UPDATED: 09/2024

Students agree to these terms and conditions upon checkout.

MEMBERSHIP SITE ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION

If you cancel your annual membership within 48 hours of signing up, you may qualify for a full refund minus a $20 service fee. Cancellations after this period won’t be refunded. Upon cancellation, we’ll stop all future subscription charges. Notify us anytime to cancel; it takes effect at the current billing period’s end without a refund for the unused term. Your access and benefits will last until this period concludes.

ONLINE COURSE & WORKSHOP REFUNDS & TRANSFERS

Online course and workshop cancellations are permitted up to 14 business days before the start date, with a refund issued minus a $50 admin fee, study materials, exam fees, and wine kit costs. Separate WSET certification exam cancellation/transfer rules and fees apply.
Enrollments can be transferred to another course or student until 14 business days before the start, subject to a $50 admin fee and costs for additional materials and fees. Transfers are not allowed into the next academic year starting January 1.
Cancellations made less than 14 days before or after the course starts are not refundable. Course transfers are possible for 50% of the tuition. Wine kits sold separately.
For WSET certification course extensions beyond 12 months, re-enrollment in a new course with a new exam credit is required, excluding wine kits, at 50% of the original fee. No extensions are offered, and exam fees included in tuition expire after 12 months; new exams can be purchased separately.

IN-PERSON COURSE & WORKSHOP REFUNDS & TRANSFERS

In-person course and workshop cancellations are accepted up to 60 days before the start date, subject to a $50 admin fee plus costs for study materials and exam fees. The rest of the course fee will be refunded. WSET exam cancellation/transfer rules are separate.
Transfers to a different course can be made 60 days before the start of the course, with a $50 admin fee. Transfers to the next academic year, starting January 1, are not allowed.
Cancellations made less than 60 days before the start date or no-shows are non-refundable/transferable, except with medical documentation, which allows transfer to a later course without a refund.
Students are advised to buy separate travel insurance.

TERMS & CONDITIONS and REFUND POLICY FOR WINE BOOTCAMPS 

Turicum LLC (“Operator”) provides certain trips in countries including but not limited to USA, France, Italy, Germany, South Africa, Greece, and Switzerland (each a “Trip”).  These Terms and Conditions (the “Terms and Conditions” or “Agreement”) apply to each Trip provided by the Operator. The program for a given Trip is the “Itinerary.”  In these Terms and Conditions, each attendee of the Trip is referred to as a “Guest.”

Trip Services and Provisions:  Operator is responsible solely for coordinating the provision of the services and goods specifically described in the Itinerary (the “Services and Goods”).

DEFINITIONS

In this Agreement, the term “Wine Tour Activities” shall include all activities, events or services provided, arranged, organized, conducted, sponsored or authorized by the Operator in relation to the Trip and other such activities, events, and services in any way connected with or related to the Operator.

Reservations, Deposits and Trip Fees:

A non-refundable and non-transferable deposit of US$1500 per Guest per Trip (except when a different amount is otherwise noted in writing by Operator) and a completed Guest Reservation Form (“Reservation Form”), which includes electronic acceptance of these Terms and Conditions, is required for a Guest to reserve space for each Trip.  The balance of the Trip payment price (together with the deposit previously paid, the “Trip Fees”) is due sixty (60) days before the Trip Start Date as listed on the Itinerary.  If Operator does not receive full payment of the Trip Fees at least sixty (60)  days prior to the Trip Start Date, as defined below, Operator may cancel Guest’s reservation and withhold the non-refundable and non-transferable deposit. Guests will be invoiced for payment of the final balance. All Trip Fees are in U.S. Dollars and are based on double occupancy. Due to US Dollar/Euro exchange rate fluctuation and other factors, Operator can only guarantee the amount of the total Trip Fees upon Operator’s receipt of Guest’s completed Reservation Form and payment of the Trip Fees. Otherwise, at any time prior to payment of the Trip Fees, the total advertised Trip Fees due are subject to change without notice. If Guest makes his or her reservation within sixty (60)  days of the Trip Start Date, the Reservation Form must be accompanied by payment of the full amount of the Trip Fees.

Services and Goods Included in Trip Fees: All Services and Goods set forth in the Itinerary are included in the Trip Fees. Except as expressly stated in the Itinerary, Guest is solely responsible for any Trip-related costs that Guest incurs.

