WSET Level 4 Diploma | D3 Wines of the World

Course Date

Mar 23, 2026

Oct 26, 2026

Wine Kit

No Wine Kit

Add Wine Kit (+ $1,299.00 / each)

Students

NOTE:

We are able to have wine kits shipped to the following states ONLY:AL, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, ME, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NH, NV, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WA, WI, WY, and Wash DC.

NO SHIP LOCATIONS: International, AK, AR, CT, DE, HI, MS, NJ, RI, SD, UT, VT, and WV.

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Embark on a comprehensive exploration of global viticulture and winemaking with the WSET Level 4 Diploma, D3 Wines of the World course. This detailed study covers the still wines from renowned regions such as France, Italy, Spain, the USA, Australia, and more.

Peter Marks

VP of Education & Partner Master of Wine, WSET-Certified, Instructor

Peter Marks, Master of Wine, is an internationally respected wine industry consultant and educator based in the Napa Valley. Marks is one of only 52 Masters of Wine residing in the United States and one of 390 in the world. The prestigious Master of Wine (MW) title is bestowed by the Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) in London. Marks received his MW designation in 1995 when he became the 10th American to pass. That year he also became the first American to receive the Madame Bollinger Foundation Award, which is bestowed annually to the MW candidate with the highest blind tasting score. From 2008 to 2019 Marks was Vice President of Education for Constellation Brands, overseeing programs such as the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) for employees and customers. He implemented a diverse education curriculum delivered both in-person and online. Before joining Constellation Wines, he was the Senior Vice President of Wine at Copia: The American Center for Wine, Food & the Arts in Napa, where he was responsible for all wine sales and education programs. Previous to working at Copia Marks was the Chief Wine Merchant at Wine.com, a wine Internet retailer serving more than 40 states. For 15 years prior, Marks was Director of Wine for the upscale Draeger’s Supermarkets located in Northern California. Marks graduated from the University of California at Davis in 1976 with a B.S. degree with highest honors in Food Service Management. His personal interest in wine led him to the wine trade in 1981. Marks is on the Education and Exam Board of the Institute of Masters of Wine, he is the Panel Chair of the Practical (Tasting) Exam for the Institute of Masters of Wine and he judges many international wine competitions. He is also a member of the Society of Wine Educators, teaches wine classes independently and through the Napa Valley Wine Academy, and he assists with many charitable fundraisers throughout the year. Marks enjoys riding his bike in the Napa Valley, especially up Mt. Veeder and through the beautiful vineyards.

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.

Catherine Bugue

Director of Education – WSET-Certified, D.W.S., IWP

Catherine is co-owner and Vice President of Education at the Napa Valley Wine Academy, overseeing WSET course delivery, instructors, and the creation of new courses. Catherine earned her Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Diploma in 2010 and numerous other post-nominals and instructs advanced-level courses such as the WSET Level 3 and Diploma units. Loving to write as much as teaching, Catherine sits on the Napa Valley Vintners and St Helena Star Tasting Panel and is a wine columnist for the Napa Valley Register. Catherine previously managed international wine accounts for Balzac Communications & Marketing, where she promoted the region and wines of Navarra, Rueda, Collio, Franciacorta, Chianti Classico, and more. She lives with her husband, François, in Napa Valley, where he is in wine production.

Gus Zhu

Master of Wine, Educator, Instructor

Gus Zhu is a certified instructor for Napa Valley Wine Academy, where he provides wine education to global wine professionals and consumers. He has also achieved the distinction of being the first Chinese national to earn the coveted Master of Wine title. His expertise lies in research and development, particularly in the field of creative oak product development with the esteemed Harv 81 Group, which includes Cork Supply, Tonnellerie Ô, and Studio Labels. In 2014, he earned the WSET Level 4 Diploma Award in Wines and Spirits, further solidifying his knowledge and expertise in the field. Gus began his journey in the wine industry as a wine educator, receiving guidance from esteemed industry leaders Fongyee Walker MW and Edward Ragg MW. In 2017, he graduated with a Master of Science degree in Viticulture and Enology from the prestigious University of California, Davis. This further solidifies his commitment to the academic field of wine, as evidenced by his MW dissertation on the sensory science of wine, as well as his co-authorship of a review paper, “A Quarter Century of Wine Pigment Discovery,” which was published in the Journal of Food and Agriculture.

