Best Online Sommelier Classes

In a digital age where learning can be done in the comfort of one’s home, online sommelier courses have seen a surge in enrollment. These programs offer wine enthusiasts and aspiring sommeliers a chance to deepen their understanding of wine varieties, tasting techniques, and the wine industry at large.

Among the top contenders in providing these online programs are the National Wine School and the Wine & Spirit Education Trust, with the former taking the top spot and the latter closely following at second.

Quick Comparison of the Best Online Sommelier Programs

Since 2020, we have been testing online sommelier programs. The quality has significantly risen over that timeframe and some winners are now very clear. The two clear winners are the National Wine School and the Court of Master Sommeliers. In a distanct third come the International Sommelier Guide.

There are three major types of online wine programs. The first is asynronous, which is the typical way that university courses are offered: you can attend classes at the time and place of your choosing. There is live-online classes, which are held at a specific time and requires the student to login via Zoom or Google Meet. Finally, there is the hybrid online program, in which parts of the program are delivered online but some parts of the program (usually exams) are in-person.

The hybrid style of online wine courses are typically the ones with hidden costs and may end up costing a significant amount more than fully in-person sommelier courses. The biggest costs for these type of programs include travel and lodging costs. For WSET schools, you have to attend exams at the school you registered with. So, if you sign up with the Napa Valley Wine Academy, you will have to travel to Napa for the exam, which can be very expensive.

Most schools allow Level One to be taking online, but most switch to a hybrid system for level two and three. There are only a handful of schools that offer Level Four (Advanced Sommelier) programs online. There is only one agency in the US that allows a fully online path to Level Four certification.

1. National Wine School

The National Wine School (NWS), renowned for its wine courses offered in collegiate settings, is taking the forefront in this digital wine revolution. It is the best online sommelier course available today.

Lacking the razzle-dazzle of the Court of Master Sommeliers, the National has long been the dark horse of wine education. However, when it comes to online sommelier courses, they are miles ahead of the competition.

Back in the dark days of COVID, they leveraged their digital university programming into an online juggernaut. They seamlessly transitioned to an online sommelier platform open to the public and the wine trade. Hundreds of restaurants, resorts, and hotels now use their online programming to train and certify their employees and management.

Ever since I introduced my staff to the National Wine School’s programs, the transformation has been nothing short of remarkable. Their depth of knowledge, passion for wine, and confidence in serving our patrons have elevated our establishment’s reputation. National doesn’t just teach wine; they cultivate wine ambassadors.

John Michael-Rogers

Pros and Cons

Integrating well-produced video lectures, interactive classes, and teleconferences with sommelier professors, the National programs feel intuitive and compelling. Their proprietary scent kits are particularly noteworthy, elevating the learning experience to new heights. Simply put, this is the best online programming available.

On the other hand, their university roots show in how they describe their services. In their literature, they go into detail about SCORM compliance and federal standards: we don’t think this matters to restaurateurs as much as college administrators.

They also offer an online path for sommelier certificaiton fully online, as well as the ability to earn Advanced and Master-level certification fully online.

Pricing and Programming

The National offers three core levels of sommelier certification online. Completing Level 1 through Level 3 earns the student the Core Sommelier Pin.

• Level 1: $300
• Level 2: $500
• Level 3: $550
• Core Sommelier bundle: $1,100

The Core bundle includes all three levels and saves $250 compared with purchasing them separately.

NWS also offers advanced sommelier courses online. Current programs include Master of French Wine, Advanced Italian Wine, Master of Wine Terroir, and Ancient Wine Scholar. These programs are currently priced at $499 each. Completing four approved advanced programs earns the Advanced Sommelier Pin.

As for additional costs, students supply their own wine for all programs except Level 1. Depending on the course, students may also need scent kits, wine-preservation equipment or other supplies.

Sample Online NWS Sommelier Course

Where Else to Take: Online Wine School (Chicago or Philadelphia)

For those seeking alternative avenues to pursue NWS programs, the Online Wine School affiliated with the Wine School of Philadelphia and the Chicago Wine School present enticing options. These institutions serve as distribution hubs for NWS content, with several key contributors also serving as instructors.

2. Wine & Spirit Education Trust

In the realm of online wine education, the Wine & Spirit Education Trust has carved a notable niche, especially among those aiming for broad wine knowledge or a career in the wine trade.

The trust has transitioned its comprehensive wine courses into the digital domain. WSET course providers may use their own online systems or WSET’s Online Classroom. The WSET Online Classroom has set start and finish dates but no fixed times when students must log in.

