WSET Level 4 Diploma | D3 Wines of the World course logo with a woman holding a wine glass.

WSET Level 4 Diploma | D3 Wines of the World

WSET Level 4 Diploma | D3 Wines of the World

Regular price$2,65000 $2,650.00
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Course Date

NOTE:

We are able to have wine kits shipped to the following states ONLY:AL, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, ME, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NH, NV, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WA, WI, WY, and Wash DC.

NO SHIP LOCATIONS: International, AK, AR, CT, DE, HI, MS, NJ, RI, SD, UT, VT, and WV.

Embark on a comprehensive exploration of global viticulture with the WSET Level 4 Diploma, D3 Wines of the World course. This detailed study covers the still wines from renowned regions such as France, Italy, Spain, the USA, Australia, and more. Designed for those looking to deepen their expertise in wine, this module provides a nuanced understanding of the different grape varieties, viticultural practices, and regional wine laws shaping the world’s wine landscape.

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.

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 a WSET Level 2 class and leveraged that qualification to get hired in a tasting room. She recently completed her WSET Diploma, and when she’s not selling wine as a distributor rep in Santa Barbara, she’s teaching classes in wine country for the Napa Valley Wine Academy. You can also find her running, cooking or playing fetch with her corgi, Winston.

Monika Bielka-Vescovi

dipWSET, Instructor, Exam Officer

Monika is an international wine educator, judge, entrepreneur, journalist, and university lecturer currently holding the WSET Diploma. Monika has mentored WSET students, taught accredited courses up to the WSET Diploma level, and lectured for over 12 years in the USA, UK, Poland, Ukraine, Hungary, and Thailand bringing multicultural experiences to the classroom. She is the founder and honorary President of the Polish Women and Wine Association, Weinakadmieker at Weinakademie Österreich in Rust and Ambassador of the European Association of Sommeliers. She is also a founder of sommelier school Szkola Sommelierow in Poland. In 2017, Monika was awarded the best female entrepreneur award by the Law Business Quality Magazine, and in 2019 she received the Polish Women of Wine Award. Her hospitality experience as beverage director and wine trainer at the five-star Six Senses Resorts and Spas in Asia, and fine dining management in Memphis TN, Broomfield & Boulder CO brings a wealth of practical experience to her classroom. Monika has many years of wine buying experience and has created several award-winning wine lists for her clients. Monika loves to study and continues her wine journey as a student of the Institute of Masters of Wine, Stage 2, UC Davis Winemaking, and Rioja Wine Educator.

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.

As the most awarded WSET provider in the USA and recipient of the Riedel Global Wine Educator of the Year Award, Napa Valley Wine Academy offers unmatched excellence in wine education. Our commitment is reflected in our innovative teaching methods, expert faculty, and the comprehensive resources provided to each student. By studying with us, you gain access to an esteemed network of professionals and a pathway to distinguished credentials in the wine industry.

  • 13 instructor-led webinars spanning key wine-producing regions and styles, each session lasting four hours.
  • Comprehensive study support through digital guides, optional wine kits containing 102 carefully selected samples, and a robust online classroom.
  • Two mock exams with feedback to fine-tune your examination strategies.
  • Recorded webinars available for review to accommodate your schedule.
  • Office hours with instructors

WINE KITS - Wine kits ordered >7 days before the course start date will be delivered by the course start. Wine kits ordered  <7 days of course start date will take 5-7 business days to get delivered. 

WSET Level 4 D3 Webinar Schedule


Course Start Date: March 24, 2025

15 sessions: Sat 9-1 (for 4 hrs) 3/29/25, 4/12/25, 4/26/25, 5/3/25, 5/17/25, 5/31/25, 6/14/25, 6/28/25, 7/12/25, 7/26/25, 8/9/25, 8/23/25, 9/6/25, 9/20/25 (9am-3pm, mock theory exam), 10/4/25 (9am-3pm, mock tasting exam)

Course Start Date: October 27, 2025

15 sessions: Sat 9-1 (for 4 hrs) 11/1/25, 11/8/25, 11/22/25, 12/6/25, 12/13/25, 1/3/26, 1/10/26, 1/31/26, 2/7/26, 2/21/26, 3/7/26, 3/21/26, 4/4/26, 4/18/26 (9am-3pm for mock theory exam), 4/25/26 (9am-3pm for mock tasting exam)

The course meticulously examines the still wines of key wine-producing countries, delving into regional differences, grape varieties, and production techniques that define the character and quality of wines. From the Old World classics to New World innovations, students gain a critical understanding of global wine production.

