Level One Sommelier

Level One Sommelier

The top-ranked sommelier course is from the National Wine School. The program is well-regarded by university professors and sommeliers alike. Self-paced with plenty of personal contact from the top instructors in the United States.

SOMM Magazine

From grape to bottle to table, you will be exposed to essential wine knowledge. What are the essential grapes? How do you parse a French wine label? What is the proper way to taste wine? What are the myths that everyone believes, but shouldn’t? Can you pair a light red wine with fish?

Once enrolled, you will have access to the classes and quizzes for 180 days. Each class can be taken at your own pace (within the 180-day timeframe). At the end of the course, you will complete the final exam to earn our Level One certification. This program is essential if you aspire to become a wine professional. It is also a great way to learn more about wine in a safe online environment.

Who Should Take This Course?

  • Aspiring wine professionals seeking a nationally recognized credential
  • Hospitality staff looking to boost their wine knowledge and tips
  • Wine enthusiasts ready to build serious expertise

This innovative wine program allows you to work at your own pace and is compatible with all computers and smartphones. We based this program on the asynchronous learning modality used by many top colleges and universities. By doing this, we can deliver professional-grade wine education and offer certification at a very affordable rate.

You’re never learning alone. Connect directly with our sommelier professors via live chat and email for personalized mentorship throughout your journey.

Wine Course Curriculum

  • Major Varietals
  • Reading Wine Labels
  • Taste Like a Sommelier
  • Understanding Wine Styles (Lab)
  • Common Wine Myths
  • Introduction to Wine Service
  • Food and Wine Pairings For Level One Sommeliers
  • Final Exam Details
    • Final Exam Details
    • Format: 30 multiple-choice questions, online
    • Passing Score: 75%
    • Retake Policy: A retake is available with the instructor for a fee.
  • Certification Awarded: National Level One Certification

This course gave me the foundation and confidence to land my first wine job. The support was amazing.

Michael, Oklahoma City

Course Content

Week One
Major Varietals
10 Topics
1 Test
Introduction
Wine Consumption Around the World
The Essential Grapes
The Noble Grapes
Introduction to White Grapes
Sauvignon Blanc & Chardonnay
Introduction to Red Grapes
Ancestor Grapes
Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot
Text: Major Wine Varietals
Major Varietals, Quiz #2
Week Two
Reading Wine Labels
9 Topics
1 Test
Origin of Wine Labeling
Modern History of Wine Labels
New World Wine Labels
Old World Wine Labels
EU Important Terms
Wine Buyer Best Practices
Helpful Hints
Future of Wine Labels
Text: Wine Labels
Reading Wine Labels
Week Three
Taste Like a Sommelier
6 Topics
1 Test
How Taste Works
Organoleptic Properties
The Aroma Wheel
Taste Sensations
Tasting Blind
Text: Taste Like a Sommelier
Taste Like a Sommelier Quiz
Week Four
Understanding Wine Styles (Lab)
8 Topics
1 Test
Introducing the Wine Style Classroom Lab
Wine Style Self-Examination
Wine Style Self Exam Results
White Wine Styles
Red Wine Styles
How Oak Effects Flavor
How Age Effects Flavor
Text: Wine Style Lab
Understanding Wine Styles Quiz
Week Five
Common Wine Myths
8 Topics
2 Tests
Sulfites
Aging Wines, Part One
What is your favorite flavor in wine?
Aging Wines, Part Two
Pricing, Part One
Pricing, Part Two
Terroir
Reviews and Ratings
Text: Wine Myths
Common Wine Myths Quiz
Week Six
Introduction to Wine Service
7 Topics
1 Test
Wine List Organization
Wine Service
Wine Faults & Proper Serving Temperatures
Glassware & Corkscrews
Decanting
Cellaring & Storing Wine
Text: Introduction to Wine Service
Introduction to Wine Service
Week Seven
Food and Wine Pairings For Level One Sommeliers
16 Topics
6 Tests
Introduction & Origin of Taste
Origin of Flavor VS the Focus on Taste
First Rule of Pairing
What Type of Taster Are You?
What Type of Taster Are You?
Taster Results
Thoughts
Food & Wine Basics
Pairing Essentials
Grape Varietals for Pairing & Wine Pairing Challenge: Pork
Pork Pairings
Pork Wine Pairing Discussion
Wine Pairing Challenge: Scallops
Scallop Pairing
Scallop Wine Pairing Discussion
Wine Pairing Challenge: Lamb
What wine style would make the BEST pairing?
Lamb Wine Pairing Discussion
Bad Actors in Food & Wine Pairing
Easy Fixes for Chefs and Sommeliers
Text: Food & Wine Pairing
Introductory Food & Wine Pairing
Final Test
Level One (L1) Final Exam
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