The Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET) is an international wine and spirits accreditation series based out of London. It provides students an in-depth study into the world of wine and is currently offered in 50 countries worldwide. Designed to give confidence and authority to students regarding the world of wine, its certificate series is generally recognized as one of the top international programs and consists of four levels- Foundation, Intermediate, Advanced, and Diploma, with Diploma being regarded as the point of entry into the prestigious Master of Wine program.

The Washington Wine Academy currently offers Intermediate, Advanced, and Diploma level classes. We do not offer the Foundation level, and suggest students interested in that level attend one of our “1-hour” or otherwise entry level classes. This program is perfect both for those in the hospitality or adult beverages industries or those just with a personal interest in wine.
For a current class offerings, see sections below.

Intermediate

Washington Wine Academy’s most popular certification class, the WSET Intermediate class and addresses basic viticulture, winemaking, and the regions of Europe, Australia, New Zealand, South America, South Africa, and North America. In addition, you will be taught the WSET systematic approach to tasting wines. There is a power point presentation for each class, and students taste about 8 to 10 wines exemplifying the region or topics discussed. The class culminates an exam which consists of 60 multiple choice questions, successful completion of which entitles the student to use the WSET IC post nominal.

The Washington Wine Academy teaches the Intermediate Class over five weeks, one night a week for a three hour session that meets at our Education Center in Crystal City, VA.

Tuition includes:

• WSET issued Course Text, Study Guides and Systematic Approach to tasting.
• 5 Course lectures (3 + hours each)
• WWA Lecture Notebook with High Quality Laser Printed (not copies) Color course presentations
• Sample Quizzes, Study Guides and Session Wine Lists
• 8-10 wine samples per night based on unit of study
• Final Examination - 50 Multiple Choice Questions
• Certificate of Award from WSET for satisfactory completion of exam
• WSET Intermediate Certificate Pin

In addition, you will be placed on the Washington Wine Academy WSET Graduate email list where we offer students: special invitations to DC area wine events, dinners, courses, volunteer opportunities and engagements where you can practice what you have learned at various wine events in which we participate in the Washington DC area.

We typically offer the Intermediate class three times a year. For the current class schedule, please click HERE.

Advanced

The Advanced certificate is much more comprehensive than the Intermediate. The same topics are addressed as in Intermediate, but on a much more in-depth level, with additional attention devoted to spirits and fortified wines. Aspects of regions discussed include major varieties, soil types, winemaking styles, regulations, and more. The emphasis on the WSET systematic approach to wine continues with guided tastings. The final exam includes a multiple choice section of 50 questions, four short answer/essay style questions, and a blind tasting. Successful passing entitles the student to use the WSET AC post nominal.
While it is not necessary to have taken the Intermediate class before the Advanced, there is a lot of information covered in the Advanced so it is highly recommended that students have a thorough background in wine before taking it. Therefore, we recommend this class for those already entrenched in the wine industry or those whose life experiences have otherwise prepared them for the depth of information.

The Washington Wine Academy teaches the Advanced Class over ten weeks, one night a week for a three hour session that meets at our Education Center in Crystal City, VA.

Tuition includes:

• WSET Course Text, Study Guides and Systematic Approach to tasting
• 10 Course lectures (3 + hours each)
• WWA Lecture Notebook with High Quality Laser Printed (not copies) Color course presentations
• Sample Quizzes, Study Guides and Session Wine Lists
• 8-10 wine samples per night based on unit of study
• Final Examination - Tasting, Multiple Choice and Theory
• Certificate of Award from WSET for satisfactory completion of exam
• WSET Advanced Certificate Pin

In addition, you will be placed on the Washington Wine Academy WSET Graduate email list where we offer students: special invitations to DC area wine events, dinners, courses, volunteer opportunities and engagements where you can practice what you have learned at various wine events in which we participate in the Washington DC area.

We typically offer the Advanced class two times a year. For the current class schedule, please click HERE

Diploma Level 4

The Diploma program is the highest certificate offered by the Wine and Spirits Education Trust and provides a specialist extensive and thorough knowledge of world wine and spirits as well as an understanding of commercial factors of the industry and a background for professional evaluation of wine and spirits. The Diploma level is generally acknowledged as a stepping stone into the Master of Wine program.

The Diploma program is broken into six units, all of which need to be passed in order to pass the Level 4 Diploma. It typically takes students at least two years to complete the program.  For more information on our offering of the Diploma please email Alex@WashingtonWineAcademy.org.