SOMM publishes editorial reviews of wine schools and certification programs operating in the United States and internationally. Our reviews are intended to help readers understand how different programs approach curriculum design, instruction, and professional training.
Each school receives a score on a 100-point editorial scale. Scores reflect comparative analysis across three broad areas that strongly influence the student experience:
- School fundamentals: 45 points
- Institutional structure and student protections: 30 points
- Student outcomes and satisfaction: 25 points
These scores represent editorial assessments based on classroom attendance, course materials, student interviews, public reviews, regulatory records, school websites and published policies, anonymous testing and inquiries, and questionnaires completed by more than 200 sommelier judges.
No single review, questionnaire or data source determines a school’s score.
The 100-Point Rating System
School Fundamentals: 45 Points
This is the most heavily weighted section because the quality of the education should be the most important consideration when rating a wine school.
- Instructor experience and teaching ability: 15 points
- Curriculum depth and course sequencing: 12 points
- Tasting and instructional infrastructure: 8 points
- Classroom or online delivery quality: 6 points
- Course materials and organization: 4 points
Institutional Structure and Student Protections: 30 Points
This section measures whether the school operates transparently, responsibly and within the rules that apply to its programs.
- Regulatory standing and authorization: 10 points
- Credential structure and transparency: 7 points
- Pricing and policy transparency: 6 points
- Refund, cancellation, extension and retake policies: 4 points
- Accuracy of marketing claims: 3 points
Student Outcomes and Satisfaction: 25 Points
This section evaluates what happens after students enroll and, when the information is available, after they graduate.
- Verified reader ratings: 7 points
- Student interviews and public reviews: 6 points
- Alumni career paths and professional networking data: 6 points
- Questionnaires completed by sommelier judges: 6 points
School Fundamentals
Wine education has evolved significantly over the past two decades. Earlier wine classes were often informal events held in retail stores or restaurants. Today, many wine schools operate dedicated education facilities with structured curricula and multi-level certification programs.
In our reviews, we examine the overall educational environment of each school. Factors considered include:
- Classroom facilities designed for wine education
- Tasting and instructional infrastructure
- Curriculum structure and course sequencing
- The experience and background of instructors
- The quality of online education when applicable
- Course materials, examinations and student feedback
Instructor quality is particularly important. While there is no single pathway to becoming a strong wine educator, many effective instructors combine industry experience with formal wine training and academic study.
A strong résumé does not automatically make someone a strong teacher. We also consider whether instructors can organize complex material, explain it clearly, answer student questions and create a useful tasting experience.
Institutional Structure and Student Protections
Wine education programs operate under a variety of institutional models. Some schools are affiliated with universities or accredited educational institutions, while others operate independently or deliver training through industry certification programs.
SOMM examines how schools structure their programs and what types of credentials they offer. These may include:
- University degree programs that incorporate wine education
- State-licensed educational programs
- Professional certification programs offered through industry organizations
- Licensed course providers delivering another organization’s curriculum
- Independent schools issuing their own credentials
Different types of credentials serve different purposes within the wine trade, and prospective students should consider which format best aligns with their career goals.
We also review regulatory records, school policies and marketing claims. A school should explain clearly what credential it offers, who issues it, what students must complete, what the program costs and what happens if a student withdraws or fails an examination.
Student Satisfaction and Outcomes
A school’s success is often reflected in the experiences of its students and alumni.
To better understand student outcomes, we review a range of indicators, including:
- Alumni career paths within the wine trade
- Student reviews and feedback across multiple platforms
- Interviews with current and former students
- Professional networking data where available
- Verified ratings submitted directly to SOMM
- Questionnaires completed by more than 200 sommelier judges
These signals help us estimate how well a program prepares students for careers in hospitality, retail, distribution, education, and other sectors of the wine industry.