Janet Casey

dipWSET, Master of Wine Candidate, Director of Curriculum & Development, WSET Certified Educator, Instructor

Janet Casey is Napa Valley Wine Academy’s Director of Curriculum & Development. Harnessing her Masters degree in Library & Information Science and post-graduate certification in Adult Learning & Leadership, she creates online courses and learning materials for all levels of wine students. Additionally, Janet is the lead wine buyer for the Academy and trains its instructors in innovative teaching methods and technologies using the latest advances in Adult Education to facilitate student learning. Janet holds the WSET Diploma in Wine & Spirits and teaches WSET Level 4 Diploma courses and masterclasses, with a focus on blind tasting, viticulture, sparkling and fortified production, and the wines of the France & the Mediterranean. She is passionate about expanding open access, inclusivity, and accessibility of wine knowledge and educational resources. She is a Stage 1 Master of Wine student and currently resides in Napa, California.

As the most awarded WSET provider in the USA and recipient of the Riedel Global Wine Educator of the Year Award, Napa Valley Wine Academy offers unmatched excellence in wine education. Our commitment is reflected in our innovative teaching methods, expert faculty, and the comprehensive resources provided to each student. By studying with us, you gain access to an esteemed network of professionals and a pathway to distinguished credentials in the wine industry.

13 instructor-led webinars covering key wine-producing regions and styles. Each class runs four hours and is also recorded for flexible learning.
Two full, instructor-led mock exam webinars near the end of the course (one theory and one tasting, using the wine kit) with live group feedback on your answers
Comprehensive study support through our proprietary online classroom, including worksheets, dozens of mock exam questions, opportunities to have your answers graded, custom-commissioned maps, and more.
Twice-weekly open office hours with our Diploma Program Director, Noelle Hale. Bring your questions!
Registration for the next available D3 exam

To taste along with the instructor during classes, consider purchasing the optional wine kit containing 102 carefully selected samples of 100mL each. It is extremely useful for calibration and also contains 12 samples that are used in a full mock tasting exam toward the end of the course.

WSET Level 4 D3 Webinar Schedule & Exam Dates

Course Start: October 27, 2025

15 sessions: Sat 9-1 (for 4 hrs) 11/1/25, 11/8/25, 11/22/25, 12/6/25, 12/13/25, 1/3/26, 1/10/26, 1/31/26, 2/7/26, 2/21/26, 3/7/26, 3/21/26, 4/4/26, 4/18/26 (9am-3pm for mock theory exam), 4/25/26 (9am-3pm for mock tasting exam)
Exam: May 12-13, 2026

Course Start: March 23, 2026

15 sessions: Sat 9-1 (for 4 hrs) 3/28/26, 4/11/26, 4/25/26, 5/2/26, 5/16/26, 5/30/26, 6/13/26, 6/27/26, 7/11/26, 7/25/26, 8/8/26, 8/22/26, 9/12/26, 9/26/26 (9am-3pm for mock theory exam), 10/3/26 (9am-3pm for mock tasting exam)
Exam: Oct 21-22, 2026

Course Start: October 26, 2026

15 sessions: Sat 9-1 (for 4 hrs) 11/7/26, 11/21/26, 12/5/26, 12/12/26, 1/2/27, 1/9/27, 1/23/27, 2/6/27, 2/20/27, 2/27/27, 3/13/27, 3/20/27, 4/3/27, 4/17/27 (9am-3pm for mock theory exam), 4/24/27 (9am-3pm for mock tasting exam)
Exam: May 11-12, 2027

The course meticulously examines the still wines of key wine-producing countries, delving into regional differences, grape varieties, and production techniques that define the character and quality of wines. From the Old World classics to New World innovations, students gain a critical understanding of global wine production.

This flexible online course is designed to accommodate students from around the world, with live webinars and interactive content delivered through Zoom. The final examinations are conducted in person in Napa, California, offering multiple dates to fit diverse schedules.

Course & Exam Dates

All webinars are held live on zoom. The exam must be taken in-person in Napa, California.

