The Core Sommelier Course in Philadelphia

In the intricate and ever-evolving world of wine, mastery comes from a foundation steeped in knowledge and honed by practice. The Sommelier Core Wine Course at the Wine School stands as a beacon for those who seek not just to learn, but to excel. Melding the rigorous Foundation and Intermediate programs into a single, comprehensive semester, this course offers a pathway to deep understanding, marrying tradition with contemporary insight. The result is a curriculum that not only provides significant cost savings but also a unified educational journey—one that prepares students for the challenges and triumphs of the wine profession.

Course Highlights

The Core Wine Course is designed to equip students with the essential tools of the trade:

• Mastering the Fundamentals: In the Foundation segment, students are introduced to the techniques and sensory acumen required to become discerning wine tasters. This is not mere theory—it’s an immersion into the very skills that define a sommelier’s craft.
• Blind Tasting Proficiency: Identifying major wine varietals without the crutch of a label is more than a party trick; it’s a mark of a true professional. The course elevates this skill, turning students into confident, capable tasters.
• Delving into Complexity: The Intermediate section deepens the exploration, guiding students through the nuanced terrain of global wine styles, climates, and varietals. Here, the intricate dance of terroir and technique unfolds, offering insights into wines from the world’s most storied regions.

This course is an essential step for aspiring sommeliers, winemakers, and any wine aficionado eager to elevate their understanding. In just one semester, students can earn the coveted sommelier pin from the National Wine School—a symbol of expertise recognized nationwide.

A Detailed Journey Through Wine

The Core Wine Course is structured to provide a thorough exploration of the wine world:

Week One

• Section #1: Introduction to Wine Regions
• Section #2: Intro to Sensory Wine Tasting

Week Two

• Section #1: France
• Section #2: White Varietal Components

Week Three

• Section #1: North American Wines
• Section #2: Red Varietal Components

Week Four

• Section #1: Australia
• Section #2: Old World vs New World

Week Five

• Section #1: Italy
• Section #2: Varietal Fingerprint Lab

Week Six

• Section #1: Spain & Portugal
• Section #2: Winemaking 101

Week Seven

• Section #1: South America
• Section #2: Blind Tasting Class

Week Eight

• Section #1: Regional In-Class Exam
• Section #2: Tasting In-Class Exam

Location: Philadelphia
Prerequisites: None

Certifications and Recognition

Upon completing the Core Wine Course, students are awarded the Level III certification from the National Wine School (NWS). This certification is not just a piece of paper—it’s a credential that carries weight, equivalent to those offered by prestigious institutions like the Court of Master Sommeliers and the Wine & Spirit Education Trust. With it, comes the Level III Sommelier Pin, a badge of honor signifying advanced professional competence.

The National Wine School: A Legacy of Excellence

The National Wine School stands at the forefront of wine education in the United States. Its programs, recognized as among the top three sommelier credentialing agencies in the nation, are a testament to the institution’s commitment to excellence.

• Industry Respect: NWS certifications are highly valued across the wine and hospitality industries. The rigorous training and high standards associated with NWS credentials make them a mark of distinction, often sought by employers.
• Comprehensive Curriculum: NWS offers a holistic education, covering viniculture, viticulture, wine regions, tasting techniques, and food pairings. This breadth ensures that graduates are well-prepared for diverse roles within the wine industry.
• University Partnerships: The affiliation of NWS programs with universities nationwide underscores their legitimacy and quality, providing students with access to academic resources and faculty expertise.
• Selective Accreditation: Only institutions that meet NWS’s exacting standards are accredited to offer its programs, ensuring that students receive instruction from seasoned professionals.
• Career Opportunities: An NWS certification opens doors. Renowned restaurants, hotels, and wine establishments actively seek candidates who have earned these credentials, knowing they possess a deep and nuanced understanding of wine.

The National Wine School isn’t just an educational institution; it’s a gateway to success in the competitive wine industry. Earning an NWS certification is a statement—a declaration of one’s commitment to the craft and a step toward becoming a leader in the field.