Name: WSET Level 4 Diploma | D1 Wine Production
Brand: Napa Valley Wine Academy
SKU: 8222CourseWSETLevel4D1Online20250922
Price: 1197.00 USD
Availability: OutOfStock

Begin your prestigious journey into the world of wine with our WSET Level 4 Diploma, starting with the D1 – Wine Production course. This foundational module introduces you to the intricate details of wine production, setting the stage for advanced learning. Explore how decisions in the vineyard and winery influence wine style, quality, and price, providing a comprehensive understanding of the complex wine production process.

Noelle Hale

dipWSET, Diploma Manager, Instructor

Noelle’s passion for wine began on a trip to New Zealand, when she discovered Marlborough makes a lot more than just Sauvignon Blanc. When she got back home, she signed up for her first WSET class and leveraged that qualification to get hired in a tasting room. Eventually she began working as a distributor sales rep and completed her WSET Diploma in 2019. She has been teaching WSET classes for the Napa Valley Wine Academy since 2017 and took over running the WSET Diploma program in 2021. She's currently a student in the MW program, so when she's not studying, you can find her running, cooking or playing with her corgi, Pal.

Csilla Kato

D.W.S., A.I.W.S, Winemaker, Instructor

Csilla was born and raised in beautiful Budapest, Hungary, and was bitten by the wine bug during high school when she helped with regular tastings at her brother’s wine shop. After a short stint in law school, she changed her focus and spent five years earning her Masters degree in Fermentation Science and Post-Harvest Technologies. Right after graduation she had the opportunity to work and travel and landed a harvest in Sonoma, California. Csilla worked with Zinfandel, Cabernet, and Chardonnay while learning the process of winemaking first hand in the famed Ravenswood Winery. After her first harvest, she was hungry for more and went on to take part in harvests in Italy, Hungary, and New Zealand, as well as Napa. She has spent years working in winemaking labs analyzing the myriad of aspects that make wine great while also making great wines along the way. Since 2007 she has been with Beringer Vineyards, where she began as an Enologist and today is an Associate Winemaker with a few labels under her supervision. Tramping around vineyards, tasting fermentations at various stages and assembling final blends are some of her favorite parts of being a winemaker. Csilla also enjoys sharing her passion and knowledge about the wine industry with those who care to know. She holds her Level 4 Diploma with the prestigious Wine & Spirit Education Trust and relishes the opportunity to educate new students at Napa Valley Wine Academy. Married to an amazing brewer, who has taught her to appreciate great beers, she is a mother of two and spends most of her free time enjoying watching them grow.

Jonathan Frost

dipWSET, Winemaker, Instructor

Jonathan Frost is a current Master of Wine candidate with over ten years of winemaking experience. He holds a WSET Level 4 Diploma, a B.S. in Accounting, and is an experienced winemaker. After pursuing a career in music, John entered the wine industry in 2009 to learn under UC Davis alums in the Livermore Valley. This experience is known as the “school of broom-pushing” in the industry. In 2015, he moved to Napa Valley for a winemaking position that introduced him to a community that opened him to opportunities to work with consultants, writers, WSET instructors and the ability to trial new wine technology. He joined LAFFORT® in 2020; with his experience and inventive solutions for large and small wineries. He is known for his hands-on approach, emphasis on logistics and efficiency, and education for both the tasting room and production. He is not only a practitioner but also an instructor; John instructs for Napa Valley Wine Academy sharing his knowledge and experience with others. His approach to winemaking is not about ego but about the journey, the lifestyle, and the opportunity to share it with others. He is dedicated to doing the right things to make a great product with the right people.

At Napa Valley Wine Academy, you're not just gaining an education; you're becoming part of an elite community. As a beacon of excellence in wine education and the only twice-recognized Riedel Global Wine Educator of the Year, our courses are designed to offer more than knowledge—they offer a pathway to becoming a leading professional in the industry.