Course Start Date: October 27, 2025

Exam: May 12-13, 2026

Webinar Time: 9am-1pm PST on Saturdays

Webinar Dates: 15 sessions: Sat 9-1 (for 4 hrs) 11/1/25, 11/8/25, 11/22/25, 12/6/25, 12/13/25, 1/3/26, 1/10/26, 1/31/26, 2/7/26, 2/21/26, 3/7/26, 3/21/26, 4/4/26, 4/18/26 (9am-3pm for mock theory exam), 4/25/26 (9am-3pm for mock tasting exam)

Course Start Date: March 23, 2026

Exam: October 21-22, 2026

Webinar dates 15 sessions: Sat 9-1 (for 4 hrs) 3/28/26, 4/11/26, 4/25/26, 5/2/26, 5/16/26, 5/30/26, 6/13/26, 6/27/26, 7/11/26, 7/25/26, 8/8/26, 8/22/26, 9/12/26, 9/26/26 (9am-3pm for mock theory exam), 10/3/26 (9am-3pm for mock tasting exam)

Course Start Date: October 26, 2026

Exam: May 11-12, 2027

Webinar dates 15 sessions: Sat 9-1 (for 4 hrs) 11/7/26, 11/21/26, 12/5/26, 12/12/26, 1/2/27, 1/9/27, 1/23/27, 2/6/27, 2/20/27, 2/27/27, 3/13/27, 3/20/27, 4/3/27, 4/17/27 (9am-3pm for mock theory exam), 4/24/27 (9am-3pm for mock tasting exam)

Please note D3 includes an in-person exam.

You are automatically registered for the next in-person exam in Napa, CA upon D3 course enrollment, but you may change your exam date within your course Exam Options page. Click here to see all exam options.

Entrance into this advanced course requires completion of the WSET Level 4 Diploma units D1 and D2 courses and exams. We recommend dedicating around 250 hours of study over six months to fully prepare for the extensive material and examinations involved.

To support your learning journey, we provide an optional tasting kit, access to our proprietary D3 online course for extra resources. Our program is designed to not only prepare you for the exams but to significantly enhance your professional standing and personal enjoyment of wine.

Embark on this expert-level journey with Napa Valley Wine Academy, where your passion for wine and dedication to learning come together to forge a path to professional success and personal satisfaction in the world of wine.

Who is this course designed for?

The WSET Level 4 Diploma, D3 Wines of the World course is designed for wine industry professionals and dedicated enthusiasts who have already completed the D1 and D2 units of the WSET Level 4 Diploma. It is ideal for those seeking advanced knowledge of the main wine regions of the world and a rigorous assessment of their tasting and theoretical understanding.

2. What prerequisites are required for this course?

Participants must have successfully completed the WSET Level 4 Diploma Units D1 (Wine Production) and D2 (Wine Business) before enrolling in the D3 Wines of the World unit. These prerequisites ensure that all students have a foundational understanding necessary to tackle the advanced concepts covered in D3.

3. How is the course delivered?

The course is delivered online through a series of 13 webinars, each four hours long, held via Zoom. These are complemented by extensive digital resources, an optional wine tasting kit, and mock exams to prepare for the final assessment. All webinars are recorded and made available in the online classroom for later access.

4. What does the examination involve?

The examination consists of two parts conducted over two days. The first day features a three-hour and 20-minute written theory exam comprising multi-part, open-response style questions. The second day involves a practical blind tasting of 12 wines, divided into two papers. Candidates must demonstrate their ability to identify and assess the wines using the WSET Diploma SAT method.

5. How can I register for the course?

You can register by completing the check-out process above!

6. What materials will I receive upon registration?

Upon registration, you will gain access to the WSET’s digital study guide, which serves as the primary textbook for the unit. Additionally, you will receive access to NVWA's proprietary D3 online classroom, including supplemental resources like vocab lists, worksheets, custom maps, dozens of mock questions, and more.

7. What are the course dates and exam dates?

Please check the "What's Included" section above for upcoming course webinar and exam dates.

8. Is there an option to taste wines as part of this course?

Yes, there is an optional wine kit available for purchase that includes 102 samples of wines tasted during the class zoom webinars. The wine kit is extremely useful for ensuring you are well-calibrated for the tasting exam.

9. How long should I expect to study for this course?

Students should expect to dedicate a minimum of 250 hours of study over approximately six months, which translates to about 10-14 hours of study per week.

10. What support is available to students during the course?

Students have access to instructor feedback, a comprehensive online classroom, and the optional participation in mock exams. Additionally, our faculty is available for personal guidance, and students can interact with peers through our dedicated learning platform.

Feel free to reach out to us with any further questions or for more detailed information on specific aspects of the WSET Level 4 Diploma | D3 Wines of the World course.

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WSET Level 4 Diploma | D3 Wines of the World

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