The Somm School offers wine courses for professionals and corporations. Programs include Advanced Upselling, plus WSET Levels 1 and 2. The school is owned and operated by Rebecca DeVaney.
Student programs include Advanced Tasting Classes. They offer a variety of themed advanced tasting classes covering principal grape varieties, regional tastings, vintage tastings, detecting faults, and blending workshops for students who need to improve their wine-tasting skills. They also offer master-level wine classes, consisting of a 3-hour workshop covering various regions and wine styles.
The Somm School offers a variety of wine education programs suitable for different levels of interest and expertise. The WSET Level 1 Award in Wines is designed for beginners, providing an introduction to wine types and styles, basic skills in describing wines, and an overview of food and wine pairings. Successful participants receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin.
The WSET Level 2 Award in Wine is available for those seeking to build on introductory knowledge. This course is aimed at beginners or those with prior knowledge, focusing on key grape varieties, wine regions, and factors influencing wine style and quality. Like Level 1, this course also concludes with awarding a WSET certificate and lapel pin.
Wine Tasting Classes
In addition to these certification programs, the school offers regionally accredited programs that delve into specific wine-producing regions. These include the Australian Wine Foundations, covering Australia’s wine market and viticulture; the Bourgogne Masterclass, focusing on the Burgundy wine region; the Champagne Masterclass, which explores the Champagne region; and the German Wine Academy, offering advanced knowledge on German wines. The school also provides in-house programs tailored for various groups, including workshops like Wine Tasting 101, Wine & Food Pairing 101, and sessions on decoding French, Italian, and Spanish wines, along with a unique workshop on lesser-known grape varieties titled “Godforsaken Grapes.”
These programs at The Somm School cater to a wide range of interests, offering foundational knowledge for beginners and in-depth regional studies for more advanced learners.
Rebecca DeVaney is a distinguished professional in the wine and spirits industry, with a rich educational background and extensive experience in various facets of the field. Her academic journey includes notable achievements such as completing the Level 3 course from the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) in London, a specialized program in Fermentation for Distillers at White Labs in San Diego, CA, and a course in Fine Wine & Spirit Appraisal & Fraud Detection at New York University (NYU). Additionally, she has honed her expertise in French wines through the French Wine Scholar program at the French Wine Society in Washington DC and has been recognized as a Certified Specialist of Spirits (CSS) by the Society of Wine Educators.
Wine & Trade Credentials
Rebecca’s professional journey is equally impressive. She has earned the Level 2 Award in Wines and Spirits from the Wine and Spirit Education Trust and holds the Level 1 Introductory Sommelier Certificate from the Court of Master Sommeliers.
Her entrepreneurial spirit is evident in her roles as the owner and educator at the Sommelier of Wine & Spirits Guild in Scottsdale, the owner of the American Association of Wine Collectors in Delaware, and as a bar owner in Chandler, Arizona. Her expertise also extends to the political arena, where she has worked as a liquor lobbyist for the Arizona Tourism & Entertainment Group in Phoenix, Arizona.
Her skills and expertise are diverse and specialized. She is adept in handling auctions and private sales, with a particular focus on collectibles and rare wines. Rebecca offers private cellar consultation services and has regional expertise in French wines. Her role as a wine educator further underscores her deep knowledge and passion for the industry.
In addition to her professional achievements in the wine and spirits industry, Rebecca DeVaney is also known for her entrepreneurial venture in the entertainment sector. She is a former owner of SGC Chandler, the company behind Sonny’s Gentlemen’s Club in Chandler/Scottsdale/Phoenix. This establishment is described as providing a safe and relaxing environment, enhanced with the energy and vibe of fascinating adult entertainment.
Best WSET school in Arizona, but they currently are only offering online classes. Boo!
