The Core Sommelier Course in Philadelphia
### Sommelier Core Wine Course
The Core Wine Course is an all-encompassing journey into the world of wine, bringing together the lessons of our Foundation and Intermediate programs into a single, cohesive semester. For those who wish to immerse themselves fully in wine education, this course offers a thorough understanding at a fraction of the cost of enrolling in the two programs separately.
#### Course Highlights
In the Foundation section, students will refine their skills to become adept wine tasters, honing the techniques that distinguish the expert from the amateur. They will also learn to identify major wine varietals in blind tastings, a skill that marks a true professional in the field.
The Intermediate portion of the course leads students deeper into the complexities of wine, exploring various styles, climates, and varietals from the world’s key wine-producing regions. It is a study for those on the path to becoming sommeliers, future winemakers, or simply passionate enthusiasts looking to elevate their knowledge.
At the end of the semester, students will earn their sommelier pin from the National Wine School—a credential that signifies a significant achievement in the world of wine.
### Schedule of Core Classes
– **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
This Core Wine Course culminates in a Level III certification, a nationally recognized credential conferred by the National Wine School (NWS). These certifications stand shoulder to shoulder with those offered by the Court of Master Sommeliers and the Wine & Spirit Education Trust. Upon successful completion, students will proudly wear the Level III Sommelier Pin, a mark of their professional expertise.
### About the National Wine School
The National Wine School is among the foremost institutions in sommelier education. It is one of the top three credentialing agencies in the nation, and for good reason.
Respected and recognized by industry professionals, NWS credentials are highly sought after. The rigorous training and high standards set by NWS ensure that their certifications are valued by employers across the wine and hospitality industries. A candidate with an NWS credential is often viewed as a top contender, thanks to the comprehensive education they have received.
The programs offered by NWS cover an expansive range of topics, from viniculture and viticulture to tasting techniques and food pairings. This depth of knowledge prepares students for a variety of roles within the wine industry.
Moreover, NWS’s partnerships with universities across the United States lend further credibility and quality to their programs. These affiliations allow students access to rich resources, experienced faculty, and a supportive learning environment—all hallmarks of academic excellence.
Only select institutions that meet NWS’s stringent standards are accredited to offer their programs, ensuring that students receive top-tier instruction from seasoned professionals.
An NWS certification opens doors to a world of career opportunities. Esteemed restaurants, hotels, and wine establishments actively seek out candidates with NWS credentials, recognizing the expertise and dedication required to earn them.
With its stellar reputation, robust programs, university affiliations, and selective accreditation, the National Wine School is undoubtedly one of the best choices for anyone seeking to earn a sommelier pin. Choosing NWS is choosing a path to excellence in the competitive and ever-evolving world of wine.