Not included in Trip Fees: Goods and services not included in the Trip Fees include but are not limited to: roundtrip airfare/train fare to and from Trip destination country and Trip start and conclusion city or group meeting location, telephone calls, personal items, laundry, individual purchases, pre-dinner beverages or cocktails consumed separately from the group or during leisure time, wines or other beverages not included by Operator during the Trip, extra meals or snacks, room service, cocktails, or personally ordered wines, even if consumed in place of those provided by Operator during the Trip, gratuities to Trip Guide(s)/Leader(s) and professional driver(s) of the Trip, any other costs not specified in the finalized Itinerary or elsewhere in writing. Guest is responsible for all of the above and the cost of any changes Guest makes to the Trip and Services and Goods provided for the Trip. Guest is responsible for his/her transportation costs incurred to and from the Trip hotels set forth in the Itinerary in the event that Guest is unable to participate in any group pick-up and/or group drop-off included in the Trip.

Guest Cancellation & Refund Policy:

If Guest chooses to cancel his or her reservation, Operator must receive written notice of said cancellation via e-mail sent to support@napavalleywineacademy.com (with confirmation of receipt thereof from Operator) and Guest shall be subject to the following cancellation fee schedule: If Operator receives written notice ninety-one (91) or more days prior to the first day of the Trip (the “Trip Start Date”), Operator shall withhold the non-refundable deposit of US $1500. If Operator receives written notice between sixty-one (61) and ninety (90) days prior to the Trip Start Date, Operator shall withhold the non-refundable deposit and Guest shall incur a cancellation fee equal to twenty-five percent (25%) of the remaining balance of the Trip Fees. If Operator receives written notice between thirty-one (31) and sixty (60) days prior to the Trip Start Date, Operator shall withhold the non-refundable deposit and Guest shall incur a cancellation fee equal to fifty percent (50%) of the remaining balance of the Trip Fees.  If Operator receives written notice less than thirty (30) days prior to the Trip Start Date or receives no notice and Guest does not attend the Trip, Guest shall incur a cancellation fee equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the Trip Fees.

Operator Cancellation or Substitution:

Operator may cancel any Trip at any time prior to the Trip Start Date for any reason, including without limitation if Operator deems the number of passengers signed up for a given Trip to be insufficient to operate such Trip.  Operator will make commercially reasonable efforts to keep the Itinerary as it has been published; however, the final Itinerary may vary due to wine producer schedules, availability and factors beyond Operator’s control. Operator may in its sole discretion substitute a Service or Good of similar or greater quality for any Service or Good stated in the Itinerary.  Operator shall attempt to notify Guest of the cancellation of a Trip for which Guest has paid a deposit or Trip Fees as soon as possible after Operator’s final decision to cancel such Trip. If a trip is canceled by Operator for reasons other than force majeure, Operator will refund all Trip Fees paid by Guest as of the date of cancellation, but Operator will not be liable for any additional costs, damages, or refunds of any kind for any loss, delay, inconvenience, disappointment, or expense whatsoever in such circumstances.

If by force majeure, a Trip, whether in planning, scheduled, or in progress, must be interrupted or canceled, Operator may in its sole discretion refund that portion of the Trip Fees paid by the Guest, less any costs incurred at the time of cancelation, including the costs of deposits for travel, hotels, or other expenses. Operator may refund to Guest as much of such Trip expenditures as Operator can recover on the Guest’s behalf from third parties, but shall have no obligation to do so, or liability for the same.

The term “force majeure,” as here employed, shall mean an act of God, strike, lockout, or other industrial disturbance, act of the public enemy, war, blockade, public riot, lightning, fire, storm, flood, explosion, governmental action, governmental delay, governmental restraint or inaction, unavailability of equipment, travel prohibition, pandemic, and any other cause, whether of the kind specifically enumerated above or otherwise, which is not reasonably within the control of the Operator.

The Guest acknowledges that they are aware of the risks associated with contracting the condition or illness commonly known as COVID-19 or its variants, and acknowledges that they are solely responsible for their own safety and actions. The Guest hereby releases, waives, and discharges the Operator from any liability, claim, or demand arising from COVID-19 and the operation of the Trip.