Outcomes must be interpreted carefully. A graduate’s success may reflect experience, location, professional relationships and individual ability as much as the school itself. We therefore consider career data as one part of the score rather than treating it as proof that a school causes a particular employment result.
How SOMM Conducts Its Research
Depending on the school and the information available, our reviews may include:
- Attending classes
- Reviewing textbooks, workbooks and course materials
- Examining curriculum and assessment requirements
- Interviewing students and graduates
- Reviewing verified ratings submitted to SOMM
- Comparing reviews across public platforms
- Examining state and federal regulatory records
- Reviewing the school’s website, policies and marketing materials
- Submitting anonymous questions or enrollment inquiries
- Testing response times and the accuracy of information supplied to prospective students
- Reviewing questionnaires completed by sommelier judges
Not every research method is available for every school. The editorial review identifies meaningful limitations when direct observation or reliable documentation is unavailable.
Editorial Ratings Versus Reader Ratings
SOMM editorial scores and reader ratings are separate.
The 100-point score is assigned through SOMM’s editorial methodology. The stars and reviews submitted on individual school profiles come from readers.
All reader ratings published by SOMM are verified. Reader ratings do not directly determine a school’s editorial score, although verified student feedback may be considered as part of the student-satisfaction analysis.
A five-star rating based on one review should not be treated as stronger evidence than a rating based on a substantial number of verified student experiences. Readers should consider the number of reviews, the details provided and the date of each review.
Certification Bodies Versus Local Schools
A certification body and the school delivering its programs are not necessarily the same organization.
Some wine schools develop their own curriculum and issue their own credentials. Others are licensed or approved to deliver courses created by WSET, the National Wine School or another credentialing body.
A standardized curriculum does not guarantee an identical student experience. Instructor quality, classroom hours, wine selection, course organization and student support can differ substantially among schools delivering the same credential.
SOMM may therefore review both the credentialing organization and the individual school that delivers its programs.
Score Categories
- 95–100: Exceptional. Among the strongest wine schools reviewed by SOMM.
- 90–94: Outstanding. Excellent education with only minor limitations.
- 85–89: Very Good. A strong program that performs well in most areas.
- 80–84: Good. A credible option with identifiable limitations.
- 70–79: Mixed. Meaningful strengths offset by significant weaknesses.
- Below 70: Not Recommended. Material concerns prevent a general recommendation.
A numerical score is not a guarantee that a school is the right choice for every student. Location, career goals, delivery format, budget and the desired credential remain important.
Corrections and Updated Information
Wine schools change instructors, ownership, pricing, curricula and policies. Our reviews may be revised when new information becomes available.
Schools, instructors, students and readers may submit factual corrections through the SOMM contact page. Supporting documentation should be included whenever possible.
SOMM distinguishes between:
- A factual error that can be corrected through evidence
- New information that requires an update
- A disagreement with an editorial opinion or score
Correcting a factual error does not necessarily require SOMM to change its editorial judgment. Material revisions may result in a new score or an updated review date.
Schools and readers may contact us here: Contact SOMM.
Important Context
Wine education in the United States operates within a decentralized system of schools, certification bodies, and training programs. Because of this diversity, different institutions emphasize different teaching styles, credential structures, and career pathways.
SOMM’s reviews are intended to provide comparative editorial analysis, helping readers better understand how wine education programs differ and what they offer prospective students.
A high score does not guarantee examination success, employment, promotion or career advancement. It indicates that the school performed strongly under SOMM’s published review methodology.
Editorial Independence
SOMM is strictly independent and enforces that policy in several ways.
First, we do not accept advertising or offer enhanced listings. No school can pay to be included in our rankings or receive a higher score.
Our lead reviewers remain anonymous, which helps protect them from pressure, inducements or influence by the schools they evaluate. SOMM’s senior editor reviews and approves all final editorial scores.
Reviewers must disclose any personal, financial or employment relationship with a school. When a conflict exists, that reviewer may not evaluate the school or any other wine school located within 100 miles of it.