Each year, SOMM.us names a top wine school in the United States—an institution that sets the standard for wine education. This year, the honor goes to the Wine School of Philadelphia, which has defied industry trends and reshaped what a wine school can be.
While many wine schools have expanded through franchising and satellite campuses, the Wine School of Philadelphia took a different path. They doubled down on their home turf, purchasing and renovating a building in Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse neighborhood—one of the city’s most coveted addresses. This wasn’t just a real estate move; it was a statement. They weren’t building a brand. They were building a school.
The results speak for themselves. Students now travel from across the Northeast—including New York and northern New Jersey—not to mention wine professionals from across the country, all seeking certification through the National Wine School, for which the Wine School of Philadelphia is now the flagship provider on the East Coast.
Rather than offering a buffet of sommelier certifications (WSET, CMS, etc.), the Wine School of Philadelphia made a deliberate choice. They partnered with the National Wine School, which is a credentialing body known for its growing presence in colleges and universities nationwide. This choice has paid off: the school now plays a central role in shaping NWS curriculum and serves as a pipeline of talent and leadership to the national wine trade.
With deep roots in winemaking, a fiercely independent philosophy, and a commitment to building something permanent and meaningful, the Wine School of Philadelphia has earned its place at the top, not just for 2025 but for the direction of wine education.