The Guest further acknowledges that during any Trip they must comply with all health and safety requirements of the Operator and any vendor, facility, local government, or other third party such as Trip hosts (hotels, restaurants, wine producers, etc.…) related to COVID-19, including, but not limited to, social distancing, maximum capacity at various venues, mask-wearing, vaccination, and showing government-accepted proof of vaccination or other similar requirements. Failure to comply with any such COVID-19 related health and safety requirements may, in the sole discretion of the Operator, lead to the cancellation of this Agreement, and the termination of the Guest’s participation in the Trip. Furthermore, without regard to the health and safety requirements of any third party, Operator reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to require guests to be, and provide proof of, vaccination against COVID-19 and/or its variants.

In the event a Guest’s participation in the Trip is canceled or terminated due to failure to comply with COVID-19 related health and safety requirements, no portion of the Trip Fees will be refunded to the Guest. As guidelines and regulations continue to evolve in the country of destination, we will communicate to you the policies and procedures which are relevant to your trip before you travel with us and throughout your trip should the regulations change. Participants are responsible for staying informed of the travel and sanitary requirements of their country of departure and any country in which guests may transit.  

Trip Cancellation Insurance:

Operator strongly recommends Guests to purchase a private trip cancellation (“cancel for any reason” plan) and interruption insurance and additional health insurance to protect against financial loss from unforeseen accidents, illness, quarantine, hospitalization, incidents, and/or loss of baggage.

Accommodations:

Are the responsibility of the Guests and not included in the Trip Fees

Meals, Wine, and Beverages:  

Meals included in the Trip have fixed menus and will include a fixed number of wines to be chosen by Operator. Guest must inform Operator in writing at least 30 days prior to the Trip Start Date if Guest has any dietary restrictions, food allergies or strong food dislikes. Operator will make a commercially reasonable effort to accommodate such special requests, but Operator cannot be held responsible if Operator is unable to accommodate them. If Guest chooses to order food or drinks other than the ones chosen by Operator and included in the Trip, Guest must pay for those items at the end of the meal.

Certification of Guest’s Health:

By accepting these Terms and Conditions and/or tendering any portion of the Trip Fees to Operator, Guest certifies that he or she is physically able to participate in the Trip, and that Guest understands that health care standards, facilities, services, and accommodations abroad may be different or even inadequate for treating or accommodating certain health conditions and/or disabilities. Guest should be aware that there might be periods of time with extended standing, 10 to 15 minute walks as well as weather conditions such as heat waves that may require a sound physical state.

Responsibility/Liabilities:

Guest is solely responsible for complying with the requirements of all immigration, health, customs, and police authorities, and all other laws and regulations, including current COVID 19 regulations of each country and state from or to which Guest will travel.  Guest agrees to indemnify Operator for any expenses or fines which Operator may incur as a result of Guest’s noncompliance with this section.  Guest is also responsible for respecting the authority and following the directions of Operator and Trip Guide/Leader during a Trip. Except as expressly stated in these Terms and Conditions, Operator is not liable for (i) death, personal injury, illness, damage, delay, or any other loss to person or property of any kind arising from the Trip or the Services and Goods, or (ii) for any acts of God, war, terrorism, civil commotions, labor trouble, governmental interference, fire, theft, acts of third parties, or any other event beyond Operator’s reasonable control.  Operator’s liability shall be strictly limited to that resulting from Operator’s willful misconduct.  In no event shall the liability of Operator exceed the amounts paid by the Guest to Operator under the terms of this Agreement. Operator always strives, to the best of its ability, to provide the highest quality Services and Goods to Guests.  However, Operator makes no representations or warranties, whether express, implied, or statutory, regarding the Services or Goods and disclaims any and all of the following: (i) implied warranties of availability, merchantability, and fitness for a particular purpose of the Services and Goods.  Only Operator may finalize a reservation and make it a binding contract to provide Operator’s Services and Goods to Guest.  Operator may refuse or revoke passage, Services or Goods, and/or otherwise exclude Guest from participating in the Trip if, in Operator’s sole discretion, it deems any Guest in a condition, and/or deems any Guest’s behavior, unfit for the Trip or unfit for continuation once the Trip has begun. Unfitness may include, without limitation, any behavior that, regardless of its cause, is inappropriate or offensive or interferes with the delivery of Trip Services and Goods, or may constitute a hazard, an offense or an embarrassment to any Guest, the Operator, and or/any local host or other provider of Services or Goods, including behavior that interferes with the ability of other Guests to enjoy the Trip.  In such cases, Operator shall have no liability to Guest. Should Guest decide not to participate in certain Services during a Trip or use certain Goods included in a Trip, no refunds will be made for those unused Services or Goods.  Guest must be age twenty-one (21) or older to participate in a Trip.  By signing these Terms and Conditions and/or tendering any portion of the Trip Fees, Guest indemnifies and holds Operator harmless from and against any costs, damages, losses, or liabilities arising out of Guest’s actions or omissions or, if applicable, those of Guest’s companions.

