WSET Level 4 Diploma | D5 Fortified Wine course logo featuring a woman holding a glass, set against a rectangular background with white text.

WSET Level 4 Diploma | D5 Fortified Wine

WSET Level 4 Diploma | D5 Fortified Wine

Regular price $997.00
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Course Date

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, NE, NH, NV, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, TN, TX, VA, WA, WI, WY, and Wash DC.

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

Embark on a comprehensive journey through the complex and nuanced world of fortified wines with the WSET Level 4 Diploma, Unit D5. This module provides an in-depth exploration of fortified wine styles, including Sherry, Port, Madeira, Vins Doux Naturels, and Rutherglen Muscat. Designed for wine professionals and enthusiasts, this course offers the specialized knowledge needed to master these unique wines.

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.

As the largest and most awarded WSET provider in the USA, Napa Valley Wine Academy is recognized globally for excellence in wine education. With accolades such as the Riedel Global Wine Educator of the Year, we ensure the highest educational standards, supported by expert instructors and comprehensive digital resources.

  • Six detailed, instructor-led webinars delivered via Zoom
  • Access to the WSET's digital study guide and online classroom
  • Additional resources including videos, mock exams, and guided reading questions
  • Optional 18-bottle tasting kit for a hands-on learning experience at home
  • Recordings of all sessions for flexible learning
  • 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 D5 Webinar Schedule

  • Course Start Date: April 7, 2025 6 sessions: 4/16/25, 4/23/25, 4/30/25, 5/7/25, 5/14/25, 5/21/25 (Wed 5-7 pm)

  • Course Start Date:  August 18, 2025 6 sessions: 8/20/25, 8/27/25, 9/3/25, 9/17/25, 9/24/25, 10/1/25 (Wed 5-7 pm)

  • Course Start Date: November 3, 2025 6 sessions: 11/5/25, 11/12/25, 11/19/25, 12/3/25, 12/10/25, 12/17/25 (Wed 5-7 pm)

The course covers the production techniques, cultural significance, and sensory evaluation of fortified wines. Through guided tastings using the optional wine kit and expert instruction, students will learn to identify and assess the quality and style of various fortified wines.

  • Online interactive webinars with an in-person exam in Napa, California

Completion of Units D1 and D2 of the WSET Level 4 Diploma is required before enrolling in this course.

  • Engage with peers and instructors through the WSET Online Global Campus
  • Take advantage of additional preparatory materials and mock exams to ensure exam readiness

Course Dates: November 13, 2023-January 23, 2024

Exam Date: January 24, 2024 (June 12, 2024 and October 22, 2024 exams also available with prior notice)
Registration Deadline: October 13, 2023

Webinar Times: 5-7pm PST on Wednesdays

Webinar Dates: 11/15/2023, 11/29/23, 12/6/23, 12/13/23, 12/20/23, 1/3/2024

Course Dates: April 1, 2024-June 11, 2024
Exam Date: June 12, 2024 (October 22, 2024 and January 3, 2025 exams also available with prior notice)
Registration Deadline: March 15, 2024
Webinar Times: 5-7pm PST on Wednesdays
Webinar Dates: 4/3/24, 4/10/24, 4/17/24, 5/1/24, 5/8/24, 5/15/24

Course Dates: August 12, 2024-October 21, 2024
Exam Date: October 22, 2024 (January 3, 2025 and other 2025 exams also available with prior notice)
Registration Deadline: July 12, 2024
Webinar Times: 5-7pm PST on Wednesdays
Webinar Dates: 8/14/24, 8/21/24, 8/28/24, 9/11/24, 9/18/24, 9/25/24

Course Dates: November 4, 2024-January 21, 2025
Exam Date: January 22, 2025 (Later 2025 exams also available with prior notice)
Registration Deadline: October 4, 2024
Webinar Times: 5-7pm PST on Thursdays
Webinar Dates: 11/6/24, 11/13/24, 11/20/24, 12/4/24, 12/11/24, 12/18/24


Enhance your professional wine credentials with the WSET Level 4 Diploma at Napa Valley Wine Academy. Here, your passion for wine education will evolve into expertise, enabling you to excel in the wine industry.

Wine Can Be Complex.
Wine Education Shouldn't Be.

Whether you’re looking to advance in your career with a WSET certification or just be more confident in the wine aisle, we offer the instruction and support you need to achieve your wine education goals. With Napa Valley Wine Academy,  you can:

  • Earn your WSET certification (Levels 1-4) from the world’s largest, most-awarded program provider
  • Get the basics without the stress of certification in our Wine 101 or 201 courses
  • Gain an edge in a certain wine region with one of our specialty certifications
  • Learn hands-on in an immersive wine experience