Become an Expert in Wine, Spirits, Beer & Sake

Award-winning, student-centered courses taught by world-class educators—online or in person.

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30K+
Graduates

40+
Course Options

Most Awarded 
WSET provider

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Choose Your Learning Path

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Enthusiast

“I’m Here for the Joy”

Start with tasting basics & food pairings.

Start Your Wine Journey
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Professional

“I Need Career Credentials”

Level up with WSET 2-4 & Diploma 

View Pro Track
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Spirits · Beer · Sake Curious

“Beyond the Grape”

Master flavor & production across all beverages.

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Why Learn with Napa Valley Wine Academy?

Not all WSET providers are created equal. Here’s what sets us apart:

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Award-Winning Excellence

We are the most awarded and trusted WSET school in the United States. Each year, we train more students than any other provider. Whether you are new to wine, spirits, beer, or sake or advancing your professional qualifications, you will be learning from a nationally recognized leader.

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Unmatched Educator Expertise

Our educators include Master Sommeliers, Masters of Wine, dipWSET, WSET Certified Educators and Professional Wine Educators (PWE) with deep industry backgrounds. They bring decades of real-world knowledge and a passion for teaching to every course we offer.

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Innovative Learning Tools

We provide exclusive resources that no other provider offers. These include our Taste Coach Kits, mock tasting and theory exams that help you develop confidence and precision.

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Student-First Experience

We put the student at the center of everything we do. You will receive direct access to instructors, responsive support, an engaged student community, and the tools you need to succeed at every step of your journey.

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Flexible Learning with Global Reach

Study online or in person at one of our satellite locations across the U.S. With recorded lectures, mobile-friendly access, and flexible scheduling—including online and in-person exams in multiple cities—our programs are designed to fit your lifestyle and goals.

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Outcomes That Matter

Our graduates become wine buyers, sommeliers, educators, brand managers, industry leaders, etc. Whether your goal is professional advancement or personal enrichment, we are committed to helping you get there.

Hear From Our Graduates

“Studying for WSET Level 4 together at Napa Valley Wine Academy (NVWA) was more than just an educational journey—it was a transformative experience for both of us. As a married couple passionate about wine, we wanted a program that not only deepened our knowledge but also supported us every step of the way. NVWA exceeded our expectations in every regard. From the moment we enrolled, the level of organization at NVWA stood out. Every module was thoughtfully structured, making the learning process seamless and engaging. The materials were comprehensive, the sessions well-paced, and the curriculum perfectly aligned with what we needed to succeed. More importantly, the faculty and support team were incredibly responsive, ensuring that no question went unanswered and no challenge felt insurmountable. Whether it was feedback on assignments, mentorship from instructors, or the camaraderie of fellow students, we always felt uplifted and motivated. Thank you, NVWA, for helping us succeed in achieving our WSET Diplomas. Cheers!”

Vanessa & Mike, D.

"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!"

Melody Moore

“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.”

Richard Hoy

"The team at Napa Valley Wine Academy has enhanced Superior Beverage’s learning and development initiatives with their wide variety of course offerings that is adaptable to our ever growing sales team and portfolio. Operating in Ohio, we were a bit skeptical about NVWA’s ability to deliver the courses we were looking for because of our geographical distance to the actual academy, however, the NVWA team proved that distance was not an obstacle. They were able to provide engaging instructors and the course content we are looking for in a quick and easy turnaround time. In order for Superior Beverage to further develop the skills and product knowledge of our people, Superior Beverage will continue to utilize the expertise and resources available to us through the NVWA long into the future. Thank you Christian! You and your team are our “partners in education”!

Stacey E.

"We (Epic Wines) use Christian and his team at Napa Valley Wine Academy to certify our sales reps with WSET Level 2 Certification. NVWA offers an easy to implement and effective solution to formal wine and spirits training. Christian knows what is important to wholesalers and suppliers and caters his offerings to meet the needs of “thirsty for knowledge” sales reps. Here at Epic we view NVWA as providing three key benefits: Continuing education and certification is a high priority for employees, especially with millennials. The more knowledgeable our sales reps are, the more effective their sales presentations will be = increased sales! Our supplier partners respect and appreciate that we make education a priority, and back it up with investing in certifications through Napa Valley Wine Academy. Thank you Christian! You and your team are our “partners in education”!

Dave M.

"Catherine and her team at the NVWA helped us organize 5 weeks of classes for 12 of our guest services and upper management team for the WSET level 2, and I must say, I’m utterly impressed! Our team thoroughly enjoyed the instructors who made learning the material so much fun. Everything ran smoothly from beginning to end. We were especially wowed by the caliber of educators. They each had a very unique and engaging style and presented the information and answered questions in a thoughtful and approachable manner. We would highly recommend NVWA to anyone in the industry looking to truly elevate the wine expertise of their direct sales and hospitality departments. We are coming away from this experience feeling energized and motivated to continue our pursuit of education."

Danielle B.

As an avid wine collector over the past few decades I thought it was time to complete my knowledge with the WSET certification. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience than with the Napa Valley Wine Academy. The instructors have been amazing with an incredible depth of knowledge. Mary Margaret was most particularly impressive. There was nothing we could throw at her that she didn’t know. Her palate was quite impressive as she described wine after wine with incredible depth, even determining the level of alcohol with amazing precision. I think this gave the entire class an entirely new perspective on what is possible and inspired many of us to continue our studies further. Thanks again, Darren

Dr. Darren W

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.”

Kareasa Wilkins

“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!”

Carrie Britton

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Browse All 40+ Courses

Steps

Certification 
Made Simple

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Step 1

Pick your beverage path

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Step 2

Learn with our experts

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Step 3

Earn credentials & celebrate

Start Step 1

18

Expert Instructors

30,000+

Graduates

40+

Courses options

Most Awarded 
WSET provider

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Free Mini-Course

Sharpen Your Tasting Skills

Get a free video covering three bite-size tasting tips for wine, plus a printable aroma wheel.

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Beverage Expertise?

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