Pouring Points
Wine, spirits, beer and sake education from the faculty of a two-time WSET Educator of the Year. Study guides, region deep-dives, tasting method and honest answers to “which certification?”
Start here
Choosing a wine certification? Read these first.
Which certification?Sommelier Levels Explained: A Guide to Wine Expertise and Certification
Which certification?Best Sommelier Certification: Compare WSET, CMS, and More
WSET StudyWSET Level 3 Study Guide: Exam, Pass Rate and Study Plan
Wine CareersHow to Become a Sommelier: The Complete Career Guide
Not sure where you fit
Find your WSET level in 90 seconds
Three questions. An honest answer — including when the cheaper course is the right one.
Take the quiz
Which certification?
See all 13
What's Right For Me? WSET Level 1 VS. WSET Level 2So, you’re interested in enrolling in your first WSET course at Napa Valley Wine Academy, but you aren’t sure if you should enroll in WSE...
WSET Level 2 vs Level 3: Which Wine Course is Right for You?Congratulations, you’ve decided to enter the fantastic and rewarding realm of wine education!
What Will Your Wine Journey Look Like?When wine sparks a newfound passion in you, it starts an incredible adventure; something akin to Alice in Wonderland falling into a whole...
WSET Study
See all 24
WSET Level 2 Study Guide: Exam, Pass Rate and Study PlanWhat the WSET Level 2 exam asks, the 55% pass mark and all five result bands, the 95.1% first-attempt pass rate at NVWA, and a four-week ...
German Wine Classification: The New Origin Pyramid ExplainedGermany's new origin pyramid is binding from the 2026 vintage. Every level, the real production requirements, and what is still unsettled...
Navigating the Transition from WSET Level 2 to WSET Wine Level 3WSET Level 2 is not a formal prerequisite for the WSET Level 3 Award in Wines — but it is strongly recommended, and most students who ski...
German Wine Classification: The New Origin Pyramid ExplainedGermany's new origin pyramid is binding from the 2026 vintage. Every level, the real production requirements, and what is still unsettled...
Navigating the Transition from WSET Level 2 to WSET Wine Level 3WSET Level 2 is not a formal prerequisite for the WSET Level 3 Award in Wines — but it is strongly recommended, and most students who ski...
Go deeper than the blog
Premier Crew™: the specialist course library, member tastings and study tools, in one membership
Bordeaux, Champagne, Rhône, Napa, Oregon, American Wine Expert, TasteCoach™ and more. Flashcards and practice questions from Level 1 to Diploma.
From $29.99 a month
See what’s includedWine Regions
See all 66Region guides
All region guides
Champagne at 15% ABV? What France's 2026 Rule Change Really MeansFrance granted Champagne a one-off derogation allowing some 2026 wines above the traditional 13% ABV ceiling, up to 15%. The real-world o...
10 Types of French Wine Every Wine Lover Should KnowLearn 10 key types of French wine, including notable appellations, red and white wine styles, and the best subregions, producers, and vin...
The 10 Best Wine Tours in CaliforniaDiscover the best wine tours in California from Napa to Temecula. Explore the top 10 wine tasting tours through some of the best vineyard...
Exam Prep
See all 16
How to Describe Aromas and Flavors in the WSET Level 3 Wine Tasting Exam
Down the Rabbit Hole: How Funneling on the D3 Blind Tasting Exam Can Help You Pass
Practicing Short Written Answers: A Guide to Napa Valley Wine Academy's WSET 3 Exam Success
Tasting
See all 21
Red Wine Tasting Chart and Guide
How To Taste Wine: A Guide to Developing Your Wine Palate
Aromatic White Wines: The Classic Grapes and How to Recognize Them
Pouring Points, in your inbox
WSET study guidance, region deep-dives and faculty insight from Napa Valley Wine Academy. Join 100,000+ subscribers and get $25 off your first online course.
Wine Careers
See all 43
WSET: A Gateway to Exciting Wine Jobs
What’s Hot in Santa Barbara County? Wine and Hospitality Job Opportunities
Browse open wine and hospitality jobs
Spirits, Beer & Sake
See all
The Ultimate Guide to Garnishing Cocktails and Other Drinks
What's the Difference Between Whiskey and Bourbon?
Considering taking WSET Level 3 in Spirits?
Written by the people who teach it
Every article carries a named author and credential. Many are reviewed by a second instructor.
