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

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.

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. In-person exams are organized

• June 5th, 2025 in Napa, CA and Bardstown, KY
• August 17th, 2025 in Bardstown, KY
  

Webinar 1: Feb 25 noon Pacific/3 pm Eastern
Webinar 2: March 4 noon Pacific/3 pm Eastern
Webinar 3: March 18 noon Pacific/3 pm Eastern
Webinar 4: April 8 noon Pacific/3 pm Eastern
Webinar 5: April 22 noon Pacific/3 pm Eastern

• 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.

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!