General:

Any dispute relating to the Trip, the Services and Goods, the Itinerary, the Wine Tour Activities, and/or these Terms and Conditions, shall be governed by California law as such laws apply to contracts performed within California by its residents.  Any such dispute will be resolved exclusively in the state or federal courts located in and for Napa County, California and Guest irrevocably consents to the exercise of jurisdiction by said courts over Guest. Guest must bring any claim(s) against Operator within one year of the incident(s) giving rise to the claim(s). Guest acknowledges this expressly limits the applicable statute of limitations to one year.  By signing these Terms and Conditions and/or tendering any portion of the Trip Fees, Guest grants Operator (and third parties with whom Operator may engage in joint marketing) a worldwide, perpetual, royalty-free, fully paid-up license to use his or her photographic, video, or digital likeness and written comments or feedback about the Trip solely for Operator’s promotional and/or commercial purposes. Any Guest who does not wish to have his or her photograph, video footage or comments/feedback used by Operator must advise Operator in writing no later than the Trip Start Date via e-mail sent to support@napavalleywineacademy.com (with confirmation of receipt thereof from Operator). Guest also grants Operator his or her permission to share his or her email address with other Guests taking the same Trip, so that Guests may communicate before and after the Trip. Any Guest who does not wish to have his or her email address shared by Operator with other Guests must advise Operator in writing at the time that Guest makes his or her reservation for the Trip, via email to support@napavalleywineacademy.com (with confirmation of receipt thereof from Operator). If there are any conflicts between these Terms and Conditions, the Reservation Form, and the Itinerary, these Terms and Conditions shall apply.

Operator acts solely as agent for Guest with respect to all transportation and other trip arrangements. In that capacity, neither assumes nor bears any responsibility or liability for any injury, death, damage, loss, accident, delay, or irregularity arising in connection with the services of any airplane, train, ship, automobile, motor coach, carriage, or other conveyance, or the actions of any third-party involved in carrying the traveler or in affecting these trips. Operator is not responsible for damages, additional expenses, or any other losses due to cancellation, delay or other changes in air or other services, sickness, weather, strike, war, civil disturbances, acts or threats of terrorism, travel warnings or bans, termination or suspension of war risks or other carrier insurance, quarantine, acts of God or other causes beyond its control. All such losses must be borne by Guest. Operator is not responsible for delays, changes or cancellation costs due to incorrect, incomplete or expired traveler documents.

Passports, Visas, and Insurance – It is Guest’s responsibility to have a valid passport and any necessary Visas as well as any necessary travel and medical insurance. In the event of a medical emergency, Guest will reimburse Operator for any costs that Operator incurs in exercising reasonable care for the health and safety of Guest.

Property damage or loss – In the event Guest damages any property, Guest is responsible for full payment to the accommodation owner or supplier of services. Operator is not responsible for any loss of property from theft.

RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION

TO: Turicum LLC dba Napa Valley Wine Academy (the “OPERATOR”), AND ALL TOUR OPERATORS AND ORGANIZERS WHO PROVIDE OR MAKE

AVAILABLE FACILITIES, PREMISES OR SERVICES FOR THE OPERATOR, and their respective directors, officers, employees, agents, guides, volunteers, independent contractors, representatives, successors and assigns (collectively referred to as the “RELEASEES”):

Acknowledgment – SAFETY

I acknowledge that I am embarking on a wine tasting tour that involves the consumption of alcohol. I take full responsibility for my actions, safety, and welfare during the Trip. I further understand that I will be a member of a group and that I will conduct myself in a way that does not endanger either myself or the group. I represent that I do not have and am not aware of any medical or physical condition(s) that would make it

inadvisable for me to: i) participate in the Trip, ii) to consume alcohol, or iii) which would result in any injury or damage to me or others as a result of my consumption of alcohol. I acknowledge that it is my responsibility to provide for my own accident and health coverage while participating in the Trip.

