Built for Higher Education and Independent Wine Schools

Our programs are designed for colleges, universities, vocational programs, established wine schools and qualified independent educators.

The NWS platform is built using SCORM standards and provides a consistent digital environment for required readings, quizzes and examinations.

Students must use the National Wine School platform for these materials and assessments. Instructors may adapt their lectures, tasting selections and classroom presentation, but the required NWS reading material and examinations remain consistent across participating schools.

No state Department of Education accreditation is required to apply.

Wine and Sommelier Programs for Every Institution

University and College Wine Programs

We work with colleges and universities to offer wine education that integrates into existing hospitality, culinary and beverage management programs.

Schools can incorporate NWS courses into their curriculum or build new certificate programs around the National Wine School credential pathway.

College and university professors are exempt from the separate teacher-training requirement. The applicable NWS credential requirements still apply to the level of program being taught.

Vocational and Trade Schools

Vocational schools can adopt our programs to provide industry-ready credentials for students pursuing careers in wine, hospitality and beverage management.

Programs may be embedded into existing coursework or offered as standalone wine and sommelier certification programs.

Wine Schools and Independent Instructors

We offer National Wine School programs to independent wine schools, existing instructors and educators planning to open a wine school.

Applicants who are not college or university professors must have completed either:

• National Wine School teacher training, or
• WSET teacher training

Educators must also hold the appropriate NWS credential for the programs they intend to teach.

To teach through Level Three, an instructor must hold the National Wine School Sommelier Pin.

To teach Advanced programs, an instructor must hold the National Wine School Advanced Sommelier Pin.

What National Wine School Provides

National Wine School provides participating schools and educators with:

• Online reading materials
• Student quizzes
• Final examinations
• Automated grading for platform assessments
• Instructor dashboard access
• Student enrollment and management tools
• National Wine School certificates and credentials
• Online credential verification
• Access to optional instructor and student support plans

NWS does not provide the classroom lectures, tasting instruction, wines or local course administration under the standard self-service plan.

The educator remains responsible for teaching the class, selecting and purchasing wines, conducting tastings and communicating directly with students.

Direct assistance for students is available through the applicable paid support subscriptions.

How the Wine Educators Access Program Works

1. Apply

College professors, university instructors, independent wine educators, existing wine school owners, and people planning to open a wine school may apply.

The application asks about teaching experience, credentials, intended programs, and the market in which the applicant plans to operate. Apply here.

2. Receive Approval

National Wine School reviews the application and confirms which programs the applicant is qualified to offer.

Approved applicants receive access to the WEAP subscription and educator dashboard.

3. Activate the Instructor Subscription

The required instructor subscription is $19 per month.

One instructor subscription provides access to the dashboard, student-management tools, automated platform grading and the online knowledge base.

4. Add Student Seats

Each student course is purchased as a six-month seat subscription.

Educators can add or remove students at any time. Once a seat reaches the end of its six-month term, it can be reassigned to a new student for a later semester.

The minimum initial enrollment is 10 students.

5. Teach In Person, Online or in a Hybrid Format

Use the program for online, in-person, or hybrid classes.

Instructors may modify their own lectures, tasting exercises, and teaching format. Required readings, quizzes and examinations remain on the NWS platform.

Credentials Students Can Earn

Level One Certification

Students who successfully complete Level One receive the National Wine School Level One certification.

Level Two Certification

Students who successfully complete Level Two receive the National Wine School Level Two certification.

Level Three Certification

Students who successfully complete Level Three receive the National Wine School Level Three certification.

Sommelier Pin

Students who complete Levels One, Two and Three become eligible to apply for the National Wine School Sommelier Pin.

The physical pin requires a separate application and fee.

Advanced Certifications

Students receive an individual credential for each Advanced program they successfully complete, including programs such as Advanced Italy and Advanced France.

Students who successfully complete four semesters of approved Advanced coursework become eligible to apply for the National Wine School Advanced Sommelier Pin.

The physical pin requires a separate application and fee.