Your Path to Wine Mastery in Philly
The best wine school, period. Everything I’ve achieved in the world of wine, I owe to them.
Neil Ross
Director, Vernick Restaurant Group
Sommelier Program Structure
Sommelier certification is a structured approach to mastering wine tasting, theory, and professional evaluation. In Philly, it’s a popular choice for both wine lovers and professionals.
Whether you’re exploring wine or considering a wine career, sommelier programs provide a clear path from foundational knowledge to advanced expertise.
Level One
Level One is an online introductory wine program. It provides foundational wine knowledge for beginners and is not required for entry into the Core Sommelier program.
- Online Course
- 8 Classes
- No Wine Tasting
Core Sommelier
The Core Sommelier program is the foundation of in-person sommelier training. It combines two required courses: the Foundation program, focused on blind tasting methodology, and the Intermediate program, which covers essential wine regions, grapes, and styles. Successful completion earns you the Sommelier pin.
- In Person
- 16 Classes
- Includes Wine Tasting
Advanced Sommelier
The Advanced Sommelier is the next stage of wine education. After completing the Core Program, students pursue four semesters of advanced study in Philly through focused, regionally and thematically driven coursework. This level deepens analytical tasting, expands historical context, and strengthens the ability to synthesize knowledge across styles and regions. Completion earns the Advanced Sommelier pin.
- In Person
- 32 Classes
- Includes Wine Tasting
Master-Level
The Master-Level Sommelier represents the highest level of study within the sommelier certification pathway. After earning the Advanced Sommelier pin, students in Philadelphia can complete an additional four semesters of advanced, self-directed study drawn from a wide range of specialized programs. This stage emphasizes independent analysis, original thinking, and mastery of wine as a technical and cultural discipline. Completion of this sequence earns the Master-level Sommelier pin.
- In Person
- 32 Classes
- Includes Wine Tasting
Upcoming in Philadelphia
These sommelier courses are designed for two types of students: those pursuing formal sommelier credentials and those drawn to wine study for serious intellectual interest. Students include hospitality professionals, career changers, and dedicated enthusiasts seeking a rigorous, structured approach to wine education.
All sommelier programs are taught in person, with a strong emphasis on guided tasting, discussion, and instructor feedback. This old-school, classroom-based teaching style is increasingly rare in wine education. These are not casual wine tastings or social events; students should expect to take detailed notes, engage critically with the material, and taste with intention.
Upcoming Courses
Explore current in-person sommelier programs in Philadelphia
I got my start at the Wine School of Philadelphia. You can’t go wrong, either.
Daniel Brennan
Winemaker & Owner, Decibel Wines
Frequently Asked Questions
What are sommelier classes?
Sommelier classes are structured wine education programs that combine guided tastings, wine theory, and formal assessments. They are designed to teach tasting methodology, regional knowledge, and professional service standards, often leading toward recognized sommelier credentials.
Do I need restaurant experience to become a sommelier?
No prior restaurant experience is required to begin sommelier training. Many students come from outside the hospitality industry, while others are working professionals seeking formal credentials or deeper wine knowledge.
How long does sommelier training take?
The length of sommelier training varies by program level and pace of study. Introductory coursework may take a single semester, while advanced and master-level programs typically require multiple semesters of in-person study and assessment.
Are sommelier certifications required to work in restaurants?
Sommelier certifications are not legally required to work in restaurants, but they are often valued by employers. Formal training can demonstrate technical knowledge, tasting ability, and professional commitment to the field.
What’s the difference between wine classes and sommelier classes?
Wine classes typically emphasize appreciation and tasting. Sommelier classes follow a structured curriculum designed to build tasting methodology, theory, and skills tied to certification progression.
For instance, a class on local wine from the Philadelphia region would feature a tasting of the top wineries and a discussion of what makes them important. A sommelier course on local Philly wines would also frame the Philadelphia region’s economy and history, explaining why wineries in the region are typically smaller and less well-funded than comparable wineries in Virginia. A sommelier course would also tie the local wine industry into the broader national wine trade.
Are these classes suitable for beginners?
Yes. Many sommelier programs are designed to accommodate beginners while also supporting advanced students. Entry points vary, and students can begin at different levels depending on their background and goals.
Is online training enough to become a sommelier?
Online coursework can provide foundational knowledge, but it cannot replace in-person tasting and calibration. Professional sommelier training requires guided sensory practice, comparative tasting, and instructor evaluation that cannot be fully replicated online.
Are these sommelier classes in person or online?
Sommelier classes in Philadelphia are taught in person and emphasize guided tasting, discussion, and instructor feedback. While some introductory coursework may be available online, professional sommelier training relies heavily on in-person sensory evaluation.
Are sommelier classes in Philadelphia hard to find?
Philadelphia has a limited number of in-person wine tasting classes; however, we are the only school to offer sommelier credentials.
How long does sommelier training take in Philadelphia?
The Core Sommelier program is an eight-week program. The higher-level Advanced Sommelier program takes an additional year. A master-level wine program can take up to two years.