WSET Level 3 Award in Wine at Napa Valley Wine Academy

The WSET Level 3 Award in Wine, offered by Napa Valley Wine Academy, America's leading wine school, is a globally recognized qualification from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), based in London. This course is ideal for serious wine enthusiasts and those seeking to advance in their wine careers, providing deep insights into the dynamics of wine tasting and winemaking across all major world wine regions.

As the most awarded WSET provider in the U.S., Napa Valley Wine Academy offers an intensive study program that covers the systematic approach to tasting and detailed regional exploration. You'll delve into the intricacies of France, Italy, Spain, and other key wine regions in Europe, the Americas, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. This comprehensive coverage not only broadens knowledge but also enhances tasting skills, with over 90 wines sampled throughout the course focusing on the WSET Level 3 Systematic Approach to Tasting®  (SAT).

Our expert instructors, led by industry leaders, ensure a learning experience that combines scholarly study with practical knowledge. The course structure also includes detailed sessions on fortified and sparkling wines, adding diversity to your learning experience.

The Napa Valley Wine Academy is not just a place of learning but a community where wine lovers, from novices to seasoned professionals, come to sharpen their skills, prepare for leadership roles, and gain the credentials necessary for a flourishing career in the wine industry.

The WSET Level 3 Award in Wine certification equips you with the knowledge to confidently discuss wine with authority and make informed decisions in various aspects of the wine business. It's an essential step for anyone aiming to achieve profound expertise in wine tasting and evaluation.

Embark on your wine education journey with Napa Valley Wine Academy, a proud recipient of multiple Wine Educator of the Year awards, and experience a commitment to excellence that sets you apart in the wine industry.

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.

Your Registration Fee Includes

• 40 hours of live class
• Registration and exam fees
• Tastings of over 90 wines
• WSET Level 3 complete study pack with an exclusive textbook and study workbook

Access to our proprietary online pre-course study modules.Upon enrollment, students gain access to their online course for preparation before the in-person class. Our online course study is self-paced and accessible 24/7 with videos, hands-on experiments, and interactive quizzes.

1. Course induction and tasting technique
2. Natural factors and human influences in the vineyard
3. Human influences in the winery
4. White wines of Germany, Alsace, Austria and Tokaj
5. White wines of Burgundy, Loire and Bordeaux
6. Red and rosé wines of Bordeaux, South West France and the Loire Valley
7. Red wines of Burgundy, Beaujolais, and the red and white wines of the northern Rhône Valley
8. Red, white and rosé wines of southern Rhône and southern France. Red wines of Spain Part 1 and white wines of Spain and Portugal 5
9. Red wines of Northern Spain and red and white wines of Northern Italy
10. Red and white wines of central and southern Italy, red wines of Portugal and red and white wines of Greece
11. Premium red wines of New Zealand, USA and Australia
12. Premium white wines of New Zealand, South Africa, Australia, USA and Canada
13. Regional specialities of Australia, South Africa and USA. Premium red and white wines of Argentina and Chile
14. Sparkling Wines
15. Fortified Wines

This course is offered as a 5-day intensives in-Person course in the following locations (dates may vary):

Napa - NVWA HQ - 2501 Oak St, Napa, CA 94559

Tampa - The Epicurean - 1207 S Howard Ave, Tampa, FL 33606

Santa Barbara - 1500 Alamo Pintado Rd, Solvang, CA 93463

Los Angeles - Coming Soon

All attendees must be at least 21 years of age.

PREREQUISITE: This is an advanced-level course.  Students not holding WSET Level 2 Certification in wines or equivalent are invited to take the free placement test to assess their readiness via link on the main product page.

RECOMMENDED STUDY HOURS needed to pass the exam with distinction is 84 hours, made up of 32.5 Guided Learning Hours and 51.5 hours private study.

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

Download the WSET Level 3 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine®

Who Can Benefit from the WSET Level 3 Award in Wines at Napa Valley Wine Academy?

At Napa Valley Wine Academy, our WSET Level 3 Award in Wines is designed for those who aspire to broaden their understanding of the world’s leading wines and master a systematic approach to tasting that evaluates wine quality and pricing.

This course is particularly advantageous for professionals within the global wine industry, providing them with the knowledge and confidence required to make informed decisions in various trade contexts. It is especially valuable for those in supervisory roles or individuals aiming to progress to such positions, offering essential skills to advise on wine selections effectively.

Moreover, the WSET Level 3 course is an excellent resource for wine collectors and serious enthusiasts. It deepens their comprehension of diverse international wines, enhancing their ability to assess quality and value, ensuring they are knowledgeable consumers and collectors.

Whether you are looking to advance your career in the wine industry or simply wish to deepen your appreciation and understanding of wine, the WSET Level 3 Award in Wines at Napa Valley Wine Academy provides the comprehensive education and critical tasting skills you need to achieve your goals.