Napa Valley Wine Expert Online Course™

Become an Expert on the Wines of Napa Valley

The first and only certification course focusing on the wine regions of Napa Valley

Napa Valley Wine Expert Course

Napa Valley Wine Expert Online Course™

WITH MASTER OF WINE PETER MARKS

(8 customer reviews)
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ADVANCED

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SELF-PACED

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24 HRS OF STUDY

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ONLINE

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CERTIFICATION

Napa Valley Wine Expert Online Course™

$299.00

(8 customer reviews)

with Master of Wine Peter Marks

A Complete Certification Course on the Wines of Napa Valley.

Napa Valley Wine ExpertĀ is the first and only certification course focusing on the wine region of Napa Valley. The course is an ideal way to master the wines and wine regions of Napa Valley and to earn your NVWE postnominal and certification.

Designed for students of wine and anyone working in the wine industry who deals with the wines of Napa Valley who wants to have a deeper knowledge of Napa Valley wines, AVAs, history, geology, climate, and producers.

This course is the most comprehensive wine study program on the Napa Valley and will give you the confidence to communicate with more authority about Napa Valley. This course is considered critical to the success of any wine professional and serious wine student.

Please note your course starts immediately upon enrollment and you will have 12-months of course access.

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Do you feel this item is perfect for a friend or a loved one? You can buy this item as a gift now by choosing the date options above - please select a date before gifting. *PLEASE NOTE you are unable to use coupon codes or gift certificates to complete the purchase of a gift this item.

Thereā€™s a lot of talk about Napa Valley wines but...

Youā€™re struggling to separate unbiased facts from marketing propaganda.

You want to know more than just the big names or trends.

You want a deeper understanding of Napa Valleyā€™s important grape varieties.

Then It's Time To

The most comprehensive wine study program on the Napa Valley

WHY STUDY WITH US?

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STUDENTS

HERE'S HOW WE'LL HELP YOU

TASTE & TALK ABOUT WINE LIKE A PRO

Module 1

History & Appellations

Module 2

Napa Valley's Climate & Terroir

Module 3

Grape Growing & Winemaking

Module 4

Key Grape Varieties

Module 5

Napa Valley AVAS

Module 6

Course Wrap-Up

(8 customer reviews)

WHY ONLINE & WHY WITH US?

EASILY ACCESS GUIDED WEBINARS + EXPERTS TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS

Our courses are developed by leading wine professionals to provide relevant educational content you wonā€™t find anywhere else. Have questions? Pick up the phone and call us! Weā€™re always here to help.

Napa Valley Wine Expertā„¢ includes 22 appetizer-sized lessons that can be covered in approximately 8 weeks (3 hours per week). Each module includes a review and timed quiz. Exam is 40 minutes (40 questions).

NVWA Student-Only Community Ask questions and get answers with NVWA certified experts. Plus, engage with our +4,000 community.

Ask questions and get answers with NVWA certified experts. Plus, engage with our +4,000 community.

INTRODUCING

Your Wine Guide for Napa Valley Wine Expertā„¢

PeterMarks2

Peter Marks

NVWA Partner, Master of Wine, WSET-Certified Instructor

Peter Marks, Master of Wine, is an internationally respected wine industry consultant and educator based in the Napa Valley.

  • The 10th American to earn Master of Wine designation
  • The first American to receive the Madame Bollinger Foundation Award (the MW candidate with the highest blind tasting score)
  • 20+ years in wine education with industry leaders such as Constellation Brands and COPIA

JUST 3 SIMPLE STEPS TO

Become a Confident Wine Authority

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BUY THE COURSE

You'll receive a Welcome Email with everything you need to access our proprietary learning platform, community and course materials.

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WATCH THE MODULES

Dive into your materials whenever youā€™re ready -- this course is 100% online and self-paced.

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SAVOR YOUR SUCCESS

Toast your accomplishment with a deeper appreciation and understanding of whatā€™s in the glass!

