www.localwineschool.com network.
An independent wine education company running courses, tastings & corporate wine events in Glasgow. For people who enjoy wine and want to learn more in a relaxed and friendly style. Tastings to suit all levels of knowledge from beginner to advanced. As well as the more informal courses, they also offer WSET Courses. A member of the www.localwineschool.com network.
An independent wine education company running courses, tastings & corporate wine events in Bristol and Bath. For people who enjoy wine and want to learn more in a relaxed and friendly style. Tastings to suit all levels of knowledge from beginner to advanced. As well as the more informal courses, they also offer WSET Courses. A member of the www.localwineschool.com network.
An independent wine education company running courses, tastings & corporate wine events in Chester & Liverpool. For people who enjoy wine and want to learn more in a relaxed and friendly style. Tastings to suit all levels of knowledge from beginner to advanced. As well as the more informal courses, they will also offer WSET Courses. A member of the www.localwineschool.com network.
An independent wine education company running courses, tastings & corporate wine events in Nottingham & Derby. For people who enjoy wine and want to learn more in a relaxed and friendly style. Tastings to suit all levels of knowledge from beginner to advanced. As well as the more informal courses, they also offer WSET Courses. A member of the www.localwineschool.com network.
An independent wine education company running courses, tastings & corporate wine events in Oxford & Cheltenham. For people who enjoy wine and want to learn more in a relaxed and friendly style. Tastings to suit all levels of knowledge from beginner to advanced. As well as the more informal courses, they will also offer WSET Courses. A member of the www.localwineschool.com network.
An independent wine education company running courses, tastings & corporate wine events in Hampstead/Belsize Park. For people who enjoy wine and want to learn more in a relaxed and friendly style. Tastings to suit all levels of knowledge from beginner to advanced. As well as the more informal courses, they also offer WSET Courses. A member of the www.localwineschool.com network.
An independent wine education company running courses, tastings & corporate wine events in Greenwich & across South London. For people who enjoy wine and want to learn more in a relaxed and friendly style. Tastings to suit all levels of knowledge from beginner to advanced. As well as the more informal courses, they also offer WSET Courses. A member of the www.localwineschool.com network.
An independent wine education company running courses, tastings & corporate wine events in Chelmsford & Colchester. For people who enjoy wine and want to learn more in a relaxed and friendly style. Tastings to suit all levels of knowledge from beginner to advanced. As well as the more informal courses, they also offer WSET Courses. A member of the www.localwineschool.com network.
Run by Jane Hunt MW and Robert McNulty AIWS. An Approved Programme Provider for The Wine Spirit Education Trust (WSET). Various locations across Italy.
Run by Raul Diaz, WSET-certified educator, and ex sommelier in Michelin-starred restaurants working with Michel Roux Jr and Gary Rhodes, and head of training at Jascots Wine Merchants. Offers WSET courses levels 1, 2 and 3, as well as consultancy services and wine events.
Part of the Oxford School of Hospitality Management and one of the leading restaurants within Oxfordshire. The restaurant itself serves as a training ground for students in the hospitality industry and the Brookes Cookery and Wine School offers various courses including WSET level 1 and 2.
An independent wine education company running courses and tastings in Reading, Windsor and Berkshire. For people who enjoy wine and want to learn more in a relaxed and friendly style. Tastings to suit all levels of knowledge from beginner to advanced. As well as the more informal courses, they will also soon offer WSET Awards. A member of the www.localwineschool.com network.
An independent wine education company running courses and tastings in Norwich. For people who enjoy wine and want to learn more in a relaxed and friendly style. Tastings to suit all levels of knowledge from beginner to advanced. As well as the more informal courses, they will also soon offer WSET Awards. A member of the www.localwineschool.com network.
Run regular wine tastings and wine courses in Greater Manchester, as well as private tastings for friends, family or work events. Certified to run WSET Level 1 and 2 wine courses, with Spirits and Level 3 coming soon.
Leading Academy of Wines and Spirits (LAWS) is an independent wine education company based in Liverpool Organic Brewery offering WSET courses, levels 1, 2 and 3, as well as consumer and corporate wine tastings and events.
VSF Wine Education (with VSF standing for Vin Sans Fin, or 'wine without end') is a London-based wine school running wine and spirits courses, tastings, corporate events, vineyard tours and networking events in English, Cantonese, Mandarin and Japanese throughout the year. As well as the more informal workshops, they also offer WSET courses in wines and spirits at Levels 1, 2 and 3.
The original Académie du Vin Paris wine school was founded by Steven Spurrier in 1973 and gained worldwide renown when, on 24 May 1976, Steven organised the Judgement of Paris – a blind tasting between France and California that is widely regarded as being one of the seminal moments in the emergence of Napa Valley wines onto the world stage.
Steven has recently revived the Académie du Vin and, with Nancy Gilchrist MW as its course director, he is bringing it to 67 Pall Mall private wine club in central London. The first London edition of Académie du Vin @ 67 Pall Mall will offer two courses: the first a four-week course (at an introductory level to approximately WSET Level 2) and the second course a series of six masterclasses over six weeks. These masterclasses (approximately WSET Level 3 to 4) can be taken collectively or individually.
All the lecturers are Masters of Wine. They are: Richard Bampfield MW, Beverley Blanning MW, Nancy Gilchrist MW and Peter McCombie MW and they have been chosen not only for their breadth and depth of knowledge but also for their engaging delivery, so you can be sure these evening classes will be not only informative but also highly enjoyable.
For more details on course content and availability please contact events@67pallmall.co.uk or telephone 0203 794 2480 and mention Purple Pages.
London-based company giving WSET wine courses up to level 3, spirit courses up to level 2, and Beer Academy sommelier training. Also customised workshops and training.
A wine and sake education company approved by the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) and Sake Sommelier Association (SSA) to offer their courses in Germany.
Three ex-sommeliers offer 'practical online and offline wine coaching for the modern hospitality professional'. WSET certified and offering Level 1, 2 and 3; endorsed by the Institute of Hospitality; workshops and courses on wine knowledge, service skills, customer care, sales and food and wine matching.
Founded by three friends with a shared love for wine, Rack and Return is a wine school in Barcelona dedicated to teaching WSET Courses, masterclasses and high-quality wine tastings. Fintan Kerr, Michael Salverda and Martí Escoda, all WSET Diploma graduates or students, offer regular WSET Classes covering levels 1 to 3 with added opportunities to visit local wineries and really get a feel for what the wine industry is all about. As their motto aptly states: Drink The world!
