American Wine Expert™ | Online – Napa Valley Wine Academy

Turn Curiosity Into Confidence — Discover the Wines of America

You know American wines by name—Napa, Sonoma, Oregon—but the full story feels out of reach. The regions, grapes, and styles blur together, and you want to understand what truly defines wine across the United States.

Now imagine recognizing a bottle and knowing its origin, climate, and craft. You can trace every flavor to its place and speak about American wine with pride and confidence. You see the entire map differently—each state, each AVA, each winemaker telling a story you understand.

The American Wine Expert™ online course, guided by Master of Wine Peter Marks, takes you beyond the familiar West Coast to uncover the wines, people, and regions shaping America’s dynamic wine landscape. From California to the Finger Lakes, Texas Hill Country to Michigan, this self-paced program reveals the diversity and innovation driving modern U.S. wine.

You’ll explore:

All 50 states of American wine production, from icons to emerging regions
Interactive maps, videos, and quizzes that make learning vivid and memorable
Climate, geography, grape varieties, and trends shaping the industry today

Perfect for both enthusiasts and professionals, this 100% online course offers 12 months of access from purchase, letting you learn anytime, anywhere. By the end, you’ll gain knowledge, the clarity, confidence, and credentials to speak about U.S. wine like a true insider.

Enroll today and see American wine in a whole new light.

Available ONLY through Premier Crew™ Membership

Discover America, One Glass at a Time

Feel the pride of mastering your home turf. The American Wine Expert™ course uncorks the stories, climates, and craft behind every corner of American wine—from Napa to the Finger Lakes, Texas Hill Country to the shores of Lake Michigan.

This isn’t just another wine course. It’s a guided journey across a continent, revealing how place, people, and passion shape the wines that define America today.

Why This Course Stands Apart

🍇 Learn from a Legend

Your guide is Peter Marks, Master of Wine—the 10th American to earn the MW title and the first to receive the Madame Bollinger Foundation Award. His insight and storytelling turn complex information into knowledge that sticks.

🌎 Explore Beyond the Obvious

Move past the familiar coasts. Discover emerging AVAs, regional gems, and the innovations changing the face of U.S. wine—from Oregon to Virginia, Washington to New Mexico.

🧭 Build Real Expertise

Understand climate, geography, grape varieties, wine laws, and the evolving trends that shape the American wine industry today.

Course Highlights

100% Online + Self-Paced – Learn anytime, anywhere, at your rhythm. Access for 12 months.
Immersive Materials – Interactive maps, videos, quizzes, and study modules designed to make learning feel intuitive and alive.
Professional + Personal Value – Perfect for both wine lovers expanding their horizons and industry pros strengthening their credentials.

Your Passport to American Wine Mastery

Whether you’re advising clients, curating lists, or simply exploring for pleasure, you’ll finish with more than knowledge—you’ll gain confidence, authority, and connection to America’s incredible wine story.

Enroll today and become an American Wine Expert™.

Taste the diversity. Speak the language. Lead the conversation.

Peter Marks

VP of Education & 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. Marks is one of only 52 Masters of Wine residing in the United States and one of 390 in the world. The prestigious Master of Wine (MW) title is bestowed by the Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) in London. Marks received his MW designation in 1995 when he became the 10th American to pass. That year he 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. From 2008 to 2019 Marks was Vice President of Education for Constellation Brands, overseeing programs such as the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) for employees and customers. He implemented a diverse education curriculum delivered both in-person and online. Before joining Constellation Wines, he was the Senior Vice President of Wine at Copia: The American Center for Wine, Food & the Arts in Napa, where he was responsible for all wine sales and education programs. Previous to working at Copia Marks was the Chief Wine Merchant at Wine.com, a wine Internet retailer serving more than 40 states. For 15 years prior, Marks was Director of Wine for the upscale Draeger’s Supermarkets located in Northern California. Marks graduated from the University of California at Davis in 1976 with a B.S. degree with highest honors in Food Service Management. His personal interest in wine led him to the wine trade in 1981. Marks is on the Education and Exam Board of the Institute of Masters of Wine, he is the Panel Chair of the Practical (Tasting) Exam for the Institute of Masters of Wine and he judges many international wine competitions. He is also a member of the Society of Wine Educators, teaches wine classes independently and through the Napa Valley Wine Academy, and he assists with many charitable fundraisers throughout the year. Marks enjoys riding his bike in the Napa Valley, especially up Mt. Veeder and through the beautiful vineyards.

Learn from the Best

Imagine learning from top wine experts, including 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.

Comprehensive Course Features:

Flexible Fun: Enjoy 12 months from purchase of unrestricted access to all course materials. Dive into engaging videos, interactive quizzes, and extensive wine knowledge at your convenience. Start learning whenever you're ready and revisit content as often as needed to reinforce your understanding.
Optional Final Exam (Add-On): Take the final step in your educational journey by opting for the final exam to qualify for the American Wine Expert™ Certification. Achieving this certification not only enhances your résumé but also deepens your credibility as a wine professional or enthusiast.

This robust educational package is designed to ensure a rewarding and flexible learning experience, allowing you to explore American wines thoroughly and at your own pace.