This flexible online course is designed to accommodate students from around the world, with live webinars and interactive content delivered through Zoom. The final examinations are conducted in person in Napa, California, offering multiple dates to fit diverse schedules.

Course & Exam Dates:

Online Course

Course Dates: March 24, 2025 - October 22-23, 2025

Exam Dates: October 22-23, 2025

Registration Deadline: March 24, 2025

Webinar Time: 9am-1pm PST on Saturdays

Webinar Dates: 15 sessions: Sat 9-1 (for 4 hrs) 3/29/25, 4/12/25, 4/26/25, 5/3/25, 5/17/25, 5/31/25, 6/14/25, 6/28/25, 7/12/25, 7/26/25, 8/9/25, 8/23/25, 9/6/25, 9/20/25 (9am-3pm, mock theory exam), 10/4/25 (9am-3pm, mock tasting exam)

Online Course

Course Dates: October  27, 2025 - May 12,13 2026

Exam Dates: May 12-13, 2026

Registration Deadline: October 27, 2025

Webinar Time: 9am-1pm PST on Saturdays

Webinar Dates: 15 sessions: Sat 9-1 (for 4 hrs) 11/1/25, 11/8/25, 11/22/25, 12/6/25, 12/13/25, 1/3/26, 1/10/26, 1/31/26, 2/7/26, 2/21/26, 3/7/26, 3/21/26, 4/4/26, 4/18/26 (9am-3pm for mock theory exam), 4/25/26 (9am-3pm for mock tasting exam)

Entrance into this advanced course requires completion of WSET Level 4 Diploma Units D1 and D2. We recommend dedicating around 250 hours of study over six months to fully prepare for the extensive material and examinations involved.

To support your learning journey, we provide an optional tasting kit, access to our Online Global Campus for extra resources, and supplemental materials that include videos and guided reading questions. Our program is designed to not only prepare you for the exams but to significantly enhance your professional standing and personal enjoyment of wine.

Embark on this expert-level journey with Napa Valley Wine Academy, where your passion for wine and dedication to learning come together to forge a path to professional success and personal satisfaction in the world of wine.

 Who is this course designed for?

The WSET Level 4 Diploma, D3 Wines of the World course is designed for wine industry professionals and dedicated enthusiasts who have already completed the D1 and D2 units of the WSET Level 4 Diploma. It is ideal for those seeking advanced knowledge of the main wine regions of the world and a rigorous assessment of their tasting and theoretical understanding.

2. What prerequisites are required for this course?

Participants must have successfully completed the WSET Level 4 Diploma Units D1 (Wine Production) and D2 (Wine Business) before enrolling in the D3 Wines of the World unit. These prerequisites ensure that all students have a foundational understanding necessary to tackle the advanced concepts covered in D3.

3. How is the course delivered?

The course is delivered online through a series of 13 webinars, each four hours long, held via Zoom. These are complemented by extensive digital resources, optional wine tasting kits, and mock exams to prepare for the final assessment. All webinars are recorded and made available in the online classroom for later access.

4. What does the examination involve?

The examination consists of two parts conducted over two days. The first day features a three-hour and 20-minute written theory exam comprising multi-part, open-response style questions. The second day involves a practical blind tasting of 12 wines, divided into two flights. Candidates must demonstrate their ability to identify and assess the wines using the WSET Diploma SAT method.

5. How can I register for the course?

You can register for the course by visiting the Napa Valley Wine Academy’s website. The registration deadlines are typically set well in advance of the course start date to ensure timely distribution of course materials and wine kits.

6. What materials will I receive upon registration?

Upon registration, you will gain access to the WSET’s digital study guide, which serves as the primary textbook for the unit. Additionally, you will receive supplemental materials including vocab lists, worksheets, and access to our Online Global Campus for further learning and exam preparation.

7. What are the course dates and exam dates for 2024?

There are multiple course and exam sessions available throughout the year to accommodate different schedules. Please check our website or contact our administration for the most current information on course dates and available exam sessions.

8. Is there an option to taste wines as part of this course?

Yes, there is an optional wine kit available for purchase that includes 102 samples of wines discussed during the course. These samples are instrumental in enhancing your learning experience, especially for the practical elements of the course.

9. How long should I expect to study for this course?

Students should expect to dedicate a minimum of 250 hours of study over approximately six months, which translates to about 10-11 hours of study per week.


10. What support is available to students during the course?

Students have access to instructor feedback, a comprehensive online classroom, and the optional participation in mock exams. Additionally, our faculty is available for personal guidance, and students can interact with peers through our dedicated learning platforms.

Feel free to reach out to us with any further questions or for more detailed information on specific aspects of the WSET Level 4 Diploma | D3 Wines of the World course.

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:

  • 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