Students work through independent and group activities supported by videos, quizzes, assigned exercises and feedback from a subject-specialist educator. Some independent WSET providers also add live online classes or weekly teleconferences.

However, some provider-run programs still rely heavily on PowerPoint presentations delivered by certified instructors. This has garnered criticism for its potential monotony.

Despite this, WSET continues to be a reputable name in the wine trade. A significant part of its appeal comes from the international reach of its credentials and its large network of local WSET course providers.

For online wine courses, the biggest player by far is the Napa Valley Wine Academy. According to internal and public data, this wine school is where, on average, nearly 2,000 students take online wine courses annually. No other WSET wine school comes close to these numbers.

Pros and Cons

WSET wine courses are similar to others in the field. Their flexible structure allows students to complete work without logging in at fixed times. Moreover, the comprehensive curriculum covering a wide spectrum of wine-related topics from Level 1 to Level 4 caters to different learning needs and levels of expertise.

On the flip side, the delivery method has been a point of contention. The heavy reliance on PowerPoint presentations at some providers has been criticized for making the learning experience dreary and monotonous.

There are also logistical limits to how far students can progress entirely from home. English-language Level 1 and Level 2 examinations may be taken online when the course provider offers that service. Level 3 and Level 4 examinations must be taken in person, and students at Level 3 or above must attend a tasting-technique workshop. This can create a significant barrier for students who live far from a testing center.

Pricing and Programming

The pricing for WSET courses varies significantly across levels and providers. Unlike the National Wine School, WSET does not establish one retail price that every U.S. course provider must charge.

Level 1 and Level 2 courses generally cost several hundred dollars. Level 3 is typically a more significant investment and commonly costs more than $1,000. The comprehensive Level 4 Diploma program can cost $7,500 or more for the entire program, before accounting for wine, travel, lodging and examination retakes.

The programming of WSET courses is structured to provide a progressive learning pathway. The Level 1 course serves as an introduction to wine styles, advancing to a more detailed exploration of global wine regions in the Level 2 course. The Level 3 course delves deeper into grape growing and winemaking, setting the stage for the Level 4 Diploma in Wines.

The Diploma is segmented into six modules, each focusing on a different aspect of wine, such as production, business, and the varieties of wine, offering a holistic understanding of the subject.subject to the learners.

Sample Online WSET Wine Course

Another Option: Commonwealth Wine School

Navigating through the plethora of WSET licensees, Commonwealth Wine School emerges as a top choice, primarily due to its asynchronous class structure and the inclusion of weekly online Zoom meetings with instructors.

Commonwealth stands out for its overall excellence, led by the exceptional teaching abilities of Adam Chase and a team of dedicated educators.

International Sommelier Guild

Claiming the third spot is the International Sommelier Guild, renowned for its elevated production value, albeit occasionally compromised by outdated information.

While headquartered in the United States, ISG has expanded globally, offering online programs in multiple languages, including Russian, Spanish, and Chinese. ISG currently says its curriculum is delivered in 20 languages.

The programs are delivered through asynchronous online education, live online classes and classroom training. At the time of our review, the asynchronous programs relied heavily on audio lectures, prompting a desire to include more video instruction to enrich the learning process.

Its course pathway includes the Intermediate Wine Certificate, Advanced Wine Certificate and Sommelier Diploma Program.

Sample Online Sommelier Course

More Online Wine Course Options

University Online Wine Courses

Several universities also offer noteworthy wine education options online, although they do not provide sommelier certification.

The comprehensive and well-organized U.C. Davis wine class on Coursera stands out, while the University of Adelaide offers an exceptional introductory wine program. However, these courses cater more to enthusiasts than aspiring wine professionals.

Some schools also offer online wine courses for their students. However, many of these are white-label programs from NWS or WSET and are priced higher than anywhere else. We recommend staying away unless you need a university logo on your diploma.

Online Sommelier Courses to Avoid

Notwithstanding the progress made in online sommelier education, it is crucial to be aware of subpar programs.

Due to its licensing model, the Wine & Spirit Education Trust bears some responsibility for the proliferation of flawed online wine courses. WSET imposes approval and operating standards, but the quality of instruction, course presentation, wine selection and student support can still vary among independent providers.

Some schools lack the necessary infrastructure or teaching credentials to deliver compelling online education. The result can be an over-reliance on uninspiring PowerPoint presentations.

The call for wine schools to develop original and engaging content remains vital for improving online courses and enhancing wine education overall.

