Why Study with Napa Valley Wine Academy?

Award-Winning Excellence since 2011

We have educated more than 53,530 students!

  • World-Class Instructors – Learn from Masters of Wine, Master Sommeliers, and top industry experts

  • Unmatched Student Support – Access our Student Success Team for personalized guidance via phone, email, or chat. Plus, enjoy 24/7 Help Center resources

  • Innovative Learning Tools – We were the first to integrate wine kits into online courses, shipping over 5,000 wine kits in 2024 alone for a hands-on online learning experience

Christian Oggenfuss, CEO

Voted Wine's Most Inspiring People in 2024 - Leading the Wine Industry in Educational Excellence

Christian Oggenfuss & Catherine Bugue

2024 Wine Industry Leaders - Champions of Educational Access

Catherine Bugue, VP of Education and Co-Founder

Wine Enthusiast Wine Star Awards 2022 Nominee

Record-Breaking Year in 2024

Napa Valley Wine Academy Sets the Standard in Drinks Education!

Best of Wine Tourism Award

Napa Valley Wine Academy wins the 2022 Best of Wine Tourism Award

WSET Educator of the Year

Napa Valley Wine Academy voted WSET Educator of the Year for 2016 & 2019

2024 - By the Numbers

Title

Students Instructed
Exams Administered
Scholarships Awarded
WSET 4 Diploma Graduates
Wine Kits Shipped
Student Calls & Emails Answered
Newsletter Subscribers
Industry Partners

Not All Wine Schools Are Created Equal

Do you dream of mastering wine, spirits, beer, or sake but feel unsure where to start? Are you searching for a flexible, top-tier education that fits your schedule and career goals? Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned professional, the school you choose will shape your journey.  

The Most Awarded Wine School in the U.S. 

Since 2011, Napa Valley Wine Academy has educated more than 53,530 students, empowering students like you to unlock their potential, earn prestigious certifications, and build rewarding careers in the beverage industry. As North America's most respected and largest WSET Approved Program Provider, we set the standard for wine education. Unlike many other schools run by a one- or two-person team, we have an entire, dedicated staff committed to putting you, the student, first. We’re also proud to be the only school globally to win the prestigious WSET Global Wine Educator of the Year Award twice—a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence.  

What Sets Us Apart 

  • World-Class Instructors – Learn from Masters of Wine, Master Sommeliers, and leading industry experts who bring unmatched knowledge and passion to every lesson.  
  • Flexible Learning Options – Choose from in-person classes, live online sessions, or self-paced study to fit your lifestyle.  
  • Unmatched Student Support—Our Student Success Team is here to help you achieve your goals while making your learning journey exceptional. You have 24/7 access to our Help Center resources, plus personalized support via phone, email, or chat Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM PST—an unmatched level of service in wine and spirits education. We consistently exceed industry benchmarks, maintaining a customer satisfaction score above 4 out of 5 and a first response time under 24 hours.  
  • Exclusive Napa Valley Access – Gain unique opportunities to connect with renowned wineries and industry leaders in the heart of wine country.  
  • Globally Recognized Certifications – As North America's largest WSET Approved Program Provider, we deliver courses that are respected worldwide, giving you a competitive edge in the industry. These certifications are not just a mark of your knowledge, but also a testament to your global competitiveness.  
  • Innovative Learning Tools—In 2019, we pioneered the inclusion of wine kits in our courses, shipping over 5,104 wine kits in 2024 alone to enhance hands-on learning for our students. This innovative approach to learning will keep you engaged and excited throughout your journey.  
  • Corporate Training- Custom Beverage Training Certification.
  • Students Community: We create a student-centered environment where meaningful connections thrive. Through platforms like our learning hub and Discord community, we provide platforms for our students to engage, collaborate, and grow together.

Why This Matters for You

Education is an investment in your future—so why settle for anything less than the best? With an 89%+ pass rate across WSET Levels, we don’t just teach; we ensure you succeed. While many schools operate with limited resources, we have an entire team dedicated to putting you at the center of everything we do. From hands-on learning to real-world connections and personalized support, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.  

Your Journey Starts Here  

With over 53,530 students educated since 2011, the distinction of being the most respected and largest WSET Approved Program Provider in North America, and the honor of being the only school globally to win the prestigious WSET Global Wine Educator of the Year Award twice, Napa Valley Wine Academy is a leader in wine education. Unlike other schools, we have an entire team dedicated to putting you first. 

Your path to wine mastery begins today. Whether you aim to earn a certification, elevate your career, or simply indulge your passion for wine, we are your gateway to success.  

Explore Our Courses & Enroll TodayCLICK HERE! 

Have Questions? Call Our Student Success Team at 855-513-WSET (9738)  

Don’t wait—your future in wine, spirits, beer, or sake is just a click or a call away. Cheers to your success!

Awards & Recognition

  • Christian Oggenfuss: Named one of Wine’s Most Inspiring People 2024
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  • NVWA, Christian Oggenfuss & Catherine Bugue: Recognized as 2024 Wine Industry Leaders
    Read more
  • Catherine Bugue: Finalist for Wine Enthusiast’s Wine Person of the Year 2022
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  • Napa Valley Wine Academy: Winner of Best Wine Tourism Award
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Community/Board Recognitions

  • Elizabeth Pirnat: Board Member, United States Bartenders’ Guild (USBG)
  • Monika Bielka-Vescovi: Board Member, Women for Wine Sense

Press / In The News

  • Wine Industry Advisor: Napa Valley Wine Academy Sets the Standard in Drinks Education with Record-Breaking Year in 2024
    Read more

From our Students!