Mastering a wine region requires a comprehensive understanding of that region. In simpler terms, it is digesting the why behind the region. For example, it is important to know what the yield restrictions are in the Grand Cru Vineyards of Alsace, but even more important to understand why those yield restrictions were put in place, …
by Jonathan Cristaldi The United States of America are united on one front: all 50 states in the Union are, in some way shape or form, growing grapes and producing wine. For a country as a whole, we may not agree fully on anything, but this, rest assured, is fact and not up for debate. …
by Geralyn Brostrom, CWE, IWP, VIA Italian Wine Expert / images courtesy of Geralyn and Jack Brostrom, authors of Into Italian Wine: The Italian Wine Professional Certification Course. EDITOR’S NOTE: Napa Valley Wine Academy is the only school in America offering the Italian Wine Professional course online. Learn more about becoming an Italian wine expert …
Decoding the Language of Italian Wine Laws From IGT to DOP Read More »
The Certified Specialist of Wine certification, offered by the Society of Wine Educators, is a self-study, multiple choice exam that is written exclusively from the material presented in their course pack study guide. And because you’re being tested on only that material, it provides a big advantage when comparing it to other programs of study …
In anticipation of Independence Day and the sweet sounds of corks popping and something fizzy and alcoholic filling your glass, I want to encourage you to set aside the Cava, forget the Champagne—Franciacorta? Don’t even go there—and break into the effervescent world of pétillant-naturel wine, or “pét-nats,” as the sommelier kids call ‘em. First, a …
Note: This article was published prior to 2019, when the WSET overhauled its WSET Level 4 Diploma curriculum. While the list of books below is an excellent library of resources for any student of wine, the WSET no longer requires reading books outside of its own textbooks/study guides for the Diploma program, so this list …
10 Essential Resources for the WSET Diploma Student Read More »
When I started writing about wine, no one told me how to do it, let alone gave me any advice that I’ve been churning over in my mind ever since. My first editor knocked me around, though–challenged me to deliver an article that not only met his standards but met my own–standards I didn’t even …
This article was originally published on TimGaiser.com on March 13, 2016. It is reprinted here with the author’s permission. by Tim Gaiser, MS August 2007: I’m in Germany for the Grosse Lage tasting in Wiesbaden with a group of writers and other industry people from the UK and the US. If not familiar, the Grosse …
This article was originally published as “Advice for Students Taking the Certified Sommelier Examination” on TimGaiser.com on February 4, 2014. It is reprinted here with the author’s permission. by Tim Gaiser, MS The Certified Sommelier Examination was introduced in December of 2005. Previously students who passed the MS Introductory examination could apply directly to the Advanced …
Study Tips for Passing the Certified Sommelier Exam Read More »
In celebration of Thomas Jefferson’s birthday–April 13–we are digging deep into this founding father of wine and third POTUS’ grape-growing experiments from his celebrated home in Monticello, Virginia. Consider this a teaser to our American Wine Studies certification program, which covers the history of winemaking in the U.S. and explores American Viticultural Areas from coast …
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.
