Pathways to Wine Education

From sommelier certifications to in-depth wine courses, there are many pathways to gaining knowledge of wines. But, these options require time, dedication and often hefty price tags.

Novelist Patrick Ember enrolled in Wine Scholar Guild programs to advance his wine knowledge. Classes are either online or classroom based and include reading materials, quizzes and an exam.
Grape Varieties

Whether you're an up-and-coming sommelier or just an enthusiastic wine consumer, grape varieties are the building blocks of the wines you love. The 6 Noble Grapes, for example, take up most of the vineyard space around the world and create countless wine styles - from bright reds to sparkling champagne.

A grape variety, or varietal, is a name for a specific cultivar of the Vitis vinifera vine. Generally, when we see a wine named Cabernet Sauvignon or Chardonnay on the label, it's made from those particular grape varieties.

Many of the most interesting aspects of wine education involve grape varieties and how they are affected by terroir, weather, soil and other factors in different parts of the world. In fact, much of the WSET Level 2 Diploma course's study time is spent learning about grape varieties and their resulting wine styles, world wine regions and their laws and regulations, and developing advanced-level tasting skills. Similarly, the Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) and SWE wine courses focus on grape varieties, food and wine pairing and other key topics that support on-premise alcohol service.

Wine Regions

Whether you are interested in advancing your wine knowledge to the level of becoming a Master of Wine (MW) or simply want to learn more about specific regions, there is a wealth of learning opportunities available. In addition to the venerable Court of Master Sommeliers and Wine and Spirit Education Trust diploma programs, there are several other well-established routes that allow you to specialize in a particular wine region or topic.

One of the best ways to learn about a particular wine region is to visit that region. Organized tours are a great option, but you can also gather a group of like-minded friends and go on your own.

Many liquor stores conduct tastings to showcase new or up-and-coming wines, and many wine festivals feature top speakers who can help you expand your palate and knowledge base. Many of these events are free to attend. Additionally, your local wine shop might offer in-person classes led by sommeliers or other wine experts.
Wine Styles

Wine classes can offer participants an opportunity to indulge in the sensory experience of tasting unique wines from different regions and develop a deeper appreciation of personal preferences. The knowledge gained from taking a course can also enhance enjoyment of wine at home or with friends.

A growing number of wine enthusiasts are pursuing professional wine education. The Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) designation offered by the Society of Wine Educators provides comprehensive, self-study programs with study guides, flashcards, maps, quizzes, webinars and other resources. The program is open to the general public.

In addition to CMS and WSET, SWE offers specialized certification courses that allow students to deep-dive into the wines of one particular country. This approach differs from the broad, global perspective of CMS and WSET certifications. The Master level of the SWE program is complemented by immersion study trips.
Wine Tasting

Whether you are interested in learning to separate the Chablis from the Chiantis or want to become a professional sommelier, there are many pathways to wine education. Rigorous certifications such as a Master of Wine or Certified Wine Educator from the Society of Wine Educators can be found at universities and specialized courses and training provided by wine professionals such as the International Wine Center (IWC).

The IWC offers two levels of wine study that provide an introduction to wines, grape varieties, styles and history. Levels 1 and 2 conclude with short multiple-choice exams; level 3 is a six-segment program that takes students into more advanced wine theory and includes blind tastings, written essays and research.

A Master of Wine is a credential that can open doors to careers in the wine business, including as a restaurant manager or wine buyer overseeing a program and selecting wines; sommelier, who is trained to provide expert recommendations; and retail wine clerk who stocks shelves and works the floor.