Level One Sommelier Certification Online
Level One is the starting point for professional wine education at National Wine School. The program is designed for beginners, wine enthusiasts, hospitality professionals and anyone preparing for more advanced sommelier study.
The course is entirely online and self-paced. Enrollment includes 180 days of access, allowing you to complete each module according to your own schedule.
What Is Included
- Seven online course modules
- 64 instructional topics
- 14 quizzes and assessments
- A 30-question final examination
- An online Level One certificate
- Online credential verification
- Customer support
- Access to an AI course assistant
- 180 days of course access
Tuition is $300. A printed certificate may be ordered separately for an additional fee.
What You Will Learn
Major Wine Grapes
Learn the principal white and red grape varieties, including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Develop a working understanding of varietal characteristics and the role major grapes play in the international wine market.
How to Read Wine Labels
Understand the differences between Old World and New World wine labels, important European terminology, geographic indications and the information consumers need when selecting wine.
How to Taste Wine
Learn a structured approach to tasting wine. Explore aroma, flavor, acidity, tannin, body, alcohol and finish while developing the vocabulary needed to describe wine clearly.
Understanding Wine Styles
Examine how grape variety, climate, oak treatment, winemaking and aging influence the style of a finished wine.
Common Wine Myths
Evaluate common beliefs about sulfites, aging, pricing, terroir, ratings and wine quality using evidence rather than conventional assumptions.
Introduction to Wine Service
Learn the fundamentals of professional wine service, including glassware, serving temperatures, opening bottles, decanting, wine faults, storage and wine-list organization.
Food and Wine Pairing
Understand the sensory interactions that shape food and wine pairings. Apply practical pairing principles to common foods and wine styles.
How the Certification Works
Complete the seven course modules and their associated quizzes within your 180-day access period.
After completing the course, take the Level One final examination online.
The final exam includes:
- 30 multiple-choice questions
- A passing score of 65%
- Online delivery
- A paid retake option for students who do not pass
Students who pass receive an online Level One Sommelier Certification from National Wine School. Credentials can be verified through the National Wine School certification-verification system.
Printed certificates are optional and available for an additional fee.
Who Should Enroll
This course is appropriate for:
- Beginners seeking a structured introduction to wine
- Wine enthusiasts who want more than informal tasting knowledge
- Restaurant and hospitality professionals
- Retail and beverage-industry employees
- Students beginning the National Wine School sommelier pathway
- Schools, restaurants and hospitality organizations purchasing for groups
No previous wine education is required.
Course Support
Customer support is available throughout the course. Students may also use the AI chat assistant for immediate help navigating course material and common questions.
The AI assistant supplements customer support; it does not replace the course curriculum or final examination requirements.
Continue Your Sommelier Education
Level One provides the foundation for further study through National Wine School.
After completing Level One, students may continue to:
- Level Two Sommelier Certification, which develops tasting and applied wine knowledge
- Level Three Sommelier Certification, which advances regional, theoretical and professional study
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Level One suitable for beginners?
Yes. Level One assumes no previous professional wine education and begins with essential grapes, wine labels, tasting and wine service.
Is the course entirely online?
Yes. The lessons, quizzes and final examination are completed online.
How long do I have to complete the course?
You receive 180 days of access from the time your enrollment begins.
What score is required to pass?
A score of 65% is required on the 30-question final examination.
Can I retake the examination?
Yes. A paid retake is available if you do not pass the first examination.
Is the certificate included?
An online certificate is included in the $300 tuition. A printed certificate is available for an additional fee.
Is support available?
Yes. Customer support is available, and students also have access to an AI chat assistant.
Can organizations purchase multiple enrollments?
Yes. Schools, restaurants, hospitality businesses and other organizations can use the group-registration option on this page.
