Complete the Core Sommelier Certification Online
The Core Sommelier Certification combines National Wine School Levels One, Two and Three into one complete online program.
The pathway begins with essential wine knowledge, progresses into professional sensory and blind-tasting skills, and concludes with an in-depth study of the world’s major wine regions.
Students receive immediate access to all three levels and have 180 days to complete the program. Although the courses are available immediately, they should be completed in order:
- Level One Sommelier Certification
- Level Two Sommelier Certification
- Level Three Sommelier Certification
Tuition for the complete Core program is $1,100 (currently on sale for $950).
What Is Included
Your enrollment includes:
- Level One Sommelier Certification
- Level Two Sommelier Certification
- Level Three Sommelier Certification
- 180 days of online access
- All online lessons and course quizzes
- Three final examinations
- An online certificate for each completed level
- Online credential verification
- Customer support
- Access to the AI course assistant
- Eligibility to apply for the NWS Sommelier Pin after completing all three levels
Printed certificates, required wines, tasting supplies, and the Level Two sensory kit are not included in tuition.
Level One: Build Your Wine Foundation
Level One introduces the essential knowledge every serious wine student and hospitality professional should understand.
Topics include:
- Major white and red grape varieties
- Old World and New World wine labels
- Structured wine tasting
- Wine styles and winemaking influences
- Common wine myths
- Professional wine service
- Food and wine pairing
The Level One final examination consists of 30 multiple-choice questions. A score of 65% is required to pass. A paid retake is available.
Students who pass receive an online Level One Sommelier Certification.
Level Two: Develop Professional Tasting Skills
Level Two moves from foundational knowledge into sensory analysis, varietal recognition and blind tasting.
Topics include:
- Sensory wine tasting
- Acidity and white-wine structure
- Tannins and red-wine structure
- Old World and New World styles
- Varietal fingerprints
- Winemaking techniques
- Wine faults
- Blind tasting
The online Level Two final examination includes tasting and theory sections. Students analyze wines using the methods developed throughout the course and complete theory questions drawn from the readings and lectures.
Students who pass receive an online Level Two Sommelier Certification.
A Level Two sensory kit, required wines and additional tasting materials must be purchased separately.
Level Three: Understand the World of Wine
Level Three develops advanced regional knowledge and applies the tasting skills learned in Level Two.
The curriculum includes:
- Introduction to global wine regions
- France
- North America
- Australia, New Zealand and South Africa
- Italy
- Spain
- Chile and Argentina
- Wine laws, grape varieties and regional terminology
- Deductive tasting analysis
The Level Three final examination evaluates advanced regional knowledge and deductive wine analysis using the National Wine School tasting grid.
Students who pass receive an online Level Three Sommelier Certification.
Required wines are purchased separately.
How the Program Works
All three courses become available after enrollment. Students are not technically prevented from opening a later course, but the curriculum is designed to be completed sequentially.
Level One establishes the foundation used in Level Two. Level Two develops the tasting skills required for Level Three. We do not recommend completing the courses out of order.
You have 180 days from enrollment to complete all three levels.
Certificates and Credential Verification
You receive an online certificate after successfully completing each level.
You can independently confirm National Wine School credentials through the online credential-verification system.
Earn the National Wine School Sommelier Pin
Students who successfully complete Levels One, Two, and Three are eligible for the National Wine School Sommelier Pin.
Required Wines and Course Materials
Wine tasting is an essential part of the Core Sommelier program.
Students must purchase:
- Wines required for course exercises
- Wines required for the Level Two and Level Three examinations
- The Level Two sensory wine kit
- Basic tasting supplies specified inside the courses
These purchases are not included in the $1,100 tuition.
Exact wine and supply recommendations are provided within each course. National Wine School does not sell or ship the required wines.
Meet Your Instructors
Keith Wallace, founder of National Wine School, is a winemaker, wine educator and published author. He teaches the Level Two course, which focuses on sensory analysis and blind tasting.
Alana Zerbe, Director of Wine Education, developed NWS’s Level One and Level Three programs. She teaches Level Three, covering the world’s wine regions and deductive tasting.
Student Support
Customer support is available throughout the program.
Students also have access to the AI course assistant for immediate help navigating lessons, locating course information and answering common curriculum questions.
Who Should Enroll
The Core Sommelier Certification is appropriate for:
- Students pursuing a complete sommelier credential
- Restaurant and hospitality professionals
- Wine retail and distribution employees
- Aspiring wine educators
- Serious wine enthusiasts
- Employers purchasing comprehensive wine training
- Students who want Levels One, Two and Three through one enrollment
No previous wine certification is required. Beginners should begin with Level One and proceed through the courses sequentially.
Core Sommelier Frequently Asked Questions
Do I receive access to all three courses immediately?
Yes. Level One, Level Two and Level Three become available after enrollment. However, the courses should be completed in order.
How long do I have to complete the program?
You receive 180 days of access.
Does the tuition include all three certifications?
Yes. The $1,100 tuition includes the online courses and final examinations for Levels One, Two and Three.
Are certificates included?
An online certificate is included for each level you successfully complete. Printed certificates require an additional fee.
Are wines included?
No. Required wines must be purchased separately.
Is the Level Two sensory kit included?
No. The Level Two sensory kit and other required tasting supplies are purchased separately.
Does completing Core include a sommelier pin?
Completing Levels One, Two and Three makes you eligible to apply for the National Wine School Sommelier Pin. A separate verification and shipping fee applies.
What happens if I fail an examination?
Paid retakes are available. Do not begin a final examination until you have completed the course and are prepared to take it.
Is support available?
Yes. Customer support and the AI course assistant are available throughout the program.
How many study hours does the Core program include?
The complete Core Sommelier program represents 225 clock hours of study across Levels One, Two, and Three. You receive 180 days of access to complete the self-paced coursework and examinations.
