Sommelier Core Wine Course: A Comprehensive Journey into Wine Mastery

Sundays, October 13th to December 1st from 1:30 pm – 6 pm

In a singular, immersive semester, the Sommelier Core Wine Course offers a robust education in viticulture, blending our Foundation and Intermediate programs into one cohesive experience. This course not only delivers a complete education in the world of wine but also provides significant savings compared to taking each program individually.

Course Overview

Students begin by honing the essential skills needed to become expert wine tasters. The Foundation segment of the course emphasizes mastering techniques that are crucial for developing a discerning palate. As students progress, they will acquire the ability to identify key wine varietals in blind tastings—an invaluable skill for any wine professional.

The Intermediate portion of the course takes students deeper into the complex landscape of wine, exploring diverse styles, climates, and varietals from the world’s major wine-producing regions. This course is designed for those on the path to sommelier certification, aspiring winemakers, and wine enthusiasts eager to deepen their understanding.

By the end of the semester, successful students will earn their sommelier pin from the National Wine School, a symbol of their expertise in the field.

Course Structure: A Detailed Weekly Breakdown

Week One

• Section 1: Introduction to Wine Regions
• Section 2: Intro to Sensory Wine Tasting

Week Two

• Section 1: France
• Section 2: White Varietal Components

Week Three

• Section 1: North American Wines
• Section 2: Red Varietal Components

Week Four

• Section 1: Australia
• Section 2: Old World vs. New World

Week Five

• Section 1: Italy
• Section 2: Varietal Fingerprint Lab

Week Six

• Section 1: Spain & Portugal
• Section 2: Winemaking 101

Week Seven

• Section 1: South America
• Section 2: Blind Tasting Class

Week Eight

• Section 1: Regional In-Class Exam
• Section 2: Tasting In-Class Exam

Location: Philadelphia

Prerequisites: None

Certifications and Recognition

Upon completion of the Core Wine Course, students receive the Level III certification from the National Wine School (NWS). This certification is nationally recognized and holds equivalent standing with other esteemed organizations, such as the Court of Master Sommeliers and the Wine & Spirit Education Trust. Graduates will proudly wear the Level III Sommelier Pin, a testament to their professional expertise in the wine industry.