WSET Level 1 Award in Wines at Napa Valley Wine Academy

The WSET Level 1 Award in Wines, offered by Napa Valley Wine Academy, America's leading wine school, is an esteemed introduction from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) based in London. This entry-level course is ideal for anyone new to the wine industry or those who have a passion for wine and wish to expand their knowledge in a structured way.

As the premier WSET provider in the U.S., Napa Valley Wine Academy offers a comprehensive program that introduces the fundamentals of wine tasting and the characteristics of major wine styles. The course includes a systematic approach to tasting, using the WSET Level 1 Systematic Approach to Tasting® (SAT), and covers the basics of major grape varieties and key wine regions. Participants will explore a variety of wines from Europe, the Americas, and beyond, learning about wine production techniques and simple labeling laws.

This certification program is perfectly suited for those beginning their journey in wine education, whether for personal enjoyment or as a stepping stone in a professional career. It’s particularly well-suited for individuals starting roles in hospitality, retail, or service industries.

Completing the WSET Level 1 Award in Wines provides a solid foundation in wine, enabling you to confidently understand wine styles, engage in basic discussions about wine, and make informed decisions about wine selection and service. This one-day intensive program is an excellent introduction, recognized globally for setting a high educational standard and preparing students for further wine education.

Begin your wine education at Napa Valley Wine Academy, a repeated winner of the Wine Educator of the Year award, and experience a commitment to excellence that sets you apart in the wine community.

Download the course specification.

Learn from the Best

Imagine learning from top wine experts, including Master Sommeliers and 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.

Upon enrollment, students gain access to our online course -> Within about 30 min of enrollment, students.

Your Registration Fee Includes

• 6 hours of live in-person instruction 
• Registration and exam fees
• Tastings of 8 wines
• WSET Level 1 textbook and study workbook provided in class, a pdf version available within the pre-course online for in person courses.

Access to our proprietary online pre-course study modules.Upon enrollment, students gain access to our online course study is self-paced and accessible 24/7 with videos, hands-on experiments and interactive quizzes. WSET Level 1 Wines study material is entirely available online.

1. An Introduction to Wines
2. Understanding the Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine
3. Storage and Service
4. Food and Wine Pairing
5. Mock examination 
6. Exam: 45 minute, 30 multiple-choice questions.

This course is offered as a 1-day intensives in-Person course in the following locations (dates may vary):

Denver - 1201 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203 - Denver International Airport (DEN) is the nearest airport

Napa - NVWA HQ - 2501 Oak St, Napa, CA 94559 - San Francisco (SFO) or Sacramento (SMF) are the nearest airports

Nashville - 1715 West End Avenue, Nashville, 37203 TN - Nashville Airport (BNA) is the nearest airport

Tampa - The Epicurean - 1207 S Howard Ave, Tampa, FL 33606 - Tampa International (TPA) is the nearest airport

Santa Barbara - 1500 Alamo Pintado Rd, Solvang, CA 93463 - Santa Barbara (SBA) is the nearest airport

Los Angeles - Hilton Culver City - 6161 West Centinela Ave. Culver City, CA 90230 - Los Angeles International (LAX) in the nearest airport

All attendees must be at least 21 years of age.

PREREQUISITE: This is a beginner course suitable for those without previous wine knowledge. 

RECOMMENDED STUDY HOURS needed to pass the exam are 8-12. Please plan on investing 4-6 hours of study prior to the day of class for your WSET Level 1 success.

For more information and full details on the course requirements, please download the Specification below.

Specification 

WSET Level 1 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine® (SAT)

Before you join us in person, you’ll have access to a comprehensive online pre-study module that is available right after enrollment. This preparation is crucial for excelling in your Level 1 exam, conducted after your in-class session. Notably, our students consistently achieve among the highest WSET exam scores worldwide.

This introductory wine certification course engages students visually, olfactorily, and gustatorily to deepen their understanding of wine. By the end of the course, you will be proficient in using a systematic approach to tasting and will recognize the main wine styles. Additionally, you’ll grasp the basic principles of food and wine pairing and will be able to make informed choices regarding your food and wine pairings. Napa Valley Wine Academy provides essential Level 1 WSET exam study tips. Tasting is a vital component of the course, featuring guided tastings of 6-8 wines selected to help calibrate your palate to the WSET Level 1 Systematic Approach to Tasting.