Frequently Asked Questions

THE NITTY GRITTY

Napa Valley WineĀ Expert is a deep look at Napa Valley itā€™s history, the most planted and important grape varieties, itā€™s16 nested AVAs, soil, and climates. For those who are already acquainted with a few of Napaā€™s wines and grapes, this course will broaden and deepen your knowledge your perspective and add some new ones to
your working knowledge.Ā There are twenty-two lessons, each presenting a manageable amount of relevant
information about Napa Valley. The lessons are:

What are the prerequisites? This course assumes that you already have an understanding
of general wine making and major grape varieties.Ā Students should be familiar with
common wine terms and concepts from previous experience or a general wine course.

Check out the outline below for an overview of the course curriculum.

  • Getting Started
    • Instructor Bio
    • Welcome Video
  • Module 1 - History & Appellations
    • Module 1 Introduction
    • 1.1 | AVAs Defined
    • 1.2 | Nested AVA vs. Sub AVA
    • 1.3 | History of Napa Valley
    • Review & Quiz
  • Module 2- Napa Valley's Climate & Terrior
    • Module 2 Introduction
    • 2.1 | Climate
    • 2.2 | Topography
    • Review & Quiz
  • Module 3 - Grape Growing & Winemaking
    • Module 3 Introduction
    • 3.1 | Viticulture
    • 3.2 | Winemaking
    • Review & Quiz
  • Module 4 - Key Grape Varieties
    • Module 4 Introduction
    • 4.1 | White Grape Varieties
    • 4.2 | Red Grape Varieties
    • Handout | Comparing the Grape Varieties
    • Review & Quiz
  • Module 5 - Napa Valley AVAS
    • Module 5 Introduction
    • 5.1 | Mountain AVAs
    • 5.2 | Valley AVAs
    • 5.3 | The Non-AVA
    • Handout | Comparing the AVAs
    • Review & Quiz
  • Course Wrap-Up
    • Review
    • Final Assessment (Certification Exam)

About the Instructor

LogoHeaderPeter headshot 2018It's always nice to know a
little about your guide so here's some information about me and
my work experience, which I will share with you through the
content delivered in this course.

I'm proud to say that I'm one of only 52 Masters of Wine
residing in the United States. The prestigious Master of Wine
(MW) title is bestowed by the Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW)
in London. Ā The IMW promotes the highest level of educational
achievement for the wine industry, which I received in 1995 when
I became the 10th American to pass. Ā That year, I also became
the first American to receive the Madame Bollinger Foundation
Award, which is bestowed annually to the MW candidate with the
highest blind tasting score.

Previously I served as the Vice President of Wine Education for
Constellation Brands, where I oversaw education programs and
content development for Constellation Academy. Before joining
Constellation Wines, I was the Senior Vice President of Wine at
COPIA: Ā The American Center for Wine, Food & the Arts in
Napa. I was responsible for all wine sales and education
programs. Previous to working at COPIA I was the Chief Wine
Merchant at Wine.com, a wine Internet retailer serving more than
40 states. 15 years prior to that, I was Director of Wine for
the upscale Draegerā€™s Supermarkets located in Northern
California.

I graduated from the University of California at Davis, in 1976,
with a B.S. degree in Food Service Management, with highest
honors. Ā I attended a number of enology and viticulture classes
that piqued my interest in the subject of wine and complemented
my desire to work in the food service field. Ā I held positions
as a chef and restaurant manager, upon graduation, until I
entered the retail wine trade in 1981.

I am on the Education and Exam Board of the Institute of Masters
of Wine, where I serve as the Panel Chair of the Practical
(Tasting) Exam for the Institute of Masters of Wine and judge
many international wine competitions. I am also a member of the
Society of Wine Educators, and I teach wine classes
independently and assist with many charitable fundraisers
throughout the year.


Why you will LOVE taking this online certification
class!

Receiving recognition is a pivotal moment for
you. Once you have successfully passed the exam we will send you your certificate and badges.

  • Our digital certificate and badges are designed so you can share
    your achievement with a single click. You can share to 100+ social media platforms, and it's
    easy to add your achievement to LinkedIn.
  • Any digital certificates can easily be saved as a PDF with all of your certificate information
    in place. You can print your achievement and hang it on your wall if you really miss having a
    traditional paper certificate.
  • You can even embed your digital certificates and badges into your email signatures or website to
    share your achievements with their colleagues and clients.
  • Your certification your way

About the certification Exam: The online proctored exam consists of 50 questions (a combination of
matching, fill-in-the-blank, map identification, multiple-choice, and spelling) that need to be answered in 40
minutes. Students must score at least 80% to achieve the Napa Valley Wine Expert Certificate and display the NWE
postnominal after their name.

Napa Valley Wine Expert is entirely online, so it is available on your own schedule.Ā Each
lesson consists of a series of online reading assignments, interactive activities, videos, and quizzes. A timed
feedback test is provided at the end of each lesson for students to practice for the exam and assess their
understanding of that lessonā€™s topics. System Requirements: As this course is taught online, students will
require access to a computer with the following minimum requirements: Internet Firefox 9, Chrome 10 or
equivalent with Javascript enabled. Adobe Reader XI or equivalent. Adobe Flash Player 11. Internet access
(broadband recommended).Ā  A webcam is required for the online exam. When the course is over the student arranges
with Napa Valley Wine Academy to take the Exam online.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the course

Is there a book with the course?

No, the course is entirely online, so students should take notes during the course if they want
hard-copy study materials.

When is the course taught and how long does it take?

Napa Valley Wine Expert is entirely online, so it is available on your schedule. You can start at any
time. The entire course will take most students approximately 8-weeks provided they spend 3-hours a week in the
course. It is recommended taking it slowly and concentrating on each lesson individually, so you will have eight
weeks to complete the course from the time you start.

Is there any wine tasting involved?

Tasting the wines of Napa Valley during the course is a great way to get the full measure of the course
material, but it is not required. There is no tasting component to the final exam.

What is the final exam like and what do students receive if they pass?

At the end of Napa Valley Wine Expert course, there is a final exam. The exam is taken online, any day, any
time. There is no additional cost for this exam. The test is 50 questions long, with a variety of question
types.Ā  Students who pass the exam will earn the NWE certificate and the right to use the NWE post-nominal. Most
importantly, after completing Napa Valley Wine Expert, you will have a comprehensive understanding of Napa
Valleyā€™s AVAs, grape varieties, history, and terroir. Armed with this information, you will be able to
confidently communicate, sell, teach, and buy Napa Valley Wines.

How does this course fit in with other wine courses?

For anyone pursuing an extended program of wine studies, Napa Valley Wine Expert is a
great way to deepen your knowledge on the wine region fo Napa Valley. Situations vary depending on each
individualā€™s background and goals, but we would generally recommend that those following the Court of Master
Sommeliers (CMS) program take Napa Valley Wine Expert between the certified and advanced levels, those working
through the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) program take it after levels 3, and those in the Society of
Wine Educators (SWE) program take it after doing the CSW.

Certification

American Wine Studies, Napa Valley Wine Academy

Region of Study

California, Napa Valley, USA

Course Format

Online Course

Course Type

Enthusiast, Professional

Location

8 reviews for Napa Valley Wine Expert Online Course™

  1. Avatar of Zoe

    Zoe (verified owner)

    The rich history and details provided in the Napa Valley Wine Expert course were amazing! It was like curling up with the best book ever about wine and Napa Valley. The layout of the material, as well as, the content gave me a feeling of really getting to know the region from a perspective I would not have had otherwise. The chapter and mock exams fully prepare you to understand your level of knowledge acquired from the course.

  2. Avatar of Mike

    Mike (verified owner)

    I enjoyed the Napa Valley Wine Expert course and thought the content was very challenging and informative. For those on the CMS ladder, the course description said it was geared toward those who are between the Certified and Advanced levels, and I thought that was a perfect description of the difficulty level. It has great background, history, and insights on specific wines and producers, which is very useful to me while studying for the Advanced Exam. The maps and information on the soils, geography, elevation, and much more for the 16 nested AVAs (and one non-AVA) in Napa Valley provides great context and a lot of depth.

  3. Avatar of Geoffrey Geiger

    Geoffrey Geiger

    An approachable way to delve into the intricacies of Napa wine. Can seem overwhelming at first due to the amount of information, but taking notes and reviewing constantly is key. Helped me gain a better appreciation for Napa! Would loved to have seen more visuals like wine labels, but overall a fantastic course.

  4. Avatar of Tom Richards

    Tom Richards

    I loved this course and all the info that was provided. The videos and interactive elements kept if fun and engaging! Well done!!

  5. Avatar of Andrea Boudreau

    Andrea Boudreau

    Good course, however, sometimes the information is hard to navigate and you can easily miss out on some of the wineries that are discussed especially Dunn in Howell Mountain and some of the Pritchett Hill wineries.

  6. Avatar of Anita Jozsef

    Anita Jozsef

    Two years ago I was on a wine tour in Sonoma and Glen Ellen and I immediatley fell in love with Zinfandel. The California hospitaly and heart-warming vineyars made me realize, I have to leave my office career behind and follow my passion for Napa Valley wines. I so much enjoyed your course! It is like you never want a module to get to an end. You are so much inspired to learn about AVAs, climate, geology amd the grapes. I enjoyed watching the videos with Peter Marks, MW, as well. And imagine! I got a job interview possibility in Europe for a California wine job after having completed your wine course. Thank you very much Napa Valley Wine Academy!

  7. Avatar of Miranda Franco

    Miranda Franco

    A wonderful way to learn about Napa’s evolution, AVAs and premier wineries. The course was highly instructive.

  8. Avatar of Dave Ficeli

    Dave Ficeli

    As a long time member of the wine industry, I wasn’t sure what this course would offer me but I can tell you that I learned a great deal. Lots of interesting history, great depth and breadth, and good doses of both the art and science of winemaking, viticulture and the Napa Valley wine industry as well as many of the legends behind it. I recommend this course for anyone serious about Napa Valley wines and producers.

Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.

How Weā€™re Different

Weā€™re Premier, not Pretentious

We design our programs for students, not snobs. We know wines are complex, but believe wine education should be approachable and fun.
(Thereā€™s a reason our unique approach is winning awards.)
WSET Educator of the Year 2016

AWARD WINNING!

WSET Educator of the Year 2019
Helping enthusiasts and professionals become confident wine authorities.

IN-PERSON COURSE & WORKSHOP REFUNDS & TRANSFERS

Cancellations of confirmed in-person course enrollments and workshops are accepted up to 60 days before the start of the course. An administration fee of $50 plus the full cost of the study materials and exam fees will be deducted, and the remainder of the course fee refunded to the payee. Separate WSET exam cancellation/transfer rules apply.
Transfers of a confirmed enrollment to another course are accepted 60 days before the course start date with an administration fee of $50.

Cancellations less than 60 days before the in-person course start date or course no shows forfeit any refund/transfer options unless students can provide medical documentation. If medical documentation is provided, students can be transferred to a later course. No refunds will be applied.

Course Transfers cannot be carried forward to the next academic year (which commenced on January 1).

Students are highly encouraged to purchase separate travel insurance.

You've got this!

Flamingo Hotel Las Vegas

Your WSET Level 3 exam will take place on

February 12, 2023 at 10:00 AM (Pacific)

at

3555 Las Vegas Blvd

Las Vegas, NV 89109

Ā 

You've got this!

Mariott Santa Ynez

Your WSET Level 3 exam will take place on

April 23, 2023 at 10:00 AM (Pacific)

at

555 McMurray Road

Buelton, CA 93427

Ā 

You've got this!

Art Hotel Denver

Your WSET Level 3 exam will take place on

March 5, 2023 at 10:00 AM (Mountain)

at

1201 Broadway

Denver, CO 80203

Ā 

You've got this!

Aloft Nashville

Your WSET Level 3 exam will take place on

February 12, 2023 at 10:00 AM (Central)

atĀ 

1719 West End Ave.

Nashville, TN 37203

Ā 

You've got this!

Epicurean Hotel

Your WSET Level 3 exam will take place on

March 19, 2023 at 10:00 AM (Eastern)

at

1207 S Howard Ave,

Tampa, FL 33606

Ā 

You've got this!

Street View of HQ

Your WSET Level 3 exam will take place on

January 22, 2023 at 10:00 AM (Pacific)

at

2501 Oak Street

Napa, CA 94559

Ā 

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