ASSUMPTION OF RISKS

I am aware that participation in Wine Tour Activities involves risks, dangers and hazards including, but not limited to: transportation to and from various locations, visiting and touring vineyards and operating wineries including areas that may not be normally open to the public and which may be actively engaged in the production and manufacturing of wine, visiting restaurants, hotels and other places including areas that may not be

normally open to the public, the consumption of alcohol throughout the Trip, and the possibility of negligence of others.

I AM AWARE OF THE RISKS, DANGERS, AND HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH WINE TOUR ACTIVITIES, AND I FREELY ACCEPT AND FULLY ASSUME ALL SUCH RISKS, DANGERS, AND HAZARDS AND THE POSSIBILITY OF PERSONAL INJURY, DEATH, PROPERTY DAMAGE OR LOSS RESULTING FROM THEM. I ALSO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY PERSONAL OR PROPERTY DAMAGE CAUSED BY OR AS A RESULT OF MY PARTICIPATION IN WINE TOUR ACTIVITIES.

In consideration of THE RELEASEES accepting my application to participate in the Trip and/or Wine Tour Activities and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is acknowledged, I agree as follows:

TO WAIVE ANY AND ALL CLAIMS that I have or may in the future have against THE RELEASEES, and TO RELEASE THE RELEASEES from any and all liability for any loss, damage, expense or injury including death that I may suffer, or that my next of kin may suffer resulting, either directly or indirectly, from my participation in the Trip and/or Wine Tour Activities DUE TO ANY CAUSE WHATSOEVER, INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE, BREACH OF CONTRACT, OR BREACH OF ANY STATUTORY OR OTHER DUTY OF CARE, ON THE PART OF THE RELEASEES, AND INCLUDING THE FAILURE ON THE PART OF THE RELEASEES TO SAFEGUARD OR PROTECT ME FROM THE RISKS, DANGERS AND HAZARDS OF WINE TOUR ACTIVITIES;

TO HOLD HARMLESS AND INDEMNIFY THE RELEASEES from any claims or demands resulting from any property damage or personal injury to any third party, which might be made against the Releasees resulting from my participation in the Trip and/or Wine Tour Activities;

That this Agreement shall be effective and binding upon my heirs, next of kin, executors, administrators and assigns and representatives, in the event of my death or incapacity;

That this Agreement is binding and that I am not relying on any oral or written representations or statements made by the Releasees other than what is set forth in this Agreement.

 

WSET EXAM CANCELLATIONS & TRANSFERS

Should you be unable to sit for your WSET Certificate examination on the appointed date, it is required that you give notification. If you cancel with at least 30 days’ notice prior to your exam, you are eligible to reschedule your WSET Level 1, 2, or 3 exam for a rescheduling fee of $50.
If you cancel/change the date with 30 days or less notice or your 12 months exam credit has expired, the following rescheduling fee applies:
WSET Level 1 Exam Fee: $150.00
WSET Level 2 Exam Fee: $220.00
WSET Level 3 Exam – Tasting: $110
WSET Level 3 Exam – Theory: $170
WSET Level 3 Exam – Theory + Tasting: $280

If you do not pass your exam on the first attempt you may resit your exams. Please note the following re-sit fees:

WSET Level 1 Exam Fee: $150.00
WSET Level 2 Exam Fee: $220.00
WSET Level 3 Exam Resit – Tasting: $110
WSET Level 3 Exam Resit – Theory: $170 WSET Level 3 Exam Resit – Theory + Tasting: $280

If you do not pass your exam on the first attempt you may resit your exams. Please note the following re-sit fees:

• WSET Level 1 or 2 Exam Resit $200
• WSET Level 3 Exam Resit – Tasting $100
• WSET Level 3 Exam Resit – Theory $150
• WSET Level 3 Exam Resit – Theory + Tasting $250

COURSE CANCELLATIONS

Napa Valley Wine Academy reserves the right to cancel or change a course date. Napa Valley Wine Academy will typically arrange an alternative date in these infrequent circumstances and offer students either a transfer to a new date or an alternative course if this date is not convenient. If neither option is made available by Napa Valley Wine Academy, a refund, minus the full cost of the study materials and wine kits supplied, will be offered.

