Master the fascinating world of Wine, and become a Sommelier.

No beverage has taken the world by storm over the last years as wine has. As the most complex and mesmerizing drink in history, learning about wine is easy and exciting at the same time.

Studying wine allows us insight to the classical wine regions around the world, covering more than 12 different countries, all of them different, beautiful and highly interesting to explore by reading and on site.

Mastery of wine includes sommelier skills, like tasting blind tasting identification, but also the production side of vineyards, harvest, grape varietals, the business of wine, and distribution.

Learning about the great classical wine styles like Bordeaux, Barolo, Rioja, Brunello, Burgundy, Champagne, Taurasi and many others, can become the most satisfying study & tasting journey of your life.

Curriculum for the Certified Sommelier (CS) program:

Enrollment Requirements & Process

The Certified Sommelier (CS) program is a comprehensive study and certification program, and there are no required prerequisites for program enrollment.

We welcome candidates of all backgrounds. Beginners will find the program accessible without prior knowledge, and experienced professionals or hobbyists will find the depth of the curriculum demanding and very satisfying.

The enrollment fee for the CS study program is $495. This fee includes all necessary study materials, your online exam, as well as your printed diploma upon passing. Note that the registration fees are not refundable once 2 weeks have passed after enrollment. 70-75% of candidates pass on their first-attempt. The fee to retake the exam is $295.

You can reach our office by email or phone any time.
Find our contact information at the bottom of this webpage.
We reply swiftly and will be glad to advise you about all options.

Receiving & Reading the Study Guide

Once you enroll, you will receive a confirmation email within a few minutes. In addition, you will receive an emailed welcome package with additional information within a few hours.

The study guide we provide is structured to support exactly the curriculum as outlined above. It is illustrated, clearly written, and highly rated by leading educators and candidates around the world. Anticipated study and preparation time for the exam is between 60 and 90 hours, depending on your prior knowledge and experience.

Enroll now to become a Certified Sommelier:

Scheduling & Taking the Exam

As a candidate, once you are ready to take the exam, you may self-schedule a time slot on our website. A calendar invitation with all important details will be emailed to you immediately upon scheduling. Exams are offered several times each month on Fridays and Saturdays, with convenient time slots available for all global time zones.

Results will reach you via email within two days of taking the exam. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions, and it takes up to 60 minutes to complete. You must correctly answer at least 75% of the questions to pass the exam.

Exam protocol:

• The exam may be taken online, in a browser window, using a laptop or desktop computer.

• Candidates may be located anywhere in the world, but reliable internet and phone connections are required.

• No study materials or other persons are permitted in the room during an exam.

• Candidates receive an email with the exam link a few hours in advance of the scheduled appointment time.

Any questions? Reach out to us using this form. We reply quickly and with clear answers.

Receiving the Diploma & Pin

Upon passing the exam, you will receive your printed diploma via mail, on high-quality stationery suitable for framing. You will also receive a beautiful copper lapel pin to wear proudly at any occasion.

Physical copies of the diploma and the lapel pin are shipped from our office in Los Angeles, California. Digital versions are sent in advance via email, together with the exam results.

Many successful candidates take a next step and enroll in one of our other exams, building an impressive portfolio of tasting expertise that can shape their careers and enhance their personal enjoyment.

Take your first step toward certification today!

Sample Questions from our Coffee exam…the Wine exam has a similar difficulty level

Question 1: Which of the following is a variety of Coffea arabica?

A. Typica
B. Robusta
C. Sumatra
D. None of the above

Question 2: Which of the following factors is most impactful on coffee’s development of complex aromas?

A. Soil quality
B. Fermentation
C. Resting for 30–60 days
D. Roasting

Question 3: Which of the following African countries is commonly recognized as the birthplace of coffee?

A. Tanzania
B. Uganda
C. Ethiopia
D. None of the above

Question 4: The grind size of coffee beans most appropriate for making espresso is:

A. Coarse
B. Medium
C. Fine
D. It depends on which espresso drink one is making.