Napa Valley Wine Academy

Jess Helfand

Jess is an economist by training who has always had a love of wine and spirits. She completed the WSET Diploma in 2016 and has been teaching for the academy since 2017. Her primary goal as an educator is to make wine accessible at any level, from the beginner to the advanced student. Jess is a WSET Certified Educator and also holds the titles of Italian Wine Professional (IWP), Certified Sherry Wine Specialist (CSWS), Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW), and Certified Specialist of Spirits (CSS). She also has an MA in Policy Economics from Tulane University and an MBA from the University of Maryland. After 11 years in Washington, DC, Jess relocated to Nashville, Tennessee with her husband and three cats. When not teaching, Jess works in a wine and spirits boutique and continues in her position as an economist.

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What’s Right For Me? WSET Level 2 VS. WSET Level 3

In one level, you’ll learn the “what” of the wine world. In another, you’ll begin to understand the “why” and “how.” Find out which Level is right for you. Congratulations, you’ve decided to enter the fantastic and rewarding realm of wine education! You’re well versed in the fundamentals and good to bypass WSET Level 1 …

What’s Right For Me? WSET Level 2 VS. WSET Level 3 Read More »

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Food Pairings for Amber Wines From the Country of Georgia

By Jess Helfand As more and more Georgian amber wine becomes available in the US, Jess Helfand offers three simple guidelines for pairing these tea-like whites with food. Skin-contact white wine, also known as orange wine, is all the rage, cropping up on wine lists and wine shop shelves worldwide. But the technique of fermenting …

Food Pairings for Amber Wines From the Country of Georgia Read More »

IN-PERSON COURSE & WORKSHOP REFUNDS & TRANSFERS

Cancellations of confirmed in-person course enrollments and workshops are accepted up to 60 days before the start of the course. An administration fee of $50 plus the full cost of the study materials and exam fees will be deducted, and the remainder of the course fee refunded to the payee. Separate WSET exam cancellation/transfer rules apply.
Transfers of a confirmed enrollment to another course are accepted 60 days before the course start date with an administration fee of $50.

Cancellations less than 60 days before the in-person course start date or course no shows forfeit any refund/transfer options unless students can provide medical documentation. If medical documentation is provided, students can be transferred to a later course. No refunds will be applied.

Course Transfers cannot be carried forward to the next academic year (which commenced on January 1).

Students are highly encouraged to purchase separate travel insurance.

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Flamingo Hotel Las Vegas

Your WSET Level 3 exam will take place on

February 12, 2023 at 10:00 AM (Pacific)

at

3555 Las Vegas Blvd

Las Vegas, NV 89109

 

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Mariott Santa Ynez

Your WSET Level 3 exam will take place on

April 23, 2023 at 10:00 AM (Pacific)

at

555 McMurray Road

Buelton, CA 93427

 

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Art Hotel Denver

Your WSET Level 3 exam will take place on

March 5, 2023 at 10:00 AM (Mountain)

at

1201 Broadway

Denver, CO 80203

 

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Aloft Nashville

Your WSET Level 3 exam will take place on

February 12, 2023 at 10:00 AM (Central)

at 

1719 West End Ave.

Nashville, TN 37203

 

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Epicurean Hotel

Your WSET Level 3 exam will take place on

March 19, 2023 at 10:00 AM (Eastern)

at

1207 S Howard Ave,

Tampa, FL 33606

 

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Street View of HQ

Your WSET Level 3 exam will take place on

January 22, 2023 at 10:00 AM (Pacific)

at

2501 Oak Street

Napa, CA 94559

 

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