Napa Valley Wine Academy strongly advises that students arrange insurance to cover unforeseen events such as illness, unfavorable weather, or cancellation of a course for which travel and accommodation costs have been incurred. 

INSTRUCTORS

In the unlikely event that the advertised instructor cannot teach the class, Napa Valley Wine Academy reserves the right to substitute the advertised instructor with another appropriate instructor.

NVWA ADMISSIONS POLICY

Admission into any of the Napa Valley Wine Academy programs/courses requires that you: be a minimum age of 21 at the time of enrollment and be able to present a valid government-issued form of identification on the first day of class attendance. If you cannot produce a valid form of identification, you will not be able to partake in the day’s course. You must be 21 years of age for any public or private event held at Napa Valley Wine Academy, with no exceptions.

NVWA ACADEMIC HONOR CODE

The Napa Valley Wine Academy places a high priority on academic integrity. By enrolling in our programs, you commit to the following principles:

• I pledge not to engage in plagiarism, use unauthorized materials, or participate in any form of cheating on assignments, papers, or exams.
• I will maintain fairness and honesty in assessing both my work and that of others, contributing to a truthful and vibrant wine community.

Academic dishonesty, including unauthorized assistance, use of prohibited materials, and any form of cheating or plagiarism, is strictly prohibited and will lead to severe consequences.

As a student, you are also required to keep your online classroom login details private and not share access with others. Violating this rule, or any part of our Academic Honor Code, will result in an immediate fail in the course, suspension, and forfeiture of tuition.

Special Consideration Policy

Special consideration is a measure to help students who have been at a disadvantage during an assessment due to temporary health issues, injuries, personal difficulties, or adverse conditions, enabling them to fairly demonstrate their knowledge and skills.
The policy ensures that special consideration doesn’t unfairly benefit some students over others or change the qualification’s assessment criteria as outlined in the Specification. Eligibility for special consideration may include:

• Impact on assessment performance due to unforeseen events like illness, accidents, loss, or problematic exam room conditions;
• Inadequacy or inappropriateness of pre-agreed alternative assessment arrangements;
• Ensuring that special consideration doesn’t give a misleading impression of the student’s achievements.

Applications for special consideration must be submitted to Napa Valley Wine Academy within four working days following the assessment. Applications must include independent supporting documentation and will be evaluated in line with WSET’s privacy policy.
In the event of significant examination disruptions, the Examinations Officer is required to report the details and affected students to WSET along with the examination papers.
The Academy will maintain records of all special consideration applications.

Reasonable Adjustments Policy

WSET and Napa Valley Wine Academy are committed to fair assessment for all students, ensuring no one is disadvantaged or unfairly advantaged. Reasonable adjustments are modifications made to assist students with disabilities or difficulties that could put them at a significant disadvantage during assessments. These adjustments, sanctioned by WSET prior to the assessment, aim to provide equal access to qualifications without influencing the evaluation of a student’s work.

Adjustments must not compromise the assessment’s fairness or the accuracy and reliability of the outcomes, as outlined in the relevant Specification. Possible adjustments include:

• Modifying standard assessment conditions, like granting extra time;
• Altering assessment materials for accessibility, such as large text formats;
• Providing support like sign language interpreters or readers;
• Adapting the assessment environment to meet specific needs.

The Napa Valley Wine Academy is responsible for identifying any student’s special needs at enrollment that may require adjustments during exams. A Reasonable Adjustment Application Form must be submitted to WSET well in advance of the exam—six weeks for Levels 1-3 and ten weeks for the Level 4 Diploma, along with any supporting evidence.

The specifics of the exam arrangements or marking will be decided case by case in consultation with WSET, which may consult independent agencies for advice. Note that adjustments can only be implemented after WSET’s approval. All supporting documentation will be treated according to WSET’s privacy policy.

It’s important for students and their advisors to recognize that adjustments should not be requested for difficulties that directly impact the assessment’s key skills.

The Academy will maintain records of all applications for reasonable adjustments.

Diversity and Equality Policy

Napa Valley Wine Academy is dedicated to fostering diversity and equality across all aspects of its activities, ensuring fair and equal treatment for all students and stakeholders.