Our Criteria for Rating Online Sommelier Courses

When it comes to assessing online sommelier courses, we adhere to a set of criteria to determine their quality and value. Here’s what we look for:

Exceptional Wine Instruction

We believe that top-notch wine instructors should possess the ability to deliver knowledge in an engaging and compelling manner. A great teacher understands the core concepts and ensures that students grasp them.

We prioritize instructors who bring fun, dynamism, and intelligence to their teaching, steering clear of those who deliver information in a monotonous and uninspiring manner.

Interactive Student Engagement

Interaction between students and staff is vital, particularly when students have questions or require clarification.

Effective communication channels such as Zoom, email, or chat functions facilitate this interaction, creating an environment where students feel supported and engaged throughout their learning journey.

High-Quality Video and Audio

In the age of video conferencing platforms like Zoom, subpar video and audio quality are no longer acceptable.

A superior online sommelier course should provide a visually sharp and audibly crisp experience. We expect programs to utilize high-resolution video, including HD and 4K standards, while employing top-notch audio equipment, such as high-quality cardioid microphones, to ensure a professional learning atmosphere.

Comprehensive Online Academic Resources

Online sommelier classes should offer original and well-structured online materials. Whether these materials are presented through video lectures or reading materials depends on the program’s format.

What matters most is that the content is organized in a lesson-by-lesson format, allowing students to progress through the material systematically.

Additionally, the inclusion of quizzes or projects that enable students to assess their progress and comprehension is a valuable feature.

Wine Selection Guidance

Many Level 2 and Level 3 sommelier programs require students to purchase specific wines for tasting and analysis. The best programs provide a list of recommended wines, ensuring that students have access to the appropriate selections for their studies. Often, all that is needed is an argon injenction system like the Coravin to keep the wines fresh for 3-4 months.

We caution against programs that offer to send wine samples directly. Through our research, we have found that such programs often charge a high markup, provide low-quality wines, and may even ship them illegally, leading us to discourage this practice.

Over the past few years, a small market has opened up of companies that repackage wines into sample sizes and offer legal direct shipping. Even when done legally, we have found the quality of wine samples to degrade quickly and experience significant heat damage during shipping.

Accredited Sommelier Certification

One of the essential factors we consider is whether a program offers proper sommelier certification upon completion.

Unfortunately, not all programs labeled as “online sommelier classes” provide legitimate and recognized certification. We strongly recommend selecting a program that can offer a qualified accredited certificate to ensure the value and credibility of the education received.

By assessing online sommelier classes against these criteria, aspiring wine enthusiasts and professionals can make informed decisions and choose programs that align with their expectations and goals.

Online Sommelier Course Terminology

Embarking on the journey of exploring online sommelier classes necessitates familiarity with a few pivotal terms.

Firstly, asynchronous courses deserve attention, as they exemplify a meticulously crafted and professionally produced learning experience. These courses feature expertly recorded videos that grant students the freedom to progress through the material at their preferred pace.

However, it is worth noting that such high-caliber programs are often exclusive to the more esteemed wine schools, as the resources required for their implementation are substantial.

In contrast, synchronous courses adopt a different approach by streaming live sessions that adhere to predetermined schedules. This format, although more prevalent, may not deliver the same level of quality as its asynchronous counterpart. Nevertheless, it offers a structured learning environment accessible to a broader audience.

Lastly, it is essential to acquaint oneself with the term SCORM, an eLearning protocol widely employed by universities and schools to construct and administer student courses. Familiarizing oneself with this standard will aid in understanding the underlying framework through which online sommelier courses are built and delivered.

By grasping these critical terms, aspiring wine connoisseurs can confidently navigate the realm of online sommelier education, making informed decisions that align with their desired learning experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Become a Level 1 Sommelier?

Level One Certification is the most common wine course taken online. Three agencies offer this type of introductory sommelier credential online: the National Wine School, the Court of Master Sommeliers, and the Wine & Spirit Education Trust.

The programs are not interchangeable. Compare the curriculum, credential, examination format, total price and next level before enrolling. For more information about the subject, check out our guide on how to become a sommelier.

Can I Become a Sommelier Online?

Sommelier certification can be earned online. Most agencies offer a Level 1 credential, which is not typically considered sufficient on its own to be considered a professional sommelier.

It is commonly suggested that students earn a Level 3 or equivalent Core Sommelier credential. Several schools allow students to complete this level online, including the Wine & Spirit Education Trust and the National Wine School.

Online education can teach theory and structured tasting. It cannot fully replace practical restaurant experience for students who intend to work on the floor.

For a complete overview, see our guide to wine classes and courses.