WSET Level 3 Award in Spirits | Online Course - Napa Valley Wine Academy
WSET Level 3 Award in Spirits | Online Course
WSET Level 2 Wine Online | On - Demand Course - Napa Valley Wine Academy
WSET Level 3 Award in Spirits | Online Course - Napa Valley Wine Academy
WSET Level 3 Award in Spirits | Online Course
WSET Level 2 Wine Online | On - Demand Course - Napa Valley Wine Academy

WSET Level 3 Award in Spirits | Online Course

The Most Advanced Spirits Certification — Redefined

You’ve explored the world of spirits, but now you’re ready to go deeper. You want to truly understand how production shapes style and quality—and earn a globally respected credential that sets you apart. Yet, the leap to Level 3 can feel intimidating.

Now imagine mastering the art of tasting and evaluation using WSET’s enhanced Systematic Approach to Tasting®. You can confidently assess texture, balance, and quality across spirits from Cognac to Caribbean rum, from Scotch to Mezcal. You don’t just know the facts—you understand the why behind them and can explain it clearly and professionally.

The WSET Level 3 Award in Spirits (Online) at Napa Valley Wine Academy, America’s most awarded wine and spirits school, is the ultimate step for serious spirits enthusiasts and professionals. As one of the first U.S. providers approved to offer the new Issue 3 (February 2025) curriculum, NVWA delivers a reimagined, rigorous program that blends WSET’s global standards with NVWA’s signature expert instruction.

You’ll dive deep into production, raw materials, fermentation, distillation, and maturation through live webinars, interactive tastings, and WSET’s advanced digital platform. The updated course includes:

  • A new tasting framework emphasizing texture and quality
  • A rewritten textbook linking production methods to style and consumer expectations
  • A challenging final exam with two blind tastings, 50 multiple-choice, and 10 short-answer questions

With direct guidance from NVWA’s leading spirits educator, you’ll gain the insight, structure, and confidence to succeed.

Join Napa Valley Wine Academy, a multi-time WSET Educator of the Year, and set yourself apart as a certified spirits professional with advanced global expertise.

➡️ Click Here for Course Specifications

 

/
Course Date

NOTE:

1. WSET now issues Digital Certificates and Badges as a fast, sustainable, and secure alternative to shipping paper certificates and physical pins.

2. WSET Wine Courses now include digital textbooks by default, accessible after purchase. A printed textbook is optional and can be added at checkout for an additional cost.

WSET Level 3 Award in Spirits Online at Napa Valley Wine Academy

The WSET Level 3 Award in Spirits, offered by Napa Valley Wine Academy is a globally recognized qualification from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET). This advanced course is perfect for serious spirit enthusiasts and those aiming to elevate their professional careers in the spirits industry. This course will help you develop an extensive understanding of spirits and confidently explain the spirit. You’ll learn all key characteristics and labeling terms for spirits around the world, and understand what influences their style and quality.

As the most awarded WSET provider in the U.S., Napa Valley Wine Academy augments the WSET’s Spirits course which is a comprehensive online program that dives deep into the systematic approach to tasting and a detailed exploration of key spirits. You'll engage with Scotch Whisky, Whiskey in the USA, Cognac, Armagnac, Caribbean rum, Tequila, Mezcal, Vodka, Gin, and more. This extensive coverage expands your knowledge and sharpens your tasting abilities, focusing on the WSET Level 3 Systematic Approach to Tasting® (SAT).

Worried about the challenge? While the WSET Level 3 Award in Spirits is not easy, our program is designed to arm you with the necessary tools for success. We emphasize the WSET way of thinking so you'll not only master the material but also understand exactly what the examiners are looking for. In addition, we provide a dedicated NVWA Spirits instructor who can answer your questions and guide you through tastings in a series of virtual, live webinars. This is in addition to the full platform provided by the WSET. Upon registration, we’ll share with you how to interact with the WSET and our own engaging, spirited instructor This approach builds your confidence for exam day.

Our expert Spirits  instructor is a renowned industry leader, and offers a learning experience that blends scholarly study with practical, hands-on exercises. The course includes detailed sessions on the key factors in spirit production—raw materials, fermentation, distillation, maturation, and post-distillation operations.