Eight instructor-led webinars via Zoom
Access to a dedicated online classroom with all necessary study materials
Recorded webinars available for review
Optional wine kit for hands-on learning

WSET Level 4 D1 Webinar Schedule

May 12, 2025: 8 sessions: (all Th 5-7pm PST) 5/15/25, 5/22/25, 5/29/25, 6/5/25, 6/12/25, 6/26/25, 7/10/25, 7/17/25

Feedback Tests: Test 1: 6/17/25 Test 2: 7/8/25 Test 3: 7/22/25

Course Start Date - Sept 22, 2025

8 sessions: (all Th 5-7pm PST) 9/25/25, 10/2/25, 10/9/25, 10/16/25, 10/30/25, 11/6/25, 11/13/25, 11/20/25

The D1 module covers all aspects of wine production from vine to vat, including viticulture and vinification processes. You'll learn how different practices affect the final product, preparing you for more specialized subjects in future modules.

The course offers flexible learning via live webinars, supplemented with comprehensive online resources. All live sessions are scheduled in the evening to accommodate various time zones and lifestyles.

A passing score on the WSET Level 3 Award in Wines is required to enroll. This course is ideal for those looking to deepen their professional wine knowledge or pivot to a career in the wine industry.

Course Dates and Registration Deadlines

May 12, 2025: 8 sessions: (all Th 5-7pm PST) 5/15/25, 5/22/25, 5/29/25, 6/5/25, 6/12/25, 6/26/25, 7/10/25, 7/17/25

Feedback Tests: Test 1: 6/17/25 Test 2: 7/8/25 Test 3: 7/22/25

Sept 22, 2025: 8 sessions: (all Th 5-7pm PST) 9/25/25, 10/2/25, 10/9/25, 10/16/25, 10/30/25, 11/6/25, 11/13/25, 11/20/25

All webinars are conveniently timed from 5-7 PM PST, accommodating a broad range of schedules and allowing for evening participation regardless of your daytime commitments.

Why Choose Us

Choosing Napa Valley Wine Academy for your WSET Level 4 Diploma means selecting an institution recognized for its excellence and unique educational approach. With accolades like the Riedel Global Wine Educator of the Year Award and a track record of success, we are uniquely equipped to guide you through your wine education journey. Our courses are more than a learning experience; they are an opportunity to join an elite community of wine professionals and enthusiasts who are passionate about advancing their expertise.

What prerequisites are required for the WSET Level 4 Diploma D1 Wine Production course?

To enroll in the WSET Level 4 Diploma D1 Wine Production course, you must have successfully passed the WSET Level 3 Award in Wines. This ensures that all participants have a solid understanding of wine fundamentals before advancing to more complex topics.

Can I enroll in the course if I am new to wine studies?

The WSET Level 4 Diploma is designed for individuals with significant prior knowledge. If you are new to wine studies, we recommend starting with lower-level WSET courses, such as Levels 1 and 2, to build a strong foundational knowledge before progressing to Level 4.

How is the course delivered?

The course is delivered through a combination of eight instructor-led webinars via Zoom, supplemented by a comprehensive suite of online learning materials and support resources available in our online classroom. All webinars are recorded and available for later review to accommodate different learning paces and time zones.

What materials will I receive as part of the course?

You will receive access to an online classroom containing study worksheets, vocabulary lists, and other supportive resources. An optional 12-bottle wine kit is also available for purchase, which is used during the instructor-led tastings to illustrate winemaking techniques.

What is the format of the exam, and where is it held?

The exam is a 90-minute written test consisting of multi-part, open-response style questions. It must be taken in person in Napa, CA, on the designated exam date associated with your course session.

When will I receive my exam results?

Exam results are issued via email approximately three months after the exam date. All exams are graded at WSET's headquarters in London.

What happens if I cannot attend one of the scheduled webinars?

All webinars are recorded and posted in the online classroom the next business day. You can review the recordings at any time throughout the course to catch up or refresh your knowledge.

Can international students enroll in the course?

Yes, international students are welcome to enroll in the course. Keep in mind that the live webinar times are listed in Pacific Standard Time (PST), and the final exam must be taken in person in Napa, CA.

What support will I have access to during my studies?

You will have access to instructor support throughout the course, along with peer interaction in the online classroom. Our learning platform is designed to foster an interactive and supportive learning environment.

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