Napa Valley Wine Expert Online Course™

See Napa Like Never Before

For most people, Napa is a name on a label — familiar yet distant. You know it’s special, but the details behind what makes its wines world-class remain a mystery.

Now imagine seeing Napa through the eyes of an insider. You recognize each AVA by its soils, climate, and character. You understand how winemaking choices and microclimates shape every bottle, and you can speak about Napa Valley with true authority.

The Napa Valley Wine Expert™ Online Course, created and taught by Master of Wine Peter Marks, is the first and only certification program devoted entirely to this legendary region. You’ll explore the valley’s history, geology, climate, grape varieties, and producers through a dynamic online format designed for both professionals and passionate wine lovers.

With 12 months of online access, you’ll learn at your own pace and earn the respected NVWE postnominal upon successful completion.

Why Take This Course:

Learn from Peter Marks, MW, one of only 52 Masters of Wine in the U.S.
Gain the only certification dedicated exclusively to Napa Valley wines
Deepen your expertise in AVAs, soils, grape varieties, and winemaking traditions
Earn your NVWE credential and stand out as a Napa Valley authority
Enjoy flexible, self-paced learning with instant access upon enrollment

Perfect for wine professionals, WSET graduates, and serious enthusiasts ready to move beyond tasting notes into terroir, culture, and craft.

Transform the way you see, taste, and talk about Napa Valley — and join the community of certified Napa Valley Wine Experts™.

Students

Master Napa Valley — The Heart of American Wine

Before this course, Napa might just be a name on a bottle — familiar, but distant.

After, you’ll see the valley differently: every hillside, microclimate, and winemaker’s choice shaping the wines you love and sell.

The Napa Valley Wine Expert™ course is the first and only certification dedicated entirely to Napa Valley. Guided by Master of Wine Peter Marks, you’ll uncover the deep story behind America’s most iconic wine region — its history, geology, AVAs, and producers — through a curriculum built for both passion and professional growth.

Why Take This Course

Learn from a Master: Study with Peter Marks, MW, one of only 52 Masters of Wine in the U.S.
Exclusive Focus: The only program in the world dedicated solely to the wines of Napa Valley.
Comprehensive Curriculum: Explore AVAs, climate, soil, grape varieties, winemaking styles, and the people shaping the region’s legacy.
Earn Your NVWE Postnominal: Gain professional recognition as a Napa Valley Wine Expert™.
Flexible Online Learning: Access the course instantly and learn at your own pace for 12 months.

Who It’s For

Wine Professionals in sales, hospitality, marketing, or production who want to deepen expertise and credibility.
WSET Level 2 or 3 Graduates seeking a focused, advanced understanding of Napa Valley.
Serious Enthusiasts ready to go beyond tasting notes and into terroir, culture, and craft.

Transform Your Understanding of Napa Valley

This is the most comprehensive, in-depth study program ever created on Napa Valley wines — designed to give you the knowledge, language, and confidence to speak about Napa like an insider.

Enroll today and begin your journey toward becoming a certified Napa Valley Wine Expert™.

Your 12-month course access begins immediately upon registration.

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.

Learn from the Best

Imagine learning from top wine experts, including 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

Each year, over 6,000 students choose to start their wine education with us. 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.

Course Goodies Include:

Flexible Fun: For 12 months, you can access videos, quizzes, and all the wine wisdom. Hop in any time you like!
Optional Final Exam: Your Gateway to a Napa Valley Wine Expert Certification

This comprehensive program is structured into five detailed modules, each focusing on key aspects of Napa Valley’s wine industry:

History & Appellations: Explore the development of Napa Valley's AVAs, understand the distinction between Nested and Sub AVAs, and delve into the rich history of the region.
Climate & Terroir: Gain insights into how Napa Valley's climate and topography influence viticulture and wine styles.
Grape Growing & Winemaking: Learn about the viticultural practices and winemaking processes that make Napa Valley unique.
Key Grape Varieties: Study the major white and red grape varieties that define Napa Valley's wines.
Napa Valley AVAs: A deep dive into the characteristics of Mountain and Valley AVAs, and explore areas outside the established AVAs.

The Napa Valley Wine Expert course is offered entirely online, affording you the utmost flexibility to immerse yourself in the study of this prestigious wine region from any location that suits your lifestyle. Whether you choose to engage from the comfort of your home, a cozy corner in your favorite café, or while unwinding in your backyard, this course is structured to blend seamlessly into your routine.

Designed for convenience and ease of access, our online platform allows you to explore the depths of Napa Valley's wine history, terroir, and viticultural practices at your own pace. This format ensures that your learning experience is as enjoyable as it is educational, providing a robust framework to enhance your wine knowledge without the constraints of physical attendance.

All attendees must be at least 21 years of age.

To ensure that all participants have a fruitful learning experience, it is recommended that applicants have an intermediate level of wine knowledge before enrolling in this course. This includes an understanding of winemaking processes, familiarity with major grape varieties, and a grasp of common wine terminology and concepts.

System Requirements: This course is taught 100% online; students will require access to a computer with the following minimum requirements: Firefox 25.0, Safari 6, Chrome 30.0, or other HTML5 compatible with Javascript and cookies enabled. Adobe Reader XI or equivalent. Internet access (broadband recommended).

Who is the Napa Valley Wine Expert course designed for? This course is ideal for anyone with an intermediate level of knowledge about wine, including WSET Level 2 or 3 certificate holders, wine industry professionals, or enthusiastic amateurs seeking a deep dive into the specifics of Napa Valley’s wine culture and offerings.

What are the prerequisites for this course? Participants should have a foundational understanding of general winemaking and key grape varieties, typically gained from previous educational courses like WSET Level 2 or 3, or equivalent professional wine experience.

What will I learn in the Napa Valley Wine Expert course? The course covers a comprehensive range of topics focused on Napa Valley, including its history, detailed exploration of its AVAs, climate and terroir impacts, viticulture and winemaking techniques, and key grape varieties.

How is the course structured? The course is divided into five modules, each focusing on different aspects of Napa Valley wine: history and appellations, climate and terroir, grape growing and winemaking, key grape varieties, and a detailed look at Napa Valley AVAs. Each module includes lessons, handouts, and quizzes to reinforce learning, culminating in a final certification exam.

How is the certification exam formatted? The online proctored exam consists of 50 questions, including matching, fill-in-the-blank, map identification, multiple-choice, and spelling, to be completed in 40 minutes. A score of 80% or higher is required to pass and earn the Napa Valley Wine Expert Certificate.

What if I do not pass the exam on the first try? If you do not achieve the passing score on your initial attempt, you can retake the exam. The course is designed to provide you with ample resources and learning support to help you succeed.

How long do I have access to the course materials? Enrollment in the Napa Valley Wine Expert course grants you 12 months of access to all course materials, allowing you to study at your own pace and revisit topics as needed.

Can I add the NWE postnominal to my professional title after completing this course? Yes, successful completion of the course and passing the final exam allows you to use the NWE postnominal letters after your name, denoting your certification as a Napa Valley Wine Expert.

How can I share my certification? Your digital certificate is shareable with a single click to over 100 social media platforms, and it can be easily added to LinkedIn, embedded in email signatures, or displayed on personal websites to showcase your achievement.

Is this course suitable for international students? Absolutely. Since the course is delivered online, it is accessible to participants from around the globe, provided they have internet access and meet the prerequisite wine knowledge requirements.

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