Built in Philly. Designed for Everyone.

Core Sommelier Program

The Core Sommelier Program is a serious, in-person wine education designed for people who want real fluency in wine: not memorization, or snobbish posturing.

Students arrive from many backgrounds — some work in wine, others simply love it — but the Core Sommelier Program exists to give everyone the same rigorous foundation in tasting and wine understanding.

This program is the foundation of sommelier education at the Wine School of Philadelphia. It brings structure to wine learning, replaces guessing with method, and gives students a shared language for tasting and analysis.

This is not a prestige exercise or a social club. It’s a rigorous, engaging education built to work in the modern wine world… and it probably will be the most fun you will ever have in a classroom.

Click for Upcoming Core Sommelier Courses

Who This Wine Program Is For

If you take wine seriously — even if you’ve never worked in the industry — you belong here.

Wine professionals seeking a stronger tasting foundation
Serious enthusiasts ready for structured learning
Career changers exploring wine education
Business owners and buyers working with wine
Anyone who is serious about learning about wine
Top-Ranked Wine School in America

How the Core Sommelier Program Works

The Core Sommelier Program is a single, coherent course of study taught in person. It combines two required stages — Foundation and Intermediate — into one integrated learning experience focused on tasting methodology, wine structure, and global context.

Students complete Levels Two and Three in the classroom. Optional online Level One access is included at no cost for those who want additional review or support, but it is not required.

Some students arrive with industry experience. Others arrive with deep personal passion. The Core Program assumes neither. Wine knowledge is taught from the ground up, so everyone builds the same framework together.

Wine School of Philadelphia logo with grapes

Testimonials

The Core Sommelier Program is designed to support both wine lovers and professionals, not filter them out.

“The best thing to happen to the Philadelphia wine culture in decades.
Jonathan Newman
Wine Person of the Year
Wine Enthusiast Magazine
“I couldn’t imagine learning about wine at this high a level from anyone else.
Mike Watts
Wine Enthusiast

& Collector

“I got my start at the Wine School of Philadelphia. You can’t go wrong, either.
Daniel Brennan
Winemaker & Owner
Decibel Wines (New Zealand)

What You’ll Accomplish

Wine-tasting skills that rival seasoned wine professionals
Eligibility for your Sommelier Pin
Nationally recognized credentials
A working understanding of major wine regions and styles

Upcoming Core Sommelier Courses

These are semester-long courses, except for our week-long Accelerated program offered in the summer.

Classes

Today

List of events in Photo View

More Testimonials

Some of the most respected people in wine sing our praises. Here is the second selection of their voices.
“The best wine school, period. Everything I’ve achieved in the world of wine, I owe to them.
Neil Ross
Director & Sommelier
Vernick Restaurant Group
“There is no better program in the world for individuals who sincerely want to learn about wine.
Jim Mish
Senior Operating Partner
Inverness Graham
“We require our winemaking team to attend their wine courses, just like I did.
Matt Check
Winemaker & Co-Owner
Cellar Beast Winery
National Credentials for Wine Experts

National Wine School

The National Wine School isn’t just for sommeliers—it’s the only credential program tailored to the dynamic demands of the modern wine industry. Its programs embody the rapid growth and evolution of the wine world, setting the gold standard for 21st-century wine education. Designed to surpass contemporary wine education benchmarks, these credentials give students a distinct competitive edge. The National Wine School oversees the entire credentialing process, ensuring that all certifications are issued with the utmost precision and represent the highest caliber of excellence.
national wine school logo

Testimonials for the Core Sommelier Program

Some of the most respected people in wine sing our praises. Here is the third selection of their voices.
“I got my start at the Wine School of Philadelphia. Their support helped launch my winemaking career.
Jenny Shultz
Co-owner
Jolie-Laide Wines
“The program is truly a unique and enjoyable learning experience… you will fall in love with it.
Bob Pigeon
Executive Editor
De Capo Press
“The Wine School is a great place to build knowledge and pursue your passion.

Lynn Hoffman
Wine Buyer
Liquor Control Board
Vision

Our courses are designed for wine enthusiasts, wine professionals, and anyone looking to deepen their knowledge of wine.

Values

The Three Pillars of the Wine School

At the Wine School of Philadelphia, we believe exceptional wine education goes beyond knowledge—it’s about experience. Our approach combines unparalleled instruction, world-class wines, and an engaging atmosphere to inspire every student. Whether you’re pursuing a career or a passion, our commitment to education, excellence, and engagement ensures your journey into the world of wine is as enriching as it is enjoyable.
Woodcut of wine tasting class and vineyard presentation.

Education

Our courses are celebrated by SOMM Magazine as the pinnacle of wine education. The Core Wine Course has inspired over two thousand students to pursue careers in the wine trade. For those seeking even more, our Advanced and Master Qualifications set the benchmark for wine education. Covering subjects rarely explored elsewhere—such as modern winemaking techniques, sommelier essentials, and the ancient origins of wine—these programs redefine what it means to master the art and science of wine.
Vinoteca scene with woman pouring wine

Excellence

At the heart of our programs lies an unwavering commitment to the excellence of the wines we pour. We believe that great sommelier instructors require great wines to teach with. Over three decades, our cellar master has meticulously built a wine collection that rivals those of Michelin-starred restaurants. While most wine schools rely on donated bottles, we insist on selecting the perfect wine for every tasting. If a class calls for a bottle of Margaux, we ensure the finest example is ready to pour.
Wine tasting event with attentive audience.

Engagement

Ask any student, and they’ll tell you the main reason they recommend our school is the energy and engagement of our classes. Wine isn’t just something to study—it’s something to celebrate. In every session, the passion for wine and the charisma of our instructors create an atmosphere that’s both inspiring and unforgettable. You’ll leave each class with a deeper appreciation for wine and a newfound joy for learning you never anticipated.

FAQ

Here are the six most asked questions about our wine courses.

Do I need prior wine knowledge to take your courses?

We supply all necessary information during class to ensure you can fully complete your wine certification program. No previous knowledge is required. However, some prefer to attend the level one wine course before attending in-person courses.

Can these courses help me pursue a career in the wine industry?

Absolutely. Our programs are designed to equip students with the knowledge and confidence to excel in the wine industry. Many of our graduates have had successful careers in wineries, restaurants, and retail, while others have become wine educators, consultants, or sommeliers.

Are your certifications recognized in the wine trade?

Yes, our certifications are widely respected in the wine trade. They are issued through the National Wine School, a leader in wine education and credentialing whose programs align with the evolving standards of the global wine industry.

What types of students typically take these courses?

Our students come from incredibly diverse backgrounds, making it hard to pin down a “typical” attendee. Academically, they range from GED holders to PhDs. Professionally, they include everyone from restaurant servers to CEOs of multinational corporations. Across other dimensions—such as race, gender, orientation, and political views—they reflect the full spectrum of wine lovers.

Are the classes in-person, online, or both?

All classes listed on this page are in-person. For online classes, click here. Our classes are held at our flagship location at 109 S. 22nd Street in the Rittenhouse neighborhood in Philadelphia.
The National Wine School manages and issues all certification exams and credentials exclusively, ensuring that your certifications meet the highest standards of the wine trade.

Can I retake a course or specific sections if needed?

In all core programs, students have the flexibility to make up missed classes online through the National Wine School’s advanced learning systems. Our professors and instructors closely monitor and audit student progress to ensure success. On occasion, we recommend that a student retake an exam or specific class.

Do you still have more questions?

If you have further questions regarding our wine courses, please click the below button to contact us.
Student Support
Continue Shopping →
Item added to cart.
0 items - $0.00
Checkout