This expansive course is structured into comprehensive modules, each focusing on key aspects of the American wine industry:
Background & Overview of American Wine: Delve into the wine industry statistics, understand the diverse climates and geography that influence viticulture across the U.S., and explore the significant historical milestones of the American wine industry.
U.S. Wine Laws and Regulations: Learn about the legislative framework that governs wine production across different states, including critical aspects of compliance and the impact of these laws on the industry.
Grape Species & Varieties: Explore the wide array of grape species cultivated across the U.S., from the dominant varieties to regional specialties, and understand their adaptation to various American terroirs.
Regional Focus:
California: Examine the famed appellations of Napa Valley, Sonoma, and other vital regions in Northern, Central, and Southern California.
Pacific Northwest: Investigate the appellations of Washington and Oregon, renowned for their unique wine styles.
East Coast & Mid-Atlantic: Cover New York, Pennsylvania, and the emerging wine regions of New England and Virginia.
The South & Midwest: Explore the rapidly growing wine regions in Texas, the Midwest, and other Southern states.
Other U.S. Regions: Discover lesser-known wine-producing areas that are making a mark on the national and international wine scenes.

Each module combines detailed theoretical knowledge with practical insights, making this course an educational journey and a practical guide to understanding and appreciating the complexity and diversity of American wines.

The American Wine Expert™ course is delivered entirely online, giving you unparalleled flexibility to delve into the rich tapestry of American wine regions from wherever suits you best. Whether you're learning from the comfort of your own home, a quiet spot in your favorite café, or while relaxing outdoors, this course is designed to integrate smoothly into your everyday life.

Our user-friendly online platform is crafted for convenience and accessibility, allowing you to explore the diverse climates, geography, grape varieties, and wine laws of the U.S. at your own pace. This flexible format ensures that your educational journey is as enjoyable as it is informative, providing a comprehensive structure to deepen your understanding of American wines without the need for physical classroom attendance.

Add-On Certificate Exam $99:

Available for purchase within the course upon course completion
50 questions
Completed online from home
Unlimited attempts
Instant results – no waiting
Digital certificate issued upon passing

All attendees must be at least 21 years of age.

Some basic wine education is necessary, those new to wine studies may benefit from first completing our introductory Wine 101 Foundation Online course to establish a baseline understanding of wine fundamentals.

System Requirements: This course is taught 100% online; students will require access to a computer with the following minimum requirements: Firefox 25.0, Safari 6, Chrome 30.0, or other HTML5 compatible with Javascript and cookies enabled. Adobe Reader XI or equivalent. Internet access (broadband recommended).

Who is the American Wine Expert™ course designed for?

This course is tailored for anyone with an interest in American wines. It is especially beneficial for wine industry professionals, including sommeliers, wine marketers, distributors, and retailers who need in-depth knowledge of the U.S. wine landscape. Wine enthusiasts looking to deepen their understanding of American wines will also find this course invaluable.

What are the prerequisites for enrolling in this course?

No prior wine education is required to enroll in the American Wine Expert™ course. However, it is recommended that those new to wine studies first complete a foundational wine course, such as our Wine 101, to ensure they have the basic knowledge needed to fully benefit from the depth of this program.

What will I learn in the American Wine Expert™ course?

You will gain comprehensive knowledge about the wine regions of the United States, including detailed studies of climate, geography, grape varieties, and viticulture across various states. The course covers significant wine laws, industry trends, and critical statistics that shape the U.S. wine industry.

How is the course structured?

The American Wine Expert™ course is divided into detailed modules that focus on different aspects of the American wine industry, from regional profiles to technical discussions on grape species and viticultural practices. Each module includes interactive materials, videos, and quizzes to enhance learning and retention.

What is the format of the certification exam?

Available for purchase within the course upon course completion. The certification exam consists of 50 questions, including matching, fill-in-the-blank, map identification, multiple-choice, and spelling, to be completed in 40 minutes. A score of 80% or higher is required to pass and earn the American Wine Expert™ certification.

What happens if I don't pass the exam on the first attempt?

If you do not achieve a passing score on your first attempt, you can retake the exam.

How long do I have access to the course materials?

You will have access to all course materials for 12 months from the date of purchase, allowing you to study at your own pace and revisit sections as needed.

Can I access the course from outside the United States?

Yes, the American Wine Expert™ course is available internationally. As long as you have internet access, you can enroll and participate in the course from anywhere in the world.

How can I use the American Wine Expert™ certification?

The AWE certification is a mark of distinction in the wine industry. You can use it to enhance your resume, demonstrate your expertise to clients, or advance your career in the wine industry. The certification is also a valuable addition to your personal growth in wine knowledge.

Are there any additional costs involved?

The enrollment fee includes all course materials, access to the online learning platform. Certification exam is available as an add-on purchase upon completion of the course.

How can I share my certification? Your digital certificate is shareable with a single click to over 100 social media platforms, and it can be easily added to LinkedIn, embedded in email signatures, or displayed on personal websites to showcase your achievement.

Is this course suitable for international students? Absolutely. Since the course is delivered online, it is accessible to participants from around the globe, provided they have internet access and meet the prerequisite wine knowledge requirements.

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