Upon successful completion of this WSET® Level 3 Award in Spirits Certification Course and Exam, you will have gained:

Enroll in the WSET Level 3 Award in Spirits online with Napa Valley Wine Academy, a multiple-time recipient of the Educator of the Year award, and commit to a standard of excellence that distinguishes you in the world of wine.

  • Understand the principal factors involved in the production of spirits and how they influence style and quality
  • Understand the key characteristics and labelling terms of the selected global spirits and how legal frameworks and production choices influence their style and quality.
  • Understand the key characteristics of other named global spirits, their labelling terms and key production choices that are made.
  • Describe the key characteristics of selected global spirits and use the description to identify a spirit’s quality level, giving supporting reasons, and its category.

>>> Click Here for Course Specifications

>>> Click Here to Download the SAT

Liz Pirnat

Head WSET Spirits Instructor, DipWSET, Level 3 Spirits

Liz is our resident WSET Spirits expert and educator, awarded as our WSET Certified Educator for Spirits; holding the WSET Level 3 Spirits award certification as well as the Diploma in Wine & Spirits from the WSET. Liz’s spirits expertise includes numerous other certifications and awards including Executive Bourbon Steward from the Stave and Thief Society. Her journey into the spirited world of whiskey began during her studies for the WSET Diploma, leading her to the renowned Springbank Whisky School in Campbeltown, Scotland, an experience she cherishes as her most memorable whiskey adventure. Beyond her whiskey expertise, Liz is also a Master of Baijiu, Baijiu Apprentice, and holds the esteemed “T” Certification from the Consejo Regulador del Tequila. Currently, Liz leads as the head spirits instructor for Napa Valley Wine Academy, teaching WSET Spirits Level 1 and 2, guiding students with the same passion that first ignited her whiskey interest. Her educational influence extends beyond the world of spirits; she is also an active member of her local school’s Board of Education, demonstrating a commitment to learning in all its forms. Liz’s personal passions are as dynamic as her professional pursuits. An avid Peloton enthusiast, she finds joy in the fusion of fitness and technology. Moreover, her love for musical theater adds a creative and artistic dimension to her multifaceted personality.

What is included?

Your Registration Fee Includes

DEDICATED INSTRUCTOR for the 9-week portion of the course, and continuing with 12 months of access to the online course material, including lecture videos, quizzes, a mock exam, and more.

LIVE WEBINARS which include instructor-led tastings, theory review, and the ability to ask questions.

Aug 4th, 2025 course webinars:

Tuesdays @ 12pm PT / 3pm ET
8/5/2025
8/12/2025
8/26/2025
9/16/2025
9/30/2025

Nov 11th course webinars:

Tuesdays @ 12pm PT / 3pm ET
11/18/2025
11/25/2025
12/9/2025
12/30/2025
1/13/2026

TEXTBOOK/STUDY PACK are shipped to students in the United States within 5 days of registration. For international students, an ebook version is made available. 

Registration and exam fees

Napa Valley Wine Academy provides live instruction during five webinars. Taste with your dedicated NVWA instructor, ask questions and meet your fellow Spirits community members! 

Format & Location

This is a nine (9) -week, semi-synchronous (combination instructor-led and self-paced) course with a fixed start/end date. However, you will have 12 months of access to the online learning material, allowing you to study wine in a way that fits your schedule.

  • Understand the principal factors involved in the production of spirits and how they influence style and quality
  • Understand the key characteristics and labelling terms of the selected global spirits and how legal frameworks and production choices influence their style and quality.
  • Understand the key characteristics of other named global spirits, their labelling terms and key production choices that are made.
  • Describe the key characteristics of selected global spirits and use the description to identify a spirit’s quality level, giving supporting reasons, and its category.

Aug 4th, 2025 course webinars:

Tuesdays @ 12pm PT / 3pm ET
8/5/2025
8/12/2025
8/26/2025
9/16/2025
9/30/2025

Nov 11th, 2025 course webinars:

Tuesdays @ 12pm PT / 3pm ET
11/18/2025
11/25/2025
12/9/2025
12/30/2025
1/13/2026

In-person exams at 10am-1pm:

  • October 16th, 2025 in Napa, CA
  • October 16th, 2025 in Bardstown, KY
  • March 21st, 2026 in Napa, CA
  • March 21st, 2026 in Cleveland, OH
  • May 23rd, 2026 in Napa, CA
  • May 23rd, 2026 in Cleveland, OH
  • August 22nd, 2026 in Napa, CA
  • August 22nd, 2026 in Cleveland, OH

Recommendations and Requirements

All attendees must be at least 21 years of age.

