The WSET Level 1 Award in Wines is the perfect introduction for anyone in the San Francisco Bay Area looking to deepen their appreciation of wine—whether for personal enjoyment or to begin a career in the region’s vibrant hospitality scene. Ideally suited for those working in restaurants, tasting rooms, wine bars, or retail (especially near Napa and Sonoma), this course offers a welcoming and accessible starting point. Designed with beginners in mind, Level 1 provides a clear, structured approach to understanding wine. You’ll explore the major wine styles, learn how to taste with confidence, and gain practical knowledge you can immediately apply—whether you’re recommending wines to guests, working a tasting room floor, or simply enjoying wine at home.

A self-paced, fully online Level 1 option designed for students who want maximum flexibility—start when you want, learn at your own pace, and schedule your online exam when you’re ready. You’ll get access to the course textbook, recorded lectures, flashcards, quizzes, assignments with feedback, and mock exams, plus a tasting list and an optional discounted tasting kit.

A structured 4-week online course that combines 3 live lecture + tasting meetings with 24/7 access to recordings, videos, and quizzes—perfect if you want guidance and accountability without losing flexibility. Students also get extended access to the online learning platform and a course community for support, and the program includes the exam and a digital certificate/badge upon passing.

If you already know the basics—like Chardonnay being a white wine and Cabernet Sauvignon typically red—the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines is your next step. This beginner-to-intermediate wine course is ideal for those in the San Francisco Bay Area, Napa Valley, and Sonoma looking to build serious wine knowledge and tasting confidence.

Designed for both aspiring professionals and passionate enthusiasts, Level 2 offers a deeper dive into the world of wine, with more extensive content, guided tastings, and classroom instruction than Level 1. It’s especially valuable for those working in restaurants, tasting rooms, wine retail, or hospitality, as well as anyone pursuing a career in the wine industry.

This course is perfect for anyone who: Works in wine, hospitality, or is starting a wine career Wants to expand their knowledge of global wine regions and styles Seeks to become a more confident, skilled wine taster Throughout the course, you’ll explore the major grape varieties