Wine School of Philadelphia
Available Jobs
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The Wine School of Philadelphia is expanding its instructional team in response to sustained enrollment growth and structural changes to its semester-based programs. We are currently hiring both full-time and part-time wine instructors to support in-person teaching beginning with the upcoming semester.
These roles reflect a long-term investment in teaching capacity, program continuity, and workforce-aligned wine education.
Wine Instructor (Part-Time)
We are also hiring part-time wine instructors to support a limited number of courses each month.
Role overview
- Part-time, paid instructional role
- Typically four classes per month
- Predictable, low-intensity schedule
- In-person teaching in Philadelphia
Qualifications
- Relevant wine credentials (typically Level 3 or higher)
- National Wine School preferred
- WSET and CMS accepted
- Interest in teaching adult students in a structured environment
- Reliability and consistency across scheduled courses
Training and instructional support are provided. This role is well-suited for working professionals seeking a manageable teaching commitment.
Lead Wine Instructor (Full-Time)
The Wine School of Philadelphia is seeking a Lead Wine Instructor to join its instructional team on a full-time, salaried basis. This is a senior teaching role with responsibility for both classroom instruction and program support.
Role overview
- Full-time, salaried position
- Minimum commitment of three evenings per week, plus daytime administrative work
- In-person teaching in Philadelphia
- Ongoing, year-round role
Responsibilities include
- Teaching semester-based wine programs across multiple levels
- Student assessment, grading, and feedback
- Curriculum coordination and program development
- Exam administration and academic oversight
- Student advising and instructional support
- Coordination with other instructors to ensure consistency and rigor
Qualifications
- Demonstrated teaching experience with adult learners
- Advanced-level wine certification required
- National Wine School credentials preferred
- WSET and CMS certifications accepted
- Strong communication skills and comfort teaching in a structured, multi-week format
This role is designed for an experienced wine professional who values teaching, continuity, and applied knowledge over short-format or one-off instruction.
Training and Instructor Certification Pathway
For candidates interested in teaching but who do not yet hold the required credentials, the Wine School of Philadelphia offers a structured pathway into instructional roles.
This typically includes:
- Completion of the Core Sommelier Program
- Completion of the Teacher Training Program
- Evaluation for classroom readiness and instructional fit
This pathway is intended for individuals seeking to qualify for future teaching opportunities and is not a guarantee of employment.
Our Teaching Culture
The Wine School of Philadelphia operates within a distinct instructional culture. Our programs emphasize:
- The U.S. wine industry as a professional system
(retail, restaurants, importing, distribution, and winemaking) - Applied knowledge and real-world fluency
- Teaching adults how wine functions in practice, not just in theory
Instruction here is not centered on rote memorization or rigid Euro-centric frameworks. Candidates who rely heavily on doctrinal approaches to wine education, rather than adaptable, trade-focused understanding, may not be a good fit for this environment.
How to Apply
All candidates should apply through the application form below. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Please indicate clearly which position you are applying for.
Applicants who are interested in familiarizing themselves more deeply with our teaching model may wish to review the National Wine School credential framework or Wine School of Philadelphia coursework. While not required, prior engagement with our programs often strengthens instructional alignment.
About the Wine School of Philadelphia
Founded in 2001, the Wine School of Philadelphia is an independent wine education institution offering structured, in-person programs designed for working adults, career changers, and serious students. Its semester-based curriculum emphasizes professional fluency, cultural context, and applied knowledge within the modern wine trade.
For Media Inquiries
For questions related to hiring, programs, or institutional developments:
Wine School of Philadelphia
Media Contact: Keith Wallace
Email: wsop@vinology.com