PREREQUISITE: This is an advanced-level course.  Students not holding WSET Level 2 Certification in Spirits should reach out to our student success team to discuss education paths. 

RECOMMENDED STUDY HOURS needed to pass the exam with distinction is 84 hours, made up of 32.5 Guided Learning Hours and 51.5 hours of private study.

For more information and full details on the course requirements, please download the Specification below.

>>> Click Here for Course Specifications

>>> Click Here to Download the SAT

Additional information

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 Can Benefit from the WSET Level 3 Award in Spirits at Napa Valley Wine Academy?

At Napa Valley Wine Academy, our WSET Level 3 Award in Spirits is designed for those who aspire to broaden their understanding of the world’s leading spirits and master a systematic approach to tasting that evaluates spirits quality and pricing.

This course is particularly advantageous for professionals within the global industry, providing them with the knowledge and confidence required to make informed decisions in various trade contexts. It is especially valuable for those in supervisory roles or individuals aiming to progress to such positions, offering essential skills to advise on wine selections effectively.

Moreover, the WSET Level 3 course is an excellent resource for collectors and serious enthusiasts. It deepens their comprehension of diverse international spirits, enhancing their ability to assess quality and value, ensuring they are knowledgeable consumers and collectors.

Whether you are looking to advance your career in the spirits industry or simply wish to deepen your appreciation and understanding of spirits, the WSET Level 3 Award in spirits at Napa Valley Wine Academy provides the comprehensive education and critical tasting skills you need to achieve your goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the schedule of the WSET Level 3 Award in Spirits Course?

A: The course is self-paced and accessible 24/7. It includes videos, interactive activities, quizzes, and mock exams. Additionally, 5 Live Zoom Webinars, each lasting 60-90 minutes, are scheduled according to the webinar chart. 

Q: What are the Webinars in this course, and are they mandatory?

A: Webinars facilitate understanding of the online course and textbooks. They include orientation, lectures, and guided tasting. Attendance is not mandatory as all webinars are recorded and posted for viewing later.

Q: How can I communicate with the instructor and other students?

A:  Communication is possible through the Zoom Webinars and online messaging during the nine-week instructor-led portion of the course.

Q:  When will I receive the links to access the online course?

A:  Email links to access the online course are sent 2 days from WSET Global before the course starts.

Q: Can I start directly at Level 3 Spirits?

A: Not recommended. Even seasoned professionals benefit from WSET Level 2. It builds essential tasting methodology and production knowledge. Jumping straight into Level 3 often results in students struggling.

Even those with the old WSET Diploma in Wines and Spirits should consider taking Level 2 Spirits to “dust off the cobwebs from the stills.”

Q: I have other certifications. Can I start at Level 3?

A: Possibly.Contact our Student Success Team, and they’ll connect you with me for a conversation. Let’s figure out what’s best for you.

Q: I'm ready to sign up. Anything I should consider?

A: Look at your next 3–6 months realistically.You need to commit at least 100 hours of study. That’s over three months if you study an hour a day. Success depends on more than reading the book and attending webinars—you need to engage with practice questions and rehearse explaining production steps. Students often enroll during life transitions (e.g., moving or job changes) and find they don’t have the time to study. Plan wisely!

Q: How should I prepare before the course begins?

A: Review the Level 3 Specification Guide—identify weak spots.

  • Revisit your Level 2 notes for a refresh.
  • Stick to the textbook during the course. External resources can overwhelm and distract.
  • And once your book arrives—start reading! Cheers to your success!

Related Courses

and Classes

Wine Can Be Complex.
Wine Education Shouldn't Be.

Whether you’re looking to advance in your career with a WSET certification or just be more confident in the wine aisle, we offer the instruction and support you need to achieve your wine education goals. With Napa Valley Wine Academy,  you can:

Star and Guy drinking wine
  • Earn your WSET certification (Levels 1-4) from the world’s largest, most-awarded program provider
  • Get the basics without the stress of certification in our Wine 101 or 201 courses
  • Gain an edge in a certain wine region with one of our specialty certifications
  • Learn hands-on in an immersive wine experience