Commitment to Equality of Opportunity:

• Providing open access to all qualifications, respecting legal age restrictions for alcohol purchase and assessment competency standards.
• Facilitating access for students with special educational needs, disabilities, or temporary injuries, ensuring assessments remain unchanged in demand through our Reasonable Adjustment and Special Consideration policies.
• Incorporating considerations of this policy in the development of new qualifications.
• Maintaining a diversity and equality policy that encourages open access to our qualifications.
• Welcoming feedback on diversity matters from students and stakeholders.
• Collaborating with relevant organizations to create strategies for identifying and preventing unequal opportunities.
• Conducting regular reviews of this policy to confirm its effectiveness and compliance with legal and organizational standards.

Napa Valley Wine Academy supports equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from any individual or organization that meets our approval criteria.

Conflict of Interest Policy

Introduction
WSET has approved Napa Valley Wine Academy as an Approved Program Provider (APP). As a regulated awarding organization, WSET is required to identify, monitor, and manage actual, potential, and perceived conflicts of interest (‘Conflicts of Interest’). This is essential to safeguard the integrity of WSET qualifications and promote confidence in WSET processes.
This document offers guidance to individuals engaged in activities undertaken on behalf of WSET (the awarding organization of the Wine & Spirit Education Trust), which have the potential to lead them to act contrary to the interests of WSET in the development, delivery, assessment, and award of its regulated qualifications.
It defines what is meant by conflict of interest, describes such conflicts of interest in the context of working with WSET, identifies those conflicts of interest that can be managed and are therefore acceptable and those that cannot be managed and are therefore unacceptable. It also gives examples of potential conflicts of interest.
Scope of this Policy
This policy is applicable to all staff members employed by the Napa Valley Wine Academy and to any individuals acting on behalf of Napa Valley Wine Academy.
Definition of Conflict of Interest
A Conflict of Interest exists where an individual has interests or loyalties that could adversely influence their judgment, objectivity, or loyalty to WSET when conducting activities associated with WSET qualifications.
Examples of Conflicts of Interest in the context of an awarding organization include:

• The undertaking of any moderation of assessment of student by an individual who has a personal interest in the result of the assessment for any or all individuals concerned;
• The tutoring of students by an individual involved in the assessment process;
• The undertaking of a WSET qualification by any individual employed by an Approved Program Provider;
• The undertaking of a WSET qualification by any individual employed by WSET;
• The coaching of students by any individual involved in the assessment of student scripts or the authoring of examination questions;
• The employment by an APP of individuals engaged in the delivery of taught programs or in the role of Internal Assessor in another APP;
• The investigation of a non-compliance incident by someone who is unable to act impartially.

Some of these Conflicts of Interest can be managed and are therefore acceptable. For example, the marking of WSET Level 3 tasting assessments by Internal Assessors is verified by WSET to mitigate the risk of a Conflict of Interest. Similarly, where an employee of the WSET or one of its APPs undertakes a WSET qualification, measures can be put in place to maintain the integrity of the assessment, provided this has been notified to WSET in advance.
Some Conflicts of Interest cannot be managed and are not acceptable. For example, it would be inappropriate for an individual involved in authoring examination questions or compiling examination papers to teach or coach students.
Identification of Conflicts of Interest
Any individual involved in the delivery of WSET qualifications who becomes aware of a Conflict of Interest must inform the Quality Assurance (QA) in writing immediately. Conflict of Interest declarations will be recorded by WSET on the Conflicts of Interest Register.
Please note that any APP that fails to declare a Conflict of Interest may be in breach of its terms of approval, and sanctions may be applied in accordance with the Malpractice and Maladministration Policy. Where a Conflict of Interest is identified by WSET rather than the individual(s) concerned, the HOQC will take steps to mitigate the effect of the Conflict of Interest and may apply sanctions to an APP in accordance with the Malpractice and Maladministration Policy.
Management of Conflicts of Interest
Napa Valley Wine Academy has procedures in place to manage specific Conflicts of Interest. To report a conflict of interest please refer to the following section. 

Malpractice and Maladministration Policy

Napa Valley Wine Academy protects the interests of our students and safeguards the integrity of WSET qualifications by ensuring compliance with WSET Policies and Procedures. Non-compliance with Napa Valley Wine Academy and WSET Policies and Procedures generally falls into one of two categories:

Maladministration, where non-compliance is accidental rather than intentional, and malpractice, where non-compliance is deliberate or the result of negligence.

