At Napa Valley Wine Academy, it's about the people and the place. Nestled in the heart of the iconic Napa Valley, our academy offers an unparalleled learning experience in one of the world's premier wine destinations. We believe that learning is enriched by the community you build along the way and the inspiring environment of Napa Valley.

Join Napa Valley Wine Academy Monday In-Person tasting group to learn how to taste wines. This is a one-hour study workshop for anyone who would like to improve their tasting abilities, especially students who are preparing for WSET exams (including Level 3 and Diploma). Learn about wine structure, grape varieties, and the influence of climate and weather conditions on wine style. Compare and contrast three wines with a Master of Wine candidate. Register now, only 12 seats are available!

Join us on Thursday, September 12th from 6pm-8pm for a tasting trip through several of Greece's diverse wine regions and its unique indigenous varietals -  which are hard to pronounce but fun to say!  Lisa Stavropoulos, Owner of Greek Grape Wine Tours, will first provide us some important historical background on the category and then we will sip the wines of Macedonia, Nemea, Mantinia, Santorini and Crete as we learn what makes them all so unique. Lisa, who has completed WSET Level 3, has spent the last 13 years of her 20+ year wine career focused on the wines of Greece Lisa's idea for Greek Grape Wine Tours was spurred by her marketing work she did with Diamond Wine Importers. Diamond imports some of the most prestigious Greek brands (Alpha Estate, Kir-Yianni, Domaine Skouras, Domaine Sigalas, etc) and wines from their portfolio will be featured at the Master Class.  After showing distributors, retailers, and restauranteurs the beauty of the wines, wineries and wine regions of Greece, she was inspired to share these experiences with wine enthusiasts, especially since, at the time, no other tour organization was focused just on wine and food tours to Greece. Greek Grape Wine Tours has won 3 prestigious awards, most recently from World Luxury Travel Awards for Best Wine Tour in Europe. 6 PM arrival, 6:15 start.

Embark on a comprehensive two-day journey to master the nuances of Champagne with our Champagne Specialist Course, certified by the Comité Champagne. Day 1 (9:00am – 5:00pm) covers the rich history, production methods, and tasting techniques, providing a solid foundation in Champagne expertise. Day 2 (9:00am – 6:00pm) delves deeper into food pairings and recommendation strategies, culminating in a certification exam from 4:00pm to 6:00pm, ensuring you can confidently recommend and discuss Champagne.

Discover the intricate process of ice wine production and uncover the secrets behind the depth and concentration of this renowned wine style. This masterclass delves into Inniskillin’s rich history and significant contributions to Canadian winemaking. Highlights: Ice Wine Production: Learn the unique methods and conditions required to produce high-quality ice wine. Inniskillin’s Legacy: Explore the storied history of Inniskillin, a pioneer in the Canadian wine industry. Expert Insights: Gain a deep understanding of the techniques and practices that result in the exceptional flavor and concentration of Inniskillin ice wines. Tasting Experience: Savor a selection of Inniskillin’s finest ice wines and experience the distinctive characteristics that set them apart. 6 PM arrival, 6:15 start.

We know that the world of champagne can be a little confusing. That’s why we created this event for you. You will learn about all the different types of champagne, from single varietal to blends and nonvintage to vintage. You will also get an opportunity to taste them all! This event will teach you everything you need to know about this iconic drink so that when it’s time for your own celebration, you’ll feel confident ordering a bottle of this famous bubbly for yourself or your guests. And if all else fails, we’ve got some great ideas on how to make any day feel like Champagne Day! 6 PM arrival, 6:15 start.

Join us for a unique opportunity to learn about the world of wine in a hands-on experience in the heart of America’s wine country. This “hands-on course” includes getting dirty during spring or harvest and visiting both vineyards and the cellar. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to understand what makes each Napa Valley vintage unique entirely. PLEASE NOTE that WSET Level 3 Bootcamp courses take place over 7 consecutive days with the exam held on day 8 Level 3 exam registration is included.

Have you heard of the Spanish wine revolution? Join us for an exciting seminar to explore the six major trends currently taking the spotlight in Rioja. Learn about the new labeling laws that showcase the place of origin and how this impacts the perception of Rioja wines. Discover the approval of resurrected native and international grape varieties, which has resulted in the growth of white wine sales. Understand the importance of establishing the phrase “Viñedo Singular” and how it designates a special vineyard to reveal a sense of place. Explore the exciting approval of the production and sale of Rioja sparkling wines, as well as the growth in rosé wine production. 6 PM arrival, 6:15 start.

Our WSET Level 1 course gives you the basic skills to talk and taste like a professional. This course is designed to be hands-on and fun. You will explore different styles of wines through sight, smell, and taste and learn the fundamental principles involved in the storage and service of wine.

A beginner-level introduction to spirits for those starting a career in the industry or pursuing an interest in spirits. For individuals new to the subject, this qualification offers a hands-on introduction to the world of spirits.

Are you new to beer study? Our WSET Level 1 Award in Beer course will help you begin talking about and tasting beer like a professional. For individuals new to the subject, this qualification offers a hands-on introduction to the world of beer. You’ll explore the main styles of beer through sight, smell, and taste to develop an understanding of the key factors affecting flavors and aromas.

Enroll in the WSET Level 2 course to explore the world's wine styles and regions, and refine your tasting skills with guided tastings of approximately 30 wines. Join now and learn to identify principal grape varieties, decode wine labels, and master the WSET’s Level 2 Systematic Approach to Wine Tasting (SAT).

Learn how to confidently taste and evaluate wines while delving into the nuances of wine tasting; explore the growing environment, the intricacies of winemaking and the identification of classic and regionally significant grape varieties while exploring where these grape varieties grow around the world and their respective wine styles. Our dynamic presentations include an array of experiences, guiding you through a global wine exploration.

For individuals wishing to develop their expertise in spirits and liqueurs, this qualification provides comprehensive training. You’ll learn about the production methods and characteristics of the main spirit categories, while also exploring key brands and the use of spirits in cocktails. Upon successful completion, you will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin and will be able to use the associated WSET certified logo.

If you’re ready to go beyond the basics, the WSET Level 2 Award in Beer offers a deeper look at the beer ingredients, production, and the world’s famous beer styles. You’ll also elevate your tasting skills with guided tastings of key beer styles.

We teach our students the WSET way of thinking. You’ll not only know the material, but you’ll also understand what they are looking for so you can feel confident on test day. You’ll also be ready for the blind tasting portion of the exam with guided tastings of approximately 80 benchmark wines.

Once underappreciated, the wines of Beaujolais and the versatile Gamay grape are now revered by consumers and experts alike. Beaujolais offers just about everything one could ask for in a wine – drinkability, fruitiness, structure, and at an affordable price. Come and discover the great gems and producers of this transformative region as we taste the just-released Beaujolais Nouveau up to and including the incredible Crus of Beaujolais. 6 PM arrival, 6:15 start.