Earn a complete wine education in a single semester. The Core Wine Program combines our award-winning Foundation and Intermediate programs into a unified wine education experience. Plus, the Core Program student saves $300 in tuition by taking both programs in the same semester.

In the Foundation portion of the program, students will learn the techniques and master the knowledge needed to become extraordinary wine tasters. Graduates are able to identity major wine varietals in a blind tasting: a feat many seasoned sommeliers cannot accomplish.

In the Intermediate section, students learn about the intricacies of the ever expanding world of wine.  Included in the program is the chance to master the wine styles, climates and varietals of all the major wine producing countries.

Class Schedule

• Mondays from April 16th to June 11th
• 6pm-10:30pm, including dinner break.
• No class the week of Memorial Day.

The world of wine is built on the foundation of taste. The top professionals in the food, wine, and hospitality industries understand this: the committed student of wine must learn this. To stand tall in the wine world, the student must learn to unravel the hidden flavors of wine and speak the language of the senses. 

"The Wine School is a great place to build knowledge and pursue your passion." Jonathan Newman, Former Chairman of the PLCB

Most wine enthusiasts remain tourists of the grape: they drink and enjoy without ever knowing the greater joys hidden just below the surface. The Foundation Course is your key to unlocking that world. With it, you just may be able to turn a mere hobby into a deeply passionate and highly creative calling.

"The Foundation program is truly a unique and enjoyable learning experience... it is the only chemistry class you will fall in love with." Bob Pigeon, Executive Editor of De Capo Press.

The Foundation Wine Certificate Program is the only certificate program of its kind in the United States, and it is only available through the Wine School of Philadelphia. In a single semester, students will learn the techniques and knowledge to become extraordinary wine tasters. Graduates are able to identity major wine varietals in a blind tasting: a skill many seasoned sommeliers cannot accomplish.


Course Subjects

• The Science of Wine
• Understanding White Wines
• Old World and New World Styles
• Understanding Red Wines
• The Wine Components
• Introduction to Winemaking
• Blind Tasting
• Food and Wine Pairing

From the Italian peninsula to the docks of Bordeaux, the Intermediate Certificate of Global Wine Studies is a breathtaking exploration into the world of wine.

"It is due to The Wine School of Philadelphia that I attended and graduated from the School for Oenology and Viticulture at the University of California at Davis." Jenny Schultz

The Intermediate and the Wine Foundation Certificate are the core certification at the Wine School, and can be taken in tandem. For more information, read about our Core Certificate program.

Course curriculum includes the following wine countries:

• North America
• Australia
• South America
• South Africa and New Zealand
• Spain and Portugal
• Italy
• France
• Germany and Austria

This package includes oversight of the final project and thesis for the DOE, plus professional framing of the Diploma Oenotropae upon successful completion.