WSET Level 3 Award in Wine at Napa Valley Wine Academy

Embark on a transformative experience with the WSET Level 3 Award in Wine Bootcamp at the prestigious Napa Valley Wine Academy, where wine education converges with hands-on experience in America's premier wine country. This exclusive seven-day course offers an immersive dive into the art and science of winemaking during the most dynamic time of the year—the harvest season.

Unique Features of the WSET Level 3 Bootcamp:

• Exclusive Harvest Participation: Take part in the harvest, providing a hands-on opportunity to learn directly in the vineyards and cellars, making this experience invaluable. Engage with every step, from picking grapes to the subtleties of the fermentation process.
• Field Trips and Winemaker Dinner: Visit iconic Napa Valley vineyards, engage with renowned winemakers, and enjoy a special winemaker dinner. These excursions offer intimate insights into the craft and tradition of winemaking that define the region.
• Comprehensive Tasting Sessions: Taste over 100 wines throughout the course, focusing on the WSET Level 3 Systematic Approach to Tasting® (SAT). This structured approach enhances your ability to assess and appreciate the complexity of wines.
• Global Wine Education: Delve into the world of wines from significant regions including France, Italy, Spain, the Americas, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. Understand regional differences and varietal characteristics through guided tastings and expert instruction.
• Expert-Led Curriculum: Learn from some of the industry's most respected instructors who bring a blend of scholarly knowledge and practical expertise to the classroom. The curriculum covers viticulture, vinification, fortified and sparkling wines, and detailed sessions on wine laws and labeling.

Program Highlights Include:

• Day 1: Introduction to tasting techniques and fundamental influences in the vineyard and cellar.
• Day 2: Field trips to Corison Winery and Stony Hill Winery for cellar work and tastings, plus a vineyard tour and lunch at Lamb Vineyards.
• Day 3 to Day 4: Intensive study of European wines, exploring white and red wines across major wine-producing regions.
• Day 5: A mock tasting exam followed by sessions on premium wines from the USA, Australia, and a dinner at Smith Madrone Winery.
• Day 6: Focus on premium white wines of the New World and a hands-on winemaking experience at Holman Cellars during harvest.
• Day 7: Examination of regional specialties, sparkling, and fortified wines, preparing you for the final examination.
• Day 8: Final WSET Level 3 Certification Examination

Certification and Skills: Successfully completing the WSET Level 3 Award in Wine certifies your deep understanding and capability to discuss wine with confidence, supporting both personal passions and professional endeavors. This certification is ideal for those aiming to hold leadership roles within the wine industry or for serious wine enthusiasts seeking to deepen their knowledge.

Spaces are limited for this one-of-a-kind educational retreat in Napa Valley, awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Seize the opportunity to become a Napa Valley insider, make lifelong connections, and gain credentials that will propel your wine career to new heights. Join us at the Napa Valley Wine Academy for a commitment to excellence in wine education that sets you apart in the industry.

Download the WSET Level 3 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 in class
• Registration and exam fees
• Tastings of over 100+ wines
• Transportation on field trip days and winemaker dinner is included.
• Gourmet lunches on all days are included.
• 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 7-day intensive in-Person Boot Camp course with exam on day 8 in the following locations (dates may vary):

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

Santa Barbara - 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.