WSET Level 4 Diploma | D2 Wine Business course materials, featuring an orange and white cover with white text, held by a woman.

WSET Level 4 Diploma | D2 Wine Business

WSET Level 4 Diploma | D2 Wine Business

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Course Date

The WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wine, D2: Wine Business offers a profound exploration into the economic forces, market trends, and business strategies that shape the global wine industry. This module is essential for those looking to understand the complexities behind wine pricing, marketing strategies, and the variety of business models in operation from vineyard to point of sale.

Noelle Hale

dipWSET, Diploma Manager, Instructor

Noelle’s passion for wine began on a trip to New Zealand, when she discovered Marlborough makes a lot more than just Sauvignon Blanc. When she got back home, she signed up for her first WSET class and leveraged that qualification to get hired in a tasting room. Eventually she began working as a distributor sales rep and completed her WSET Diploma in 2019. She has been teaching WSET classes for the Napa Valley Wine Academy since 2017 and took over running the WSET Diploma program in 2021. She's currently a student in the MW program, so when she's not studying, you can find her running, cooking or playing with her corgi, Pal.

Jonathan Frost

dipWSET, Winemaker, Instructor

Jonathan Frost is a current Master of Wine candidate with over ten years of winemaking experience. He holds a WSET Level 4 Diploma, a B.S. in Accounting, and is an experienced winemaker. After pursuing a career in music, John entered the wine industry in 2009 to learn under UC Davis alums in the Livermore Valley. This experience is known as the “school of broom-pushing” in the industry. In 2015, he moved to Napa Valley for a winemaking position that introduced him to a community that opened him to opportunities to work with consultants, writers, WSET instructors and the ability to trial new wine technology. He joined LAFFORT® in 2020; with his experience and inventive solutions for large and small wineries. He is known for his hands-on approach, emphasis on logistics and efficiency, and education for both the tasting room and production. He is not only a practitioner but also an instructor; John instructs for Napa Valley Wine Academy sharing his knowledge and experience with others. His approach to winemaking is not about ego but about the journey, the lifestyle, and the opportunity to share it with others. He is dedicated to doing the right things to make a great product with the right people.

Napa Valley Wine Academy stands as a beacon of excellence in wine education, backed by prestigious recognitions such as the Riedel Global Wine Educator of the Year Award. As the largest provider of WSET courses in the USA, our programs are enriched with expert instructors and a comprehensive digital study guide, providing a robust platform for both personal and professional growth in the wine industry​​.

Enrollment in D2 includes:

  • Access to four instructor-led webinars via Zoom.
  • A comprehensive digital study guide and supplemental materials are available in our online classroom.
  • Recorded sessions for review and flexible learning.
  • Student community and instructor access
  • Office hours

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. 

WSET Level 4 D2 Webinar Schedule

Course Start Date: April 7, 2025

4 sessions: (Wednesdays 5-7pm PST) 4/9/25, 4/23/25, 5/7/25, 5/21/25

Course Start Date: Aug 18, 2025

4 sessions: (Weds 5-7pm PST, 8-10pm EST) 8/20, 9/3, 9/17, 10/1

Exam Date Oct 21, 2025

The course covers:

  • Factors influencing wine pricing.
  • Overview of various business entities in wine production and distribution.
  • Strategic considerations in wine marketing.

The course is delivered online through interactive Zoom webinars, with mandatory in-person exams conducted in Napa, CA. This hybrid format offers flexibility while ensuring rigorous assessment standards.

Applicants must have completed the WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wine, D1 unit successfully. The course is recommended for wine industry professionals aiming to ascend to higher roles within management, marketing, and sales sectors.

  • Course duration: Approximately 10 weeks.
  • Study Expectation: A minimum of 50 hours.
  • Upcoming sessions start on specific dates in January, April, and August with respective registration deadlines​​.

Course Dates: August 19, 2024 - October 21, 2024
Exam Date: October 22, 2024 (2025 exams also available with prior notice)
Registration Deadline:  August 18, 2024
Webinar Time: 5-7pm PST on Wednesdays
Webinar Dates: 8/21/24, 9/4/24, 9/18/24, 10/2/24

By choosing to study with Napa Valley Wine Academy, you join a community of passionate wine professionals and enthusiasts where education is not just about attainment but a journey of enjoyment and discovery​​.

Q1: Who is the WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wine Business course intended for?

A1: This course is designed for wine industry professionals who are looking to deepen their knowledge of wine business operations and strategies. It is ideal for those in roles such as marketing, sales, distribution, and management within the wine industry.

Q2: What are the prerequisites for enrolling in the D2 Wine Business course?

A2: Candidates must have completed the WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wine, D1 unit. While you can register for D2 without having received your D1 results, passing D1 is a prerequisite for official certification in D2.

Q3: What can I expect from the online webinars?

A3: The webinars are led by industry experts and cover topics critical to understanding the wine business landscape. Each session lasts two hours and is designed to be interactive to enhance learning and engagement.

Q4: Are the webinars recorded in case I miss a live session?

A4: Yes, all webinars are recorded and posted in the online classroom on the next business day. This allows you to catch up on any content you may have missed at your convenience.

Q5: What does the exam entail, and where is it held?

A5: The exam is a 60-minute written test comprising multi-part, open response style questions. It must be taken in person in Napa, CA, on the date associated with your course session.

Q6: How long does the course take to complete?

A6: The course is designed to be completed over approximately 10 weeks with a minimum of 50 hours of study.

Q7: What materials will I receive upon registration?

A7: Upon registration, you will receive access to the WSET digital study guide and additional learning materials provided by NVWA, available in our online classroom.

Q8: Can I take this course if I am not currently working in the wine industry?

A8: While the course is tailored for industry professionals, individuals with a serious interest in wine business concepts and a foundational knowledge of the wine industry may also find it beneficial.

Q9: What are the registration deadlines for upcoming courses?

A9: Registration deadlines are set close to the course start dates. Specific deadlines for upcoming sessions are listed on our website and promotional materials.

Q10: How does this course help advance my career in the wine industry?

A10: The D2 unit provides you with critical insights into the economic, strategic, and marketing factors that drive the wine industry. This knowledge is essential for advancing to senior roles within the industry, enhancing your strategic decision-making skills, and broadening your professional opportunities.

For any additional questions or personalized guidance, please contact our admissions team

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