Recognized as the leading wine school in the United States, our courses set the industry standard for excellence. With over three decades of experience, we’ve earned the trust and loyalty of wine professionals and enthusiasts alike—not just in Philadelphia but around the world. Begin your journey toward an exciting future in wine with us.
Some of the most respected people in wine sing our praises. Here is the first selection of their voices.
“You are lucky to have the Wine School of Philadelphia. Amazing!
Andrea Robinson, Master Sommelier
Author, Great Wine Made Simple
“The best wine school, period. Everything I’ve achieved in the world of wine, I owe to them.
Neil Ross
Director, Vernick Restaurant Group
“I got my start at the Wine School of Philadelphia. You can’t go wrong, either.
Daniel Brennan
Winemaker & Owner, Decibel Wines
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.
Testimonials
Some of the most respected people in wine sing our praises. Here is the second selection of their voices.
“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
“I couldn’t imagine learning about wine at this high of a level from anyone else. Every class is intricately designed and very well executed.
Dr. Mike Watts
Interventional Radiology, Atlantic Medical Imaging
Top-Ranked Wine School in America
Wine School of Philadelphia
The Wine School of Philadelphia has been a cornerstone of wine education for decades, offering cutting-edge programs led by renowned educators and featuring extraordinary wine selections. Recognized as the top wine school in the country, we are also the official innovation hub for the National Wine School, where we develop and refine the wine programs offered across the nation. Our commitment to excellence, innovation, and engagement ensures every student gains unparalleled expertise and a memorable experience.
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Testimonials
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.
Jonathan Newman
Chairman (Retired), Pennsylvania 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.
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.
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.
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.
The National Wine School (NWS): Your Path to Wine Mastery
The National Wine School (NWS) is the premier certifying body for wine education, offering programs from foundational knowledge to the elite Master in Wine certification. With offices in California and Pennsylvania, NWS provides professional sommelier certifications recognized across the wine industry, ensuring students gain credentials that hold value both nationally and internationally.
Start with the Core Program
The journey begins with the Core Program, which combines Level Two (Foundation) and Level Three (Intermediate) certifications into a unified, semester-long experience. This comprehensive course covers essential wine-tasting skills, global wine regions, and the fundamentals of the wine trade. By taking the Core Program as a bundle, students save significantly while gaining a deeper understanding of wine.
Advance Your Expertise
After completing the Core Program, students can pursue the Advanced Sommelier Pin (Level Four Certification), which includes rigorous training and a recommendation from the NWS Director. For those aiming for the pinnacle of wine education, the Master in Wine (Level Five Certification) awaits, awarded to the top 1% of candidates who complete this prestigious program.
Online and In-Person Flexibility
Courses are offered both in-person at partner schools like the Wine School of Philadelphia and online through NWS’s intuitive platform. Students can access professional-grade materials, live virtual tastings, and exams tailored to industry standards.
Why Choose NWS?
The National Wine School is the highest-rated sommelier school in America. Its certifications are ANSI and ADA-compliant, and its accreditation standards are used by top universities and trade schools. Unlike other programs, NWS focuses on rigorous education and professional recognition, not marketing hype. With NWS credentials, you’re set for success in the wine trade—whether as a sommelier, winemaker, or educator.
Take the first step into the world of wine with NWS, where education, engagement, and excellence combine to create leaders in the global wine industry.
