WSET Level 3 Award in Wine Online at Napa Valley Wine Academy

The WSET Level 3 Award in Wine, delivered online by Napa Valley Wine Academy, America's leading wine school, is a globally recognized qualification from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET). This advanced course is perfect for serious wine enthusiasts and those aiming to elevate their professional careers in the wine industry. It provides deep insights into the complexities of wine tasting and winemaking across all major global wine regions.

As the most awarded WSET provider in the U.S., Napa Valley Wine Academy offers a comprehensive online program that dives deep into the systematic approach to tasting and a detailed exploration of key wine regions. You'll engage with the intricacies of iconic regions such as France, Italy, and Spain, as well as the Americas, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. This extensive coverage expands your knowledge and sharpens your tasting abilities, focusing on the WSET Level 3 Systematic Approach to Tasting® (SAT).

Worried about the challenge? While the WSET Level 3 Award in Wine is not easy, our program is designed to arm you with the necessary tools for success. We emphasize the WSET way of thinking so you'll not only master the material but also understand exactly what the examiners are looking for. This approach builds your confidence for exam day. Enhance your learning experience further by adding a 24-bottle (100 ml each) wine-tasting kit for $305, curated specifically for this level by our experts. Each wine is selected from the WSET’s list of recommended wines to taste, ensuring precise calibration with your instructor and effective practice through homework exercises.

Our expert instructors are renowned industry leaders, and they offer a learning experience that blends scholarly study with practical, hands-on exercises. The course includes detailed sessions on the key factors in wine production—location, grape growing, winemaking, maturation, and bottling—as well as comprehensive analyses of still, sparkling, and fortified wines from around the world.

Upon successful completion of this WSET® Level 3 Certification Course and Exam, you will have gained:

• In-depth training on wines of the world with an understanding of the factors that influence style, quality, and price.
• Wine knowledge applicable to sales, hospitality, and wholesale areas of the industry, but also to those wishing to gain a deeper knowledge of wines around the world.
• An advanced Level 3 Award in Wine Certification from the WSET®
• Ability to request and use the official logo — WSET® Certified Advanced — on your business cards, websites, and other professional material.
• The required pre-requisite for WSET® Level 4 Diploma in Wine.

Enroll in the WSET Level 3 Award in Wine online with Napa Valley Wine Academy, a multiple-time recipient of the Wine Educator of the Year award, and commit to a standard of excellence that distinguishes you in the world of wine.

Download the WSET Level 3 Course Specification

Learn from the Best

Imagine learning from top wine experts, including Master Sommeliers and Masters of Wine, who bring not just their knowledge but also their passion for wine into every lesson. At Napa Valley Wine Academy, your education is led by these experts, who are eager to share their insights and experiences with you, helping you to not only learn but also love the journey.

Consistently High Success Rates

You want results, and our track record speaks for itself. We're proud to have one of the highest pass rates globally for WSET exams. This success comes from our commitment to providing you with the best preparation possible, ensuring you feel confident and well-equipped to excel in your exams.

Tailored Online Resources

Your learning needs are unique, which is why we offer a comprehensive suite of online tools. These resources are designed to fit your lifestyle, allowing you to study whenever and wherever it suits you best. Whether you prefer hitting the books at dawn or reviewing notes during a lunch break, we've got you covered.

Personalized Support

At Napa Valley Wine Academy, you’re not just another student. Our mentoring and coaching sessions are tailored to address your specific needs, helping you overcome any challenges and make the most of your study time. We're here to guide you every step of the way.

Get Ready Before You Arrive

Feel prepared from day one with our online pre-course study modules available to you right after enrollment. These modules help lay a solid foundation so that when you step into our classroom, you’re already on your way to becoming a wine expert.

Join Thousands of Satisfied Learners

Over 6,000 students choose to start their wine education with us each year. Join a community of like-minded enthusiasts and professionals who are all on their journey to mastering wine. Here, you're part of a group that supports and grows together.

Recognition and Respect in the Wine World

When you study with us, you join the ranks of the most awarded and respected WSET approved program provider in the world. Your certification from Napa Valley Wine Academy is not just a piece of paper—it’s a passport to opportunities in the wine industry and a marker of excellence recognized globally.

We’re Invested in Your Satisfaction

We know that you’ll love your experience with us because our current students do! They consistently tell us how much they appreciate our engaging courses, the expertise of our instructors, and our supportive, community-focused environment. We’re dedicated to your satisfaction and committed to making your learning experience both enriching and enjoyable.

Choosing Napa Valley Wine Academy means placing yourself at the forefront of wine education. Equip yourself with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to excel in the wine industry or enhance your personal passion for wine. We’re excited to be part of your journey and are here to support you every sip of the way.

Your Registration Fee Includes

• DEDICATED INSTRUCTOR for the 10-week portion of the course, and continuing with 12 months of access to the online course material, including lecture videos, quizzes, a mock exam, and more.
• LIVE WEBINARS which include instructor-led tastings, theory review, and the ability to ask questions.
• TEXTBOOK/STUDY PACK are shipped to students in the United States within 5 days of registration. For international students, an ebook version is made available. 
• WINE LIST OR WINE KITS for live tasting sessions with your instructor and online homework activities if you choose to add a wine kit.
• WINE KITS - Wine kits ordered >7 days before the course start date will be delivered by the course start. Wine kits ordered  <7 days of course start date will take 5-7 business days to get delivered. 
• Registration and exam fees

Wine Kit Information:

Which types of wine are included in the wine kit? >>>Click Here

1. Course induction and tasting technique
2. Natural factors and human influences in the vineyard
3. Human influences in the winery
4. White wines of Germany, Alsace, Austria and Tokaj
5. White wines of Burgundy, Loire and Bordeaux
6. Red and rosé wines of Bordeaux, South West France and the Loire Valley
7. Red wines of Burgundy, Beaujolais, and the red and white wines of the northern Rhône Valley
8. Red, white and rosé wines of southern Rhône and southern France. Red wines of Spain Part 1 and white wines of Spain and Portugal 5
9. Red wines of Northern Spain and red and white wines of Northern Italy
10. Red and white wines of central and southern Italy, red wines of Portugal and red and white wines of Greece
11. Premium red wines of New Zealand, USA and Australia
12. Premium white wines of New Zealand, South Africa, Australia, USA and Canada
13. Regional specialties of Australia, South Africa and USA. Premium red and white wines of Argentina and Chile
14. Sparkling Wines
15. Fortified Wines

For more information and full details on the course requirements, please download the Specification.

This is a ten (10) -week, semi-synchronous (combination instructor-led and self-paced) course with a fixed start/end date. However, you will have 12 months of access to the online learning material, allowing you to study wine in a way that fits your schedule.

Exam Registration
You need to register for your in-person exam organized in one of our locations at least 30 days before your chosen exam date. You can find currently available in-person exam dates here. We offer two exam dates in Napa every month and at least one exam quarterly in all the other locations.

IN-PERSON EXAM LOCATIONS:

DENVER, CO - Birch Street, 3845 Lipan Street, Denver, CO 80211

LAS VEGAS, NV - Garagiste, 197 E California Ave #140, Las Vegas, NV 89104

NAPA, CA - NVWA HQ, 2501 Oak St, Napa, CA 94559

NASHVILLE, TN - The Aloft West End, 1719 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN, 37203

NEW JERSEY, NY - Residence Inn, 80 Christopher Columbus Drive, Jersey City, NJ 7302

SAN ANTONIO, TX - The Board Couple, 2218 N Zarzamora, San Antonio, TX 78201

SANTA BARBARA, CA - Santa Ynez Valley Marriott, 555 McMurray Road, Buellton, CA 93427LAS VEGAS, NV

TAMPA, FL - Epicurean Hotel, 1207 S. Howard Avenue, Tampa, FL 33606

All attendees must be at least 21 years of age.

PREREQUISITE: This is an advanced-level course.  Students not holding WSET Level 2 Certification in wines or equivalent.

RECOMMENDED STUDY HOURS needed to pass the exam with distinction is 84 hours, made up of 32.5 Guided Learning Hours and 51.5 hours of private study.

For more information and full details on the course requirements, please download the Specification.

Download the WSET Level 3 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine®

Who Can Benefit from the WSET Level 3 Award in Wines at Napa Valley Wine Academy?

At Napa Valley Wine Academy, our WSET Level 3 Award in Wines is designed for those who aspire to broaden their understanding of the world’s leading wines and master a systematic approach to tasting that evaluates wine quality and pricing.

This course is particularly advantageous for professionals within the global wine industry, providing them with the knowledge and confidence required to make informed decisions in various trade contexts. It is especially valuable for those in supervisory roles or individuals aiming to progress to such positions, offering essential skills to advise on wine selections effectively.

Moreover, the WSET Level 3 course is an excellent resource for wine collectors and serious enthusiasts. It deepens their comprehension of diverse international wines, enhancing their ability to assess quality and value, ensuring they are knowledgeable consumers and collectors.

Whether you are looking to advance your career in the wine industry or simply wish to deepen your appreciation and understanding of wine, the WSET Level 3 Award in Wines at Napa Valley Wine Academy provides the comprehensive education and critical tasting skills you need to achieve your goals.

Q: Do I need to take WSET Level 1 and Level 2 in order to enroll for Level 3?

A: No, WSET doesn't require you to take any courses before enrolling for Level 3 but we highly recommend you to have the knowledge of Level 2. You can check your knowledge by reviewing the Level 2 Course Specification (pdf on our website).

Q: What is the schedule of the WSET Level 3 Award in Wines Course?

A: The course is self-paced and accessible 24/7. It includes videos, interactive maps, activities, quizzes, and mock exams. Additionally, 5 Live Zoom Webinars, each lasting 60-90 minutes, are scheduled according to the webinar chart. If you purchased a Wine Kit, it will arrive within 5-8 business days.

Q: What are the Webinars in this course, and are they mandatory?

A: Webinars facilitate understanding of the online course and textbooks. They include orientation, lectures, and guided tasting. Attendance is not mandatory as all webinars are recorded and posted for viewing later.

Q: What if I don't pass the exam?

A: You can reorder the exam as many times as is needed. You don't need to retake the course.

Q: How can I communicate with the instructor and other students?

A:  Communication is possible through the Zoom Webinars and via your learning portal during the ten-week instructor-led portion of the course.

Q:  When will I receive the links to access the online course?

A:  Email links to access the online course are sent within 30 minutes of purchase.

Q: How long do I have access to the online course?

A:  After the 10-week instructor-led course, students retain access to the online course for a full 12 months.

Q: How and when will I receive the course materials?

A: Students in the U.S. receive the textbook and workbook within five days of purchase. International students receive an online eBook version.

Q: What about the wine kits? When and how are they delivered?

A: Wine kits are shipped out the week of the course start date to arrive before the first scheduled webinar, usually the following week. Students who did not choose the wine kit option can find a list of wines to source locally.

Q: Do I need to attend the live webinars?

A: Attending live webinars is not mandatory, but it is still highly encouraged.  However, if you cannot attend, we make the recorded version available for later viewing.

Q: Is there any interactive element in the course?

A: Yes, the course includes interactive maps, activities, and quizzes, as well as live webinars and a GROUP Module for interaction.