Whether a situation is maladministration or malpractice will be determined by Napa Valley Wine Academy and WSET following an investigation.

If you think an incident has occurred, please email us immediately at support@napavalleywineacademy.com Please include a detailed account of the circumstances surrounding the suspicions and allegations.

Malpractice or maladministration may include:

• Submission of false or inaccurate information to gain a qualification;
  
• Cheating, including the use of unauthorized devices or materials;
  
• Failure to a disclose Conflict of Interest;
  
• Disruptive behavior in an exam;
• Plagiarism of any nature by students;
• Impersonation (including forgery of signatures);

FORMAL COMPLAINT PROCESS

Napa Valley Wine Academy is committed to providing a learning and working environment in which complaints are responded to promptly and with minimum distress to all parties. Napa Valley Wine Academy is committed to a visible, accessible, and fair complaints process. Napa Valley Wine Academy views student complaints as providing an opportunity to review and improve its policies and practices and also to gain insight into student levels of satisfaction.

This policy applies to student complaints made in the context of Napa Valley Wine Academy’s provision of WSET® Courses and Examinations as a WSET® Approved Program Provider.

A complaint is a formal statement expressing dissatisfaction that requires action or response. The complaint may be in relation to any aspect of the course delivery, conduct of teaching staff or management, or matters pertaining to the examination process or content. Where the complaint is regarding a possible incorrect examination result, Napa Valley Wine Academy will provide students with appropriate information regarding the WSET® Enquiry and Appeals Process.
Policy:
Napa Valley Wine Academy’s procedures for handling student complaints are based on confidentiality, impartiality, procedural fairness, and prompt resolution. Where complaints are of a minor nature, they may be resolved informally. An informal approach is appropriate when it can be achieved. But if concerns cannot be satisfactorily resolved informally, then the formal complaints procedure should be followed. The formal complaints procedure is intended to ensure that all complaints are handled fairly and consistently. All formal complaints must be
submitted in writing, via email, or written correspondence. All formal complaints will receive a written response of the outcome of the complaint, following appropriate investigation of the circumstances.

Napa Valley Wine Academy: support@napavalleywineacademy.com
2501 Oak Street, Napa, CA 94558. www.napavalleywineacademy.com
855­513­9738

Napa Valley Wine Academy’s responsibilities will be to:

• acknowledge any formal complaint received in writing within ten working days
• respond within a stated period of time of 21 working days with either a conclusion or a further update depending on the severity of the complaint
  deal reasonably and sensitively with the complainant
• cooperate fully in any investigation process
• take action where appropriate, including any corrective action necessary to prevent recurrence; if the complaint relates to examination content or results, provide the student with the relevant WSET® guidance notes and forms to allow the student to utilize the WSET® Enquiries and Appeals process

A complainant’s responsibility is to bring their complaint, in writing, to Napa Valley Wine Academy’s attention within seven working days of the issue arising or within seven days of completion of the course or examination; explain the problem as clearly and as fully as possible with your expected outcome;
allow Napa Valley Wine Academy a reasonable time to deal with the matter
recognize that some circumstances may be beyond Napa Valley Wine Academy’s control.

Students will receive written advice on the outcome of their complaints. Some of the possible outcomes of a student complaint include:

• Through the resolution process, the student gains a better understanding of the situation so that their concerns are addressed.
• A mutually acceptable resolution is reached through conciliation or mediation.
• The student receives an apology, and/or the issue or behavior that was the basis of their complaint is modified. In some cases, the complaint cannot be substantiated, and no further action will result.

If the above steps have all been completed and the student is still dissatisfied, they can file a complaint with the WSET. Please note that the WSET can only take action on complaints from students if they have followed the above procedures first. email QA@wsetglobal.com

All documentation relating to complaints will be kept strictly confidential and will not be accessible to anyone who is not directly involved in handling the complaint. Any material about the outcome of the complaint will be placed on the appropriate student file. A register of complaints made (anonymous of names), along with their outcomes, will be maintained to continuously improve policies and practices.

 

PHOTOS & VIDEO

We often take candid and group photos and videos of classes and events and use them to publicly recap or promote future classes and events. By attending a class or event hosted by us, either in person or online, you agree to allow us to use any photos or videos that contain your image or likeness on our website, email communications, social media channels, or other 3rd party advertisements without obtaining permission from you individual