Course Format
- 9 instructor-led classes
- 1 mock tasting exam with instructor feedback
- Online classroom containing worksheets, vocab lists and other study support resources
- Instructor-led tastings during class to illustrate wine styles and calibrate your palate for the exam
Course Duration
Students will begin their course of study once they register for the unit and receive their course materials. Students should expect to study for a minimum of 250 hours over a period of about 6 months (about 10 - 11 hours of study per week).
Course Materials
Upon registration students will receive access to the WSET's digital study guide, which will be the main source of study material for this unit. Students will also have access to the WSET’s Online Global Campus and Feedback Testing Classroom where students can access supplemental learning material & mock exams. NVWA also provides supplemental learning materials such as videos, mock questions, and guided reading questions.
Exam Format
- Two-day theory and tasting exam
- Exam Day 1: three-hour and 20-minute written theory exam with multi-part, open-response style questions
- Exam Day 2: blind tasting of 12 wines, broken into two flights
- Tasting notes must describe the structural characteristics of each wine using WSET Diploma SAT method and draw conclusions on the wine’s origin, grape variety, quality level, and/or potential for aging
- Exam must be taken in person in Napa, California, on the date associated with your course
- Results issued via email approximately 3 months after exam (graded at WSET London headquarters)
Course & Exam Dates:
Course Dates: October 31, 2022-May 8, 2023
Exam Dates: May 9-10, 2023
Registration Deadline: October 31, 2022
Schedule:
All class dates run from 9am-4pm at the school in Napa
- Nov 5, 2022: Bordeaux, Alsace
- Nov 19, 2022: Burgundy, Beaujolais, Loire
- Dec 3, 2022: Rhone Valley, South of France
- Dec 10, 2022: SW France/Jura, Germany, Austria, Tokaj
- Jan 7, 2023: Spain, Portugal
- Jan 21, 2023: Italy
- Feb 4, 2023: Greece, China, North America
- Feb 18, 2023: Chile, Argentina, South Africa
- Mar 11, 2023: Australia, New Zealand
- Mar 25, 2023: Full mock tasting exam with debrief
