Become a Professional Wine Educator™

Kareasa Wilkins

WSET Level 4 Diploma Grad

★★★★★

I wanted to take the time to express my deepest gratitude to Christian Oggenfuss and all of the fabulous instructors at the Napa Valley Wine Academy. My experience over the last few years with the NVWA been exceptional, from engaging classes led by top industry professionals, to thought-provoking webinars, and immense opportunities and academic resources that helped me pass the WSET Level, 2, 3, and Diploma (Level 4) courses as well as the Certified Sherry Wine Specialist. Not only does the NVWA excel at wine education and providing students with all of the tools they need to pursue their goals, but I want to commend NVWA for their efforts for equity and inclusivity in the wine industry.”

Carrie Britton - Lubbock, TX

WSET Level 4 Diploma Grad

★★★★★

“I loved studying the WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wine at NVWA for its framework, its access to a rich web-based material, and its commendable efforts in maintaining an up to date curriculum using authoritative sources. The instructors at the school were very knowledgeable and thorough in our class time as well as available to answer questions or give a little well-timed encouragement outside of class. The academy brings in professionals at the top of the industry, like Nova Cadamatre, Peter Marks, and Mary Margaret McCamic -just to name a few. They were a wealth of knowledge, and it was an honor to be taught by such experts in our field. The vineyard, winery, and cooperage field trips plus hands-on experiences facilitated in-depth knowledge while keeping it fun and interesting. I feel like NVWA has given me the confidence and education I need to take the next step, which for me is MW. I can also say that I made lifelong friends on my dipWSET Diploma journey and value my time spent at NVWA!”

Loralee C.

WSET Diploma Student

★★★★★

I would like to say thank you very much for the wonderful experience provided for the D4 course in September. I absolutely loved the workshops. Peter, you did an outstanding job. You were engaging, patient, and made us feel comfortable to participate. I feel I gained more from the workshops than the online courses I have taken. I am able to ask questions that sometimes I would not ask online because it is too difficult through writing. I also enjoyed the charts and homework given for each class. The charts have helped me break down and simplify my thoughts and organize the information better. Which has helped me retain more information. I and many students appreciate all Napa Valley Wine Academy has done and is doing for their students during this pandemic. Your fast reaction and creative approach with online workshops and tastings has been a great experience. I hope they will continue. Much appreciation.

Yeliz C. - Las Vegas, NV

WSET Level 4 Diploma Student

★★★★★

“I wanted to take the opportunity to share my feedback as a diploma student of yours 🙂 You guys are honestly amazing. Having sessions led by so many of you really displays the wealth of experience and knowledge this team has. The information ends up being so well rounded because you all add so much context to it (important for those of us with terrible memories). And with the amount of info we’re taking in, you still made it enjoyable. Seriously, thank you!”

Melody Moore

WSET Level 3 - Pending

★★★★★

I can’t speak highly enough about the crew at NVWA. Amy and Christian are hands-on and generous. I have had difficult times in my pursuit of the WSET Level 3 certification either due to unforeseen financial restrictions or time management while attempting to keep a simultaneous performing career going. Amy was demonstrative and reactive in helping me to reschedule any learning/exams. She also put me in touch with newer, updated materials for study so that I could do my best on the exams. I will sit the Level 3 Theory this summer. I know I’ll feel the most prepared I’ve ever felt for any exam in my collegiate career…..and I have a Master’s of Music Conservatory degree! Catherine Bugue is a special light in the staff of NVWA. This instructor knows her stuff and knows how to teach success. Armed with her guidance, you will feel confident to answer both the Multiple Choice and Short Written Answer Questions on any exam. If you are thinking of taking some classes and letting this team lead you, do NOT hesitate. The investment is returned and you make some lifelong friends along the way!

Lauren M. - Kirkland, WA

WSET Diploma students

★★★★★

“I reached out to you earlier this month in hopes of receiving guidance in regards to the online format for the WSET Diploma. You graciously answered my questions and put any of my initial enrollment anxieties at ease. I wanted to write you a thank you for your time. Based on our conversation, I am confident that the educational resources provided by Napa Valley Wine Academy make this a better fit for me than any other institution. I have registered for the D1 online course and am looking forward to this intense challenge.”

Richard Hoy - Tampa, FL

WSET Level 3 Certified in Wine, with Merit

★★★★★

“Hands down the best WSET prep option you’ll find anywhere. Napa Valley Wine Academy prepped me for WSET Levels 1, 2 and 3. I can’t say enough nice things about them. The instruction is top-notch. I’ve had the privilege of learning under five different instructors (Christian, Sharon, Csilla, Gus and Catherine) and all of them bring to the table a deep understanding of the wine industry. The teaching environments are uber-cool. I took levels 1 and 2 at Tampa’s Epicurean Hotel, a foodie paradise, and Level 3 in Napa Valley learning from actual winemakers in the Harvest Bootcamp, a real-world learning program unique to the Academy. And on top of all that, the lunches are phenomenal! Every class, regardless of level, comes with a catered lunch (and in the case of the Harvest Bootcamp, a full-blown winemakers dinner) put together with such forethought that you know it was done by a true lover of food and wine. The Napa Valley Wine Academy is, hands down, the best WSET prep option you’ll find anywhere.”

Kate, S - Honolulu, HI

WSET 3 Certified

★★★★★

Cheers, Napa Valley Wine Academy! I took the summer 2018 intensive WSET Level 3. At every step, including their online presence and communications, they were professional, personable, and informative. As I prepared for the course remotely, they clearly communicated the expectations and followed up to ensure I had the information and support I needed. Their online resources are impressive and extensive. When I arrived for the week-long course, I was impressed with the comfortable facility and organization of the staff. More importantly, the instructors’ knowledge and teaching skills were en pointe—and that’s coming from a former teacher! The course is what it says it is: intensive. The teachers made it worth the time. The exam was a challenge, but the course really prepared me for it—both by solidifying the theory and tasting techniques and by helping me navigate the exam.