Oregon Wine Expert Online Course™

Discover Oregon — Where Innovation Meets Terroir

Before this course, Oregon might feel like a mystery — you know it for Pinot Noir, but not for the incredible range of grapes, climates, and stories that define its vineyards.

After, you’ll see the region differently — a place of innovation, sustainability, and world-class craftsmanship woven into every bottle.

The Oregon Wine Expert™ certification is the first and only course dedicated entirely to Oregon wines. Developed by Master of Wine Bree Stock, this program gives you insider-level expertise in one of America’s most dynamic and respected wine regions.

Why Take This Course

• Learn from a Local Master: Guided by Bree Stock, MW, Oregon’s resident Master of Wine and global educator.
• Deep Regional Knowledge: Explore 72 grape varieties, nearly 800 small-production wineries, and the unique terroirs that shape them.
• Flexible, Self-Paced Learning: Seven manageable modules designed for busy professionals and passionate learners alike.
• Earn Your OWE Postnominal: Complete the course and optional exam to become a certified Oregon Wine Expert™.
• One-Year Access: Learn anytime, anywhere, with 12 months of full course access.

Who It’s For

• Wine Professionals in hospitality, retail, marketing, or production seeking specialized regional authority.
• WSET Graduates who want to apply their global wine foundation to one of America’s most exciting regions.
• Curious Enthusiasts who love Oregon wines and want to understand the “how” and “why” behind their excellence.

What You’ll Explore

• Oregon’s Terroir & Climate: How geography, soils, and weather define style and quality.
• Regulations & Sustainability: Learn Oregon’s pioneering standards for authenticity and environmental care.
• Grape Varieties & Trends: Discover the grapes, people, and winemaking philosophies that make Oregon distinct.
• Regional Deep Dives:
  
  Willamette Valley AVA: Dundee Hills, Eola-Amity Hills, and more.
  
  Southern Oregon AVA: Umpqua Valley, Rogue Valley, and Applegate Valley.
  
  Columbia Gorge & Walla Walla Valley: Cooler climates, bold styles, and innovation in the north and east.

Transform the Way You Understand Oregon Wine

This course bridges passion and precision — giving you both emotional connection and expert-level understanding of Oregon’s diverse wine regions.

Enroll today to become a certified Oregon Wine Expert™, earn your OWE postnominal, and speak with true authority about one of the world’s most fascinating wine regions.

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 Learning Environment: Enjoy 12 months of unlimited access to all course content, including detailed videos, interactive quizzes, and in-depth discussions on Oregon’s wine regions. Start the course at any time that suits you and revisit the materials as often as you like to deepen your understanding and retention.
• Optional Final Exam: Elevate your professional profile by opting to take the final exam and earn the Oregon Wine Expert™ Certification. Successfully obtaining this certification not only enhances your resume but also bolsters your standing as a knowledgeable wine professional or dedicated enthusiast.

This dynamic educational package is thoughtfully crafted to provide a rewarding and adaptable learning experience. Dive into the complexities of Oregon wines at your pace, gaining a robust understanding of this prestigious wine-producing area.

The Oregon Wine Expert™ course is meticulously organized into comprehensive modules, each dedicated to unraveling the nuances of Oregon's unique wine landscape:

• Oregon’s Terroir and Climate: Gain insights into how Oregon's specific climate and geographic conditions contribute to its distinctive wine profiles, impacting everything from vine growth to flavor development in the grapes.
• Regulations and Sustainability: Understand the strict regulations that Oregon adheres to in its winemaking processes, which not only ensure quality and authenticity but also emphasize environmental stewardship and sustainable practices.
• Grape Varieties and Winemaking Trends: Dive deep into the major grape varieties that define Oregon's wine identity, including both white and red grapes. Explore current trends in viticulture and winemaking that are shaping the future of Oregon wines.

Regional Focus:

• Willamette Valley AVA: Delve into the heart of Oregon's wine country with detailed explorations of its sub-AVAs like Dundee Hills, Eola-Amity Hills, and others, each known for unique expressions of Pinot Noir and other varietals.
• Southern Oregon AVA: Explore this diverse region, from the Umpqua Valley to the Rogue Valley, understanding the impact of its varied climate on the robust and dynamic wines produced here.
• Northern and Eastern Oregon AVA: Study the cooler climate areas and their influence on viticulture, including regions like the Columbia Gorge and Walla Walla Valley, renowned for their distinctive wine styles.
• Other Notable Regions: Examine other significant areas within Oregon that contribute to its rich wine landscape, providing a broader understanding of its viticultural diversity.

Each module in this course is designed to combine in-depth theoretical knowledge with practical insights, making this program not just an educational endeavor but also a practical guide to understanding and appreciating the unique complexities and rich diversity of Oregon's wines. Through this course, you will gain a holistic view of Oregon's wine industry, from soil and vine to bottle and table.

The Oregon Wine Expert™ course is offered completely online, affording you the utmost flexibility to immerse yourself in the distinctive wine regions of Oregon from any location that fits your lifestyle. Whether you're engaging with the material from the comfort of your home, a cozy corner in your local café, or while enjoying the outdoors, this course is tailored to seamlessly integrate into your daily routine.

Our intuitive online platform is designed for ease of use and accessibility, enabling you to delve into Oregon's unique terroir, climate, grape varieties, and viticultural practices at your own pace. This adaptable format ensures that your learning experience is not only educational but also enjoyable, allowing you to fully appreciate the complexities of Oregon wines without the constraints of traditional classroom attendance.

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 should enroll in the Oregon Wine Expert™ course?

This course is designed for anyone interested in deepening their knowledge of Oregon's wine regions, including wine enthusiasts, industry professionals such as sommeliers, wine distributors, and marketers, as well as educators and students looking for specialized knowledge in Oregon wines.

What are the prerequisites for this course?

While there are no strict prerequisites, it is recommended that participants have a basic understanding of general winemaking processes and grape varieties to fully benefit from the depth of this course. A prior general wine course or equivalent experience is beneficial.

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

Participants will gain comprehensive insights into Oregon’s wine industry, including detailed information on its terroir, climate, major grape varieties, viticulture and winemaking practices, and the specific characteristics of different AVAs within the region.

How is the course structured?

The course consists of seven detailed modules that cover various aspects of the Oregon wine landscape. Each module includes video lectures, reading assignments, interactive activities, and quizzes to reinforce learning and ensure a thorough understanding of each topic.

How long do I have to complete the course?

You will have 12 months of access from the time of your registration. This period allows you to move through the material at your own pace and revisit topics as needed.

What is the format of the final exam?

The final exam is an online assessment consisting of 35 questions, including multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, and map identification questions. You will have 40 minutes to complete the exam.

What is required to pass the course?

To receive certification, you must score at least 80% on the final exam. Achieving this score demonstrates a thorough understanding of Oregon wines and qualifies you to use the OWE postnominal letters after your name.

Can I access the course materials on any device?

Yes, the course is designed to be fully responsive, so you can access your course materials on any device, including desktops, tablets, and smartphones.

What happens if I don’t pass the exam on my first try?

If you do not pass the exam on your first attempt, you can retake the exam. Please note that an additional fee may apply for each subsequent attempt.

How can I use the Oregon Wine Expert™ certification?

The certification can enhance your resume, help you advance in the wine industry, and increase your credibility when selling or educating others about Oregon wines. It is also a mark of your deep personal commitment to understanding this significant wine-producing region..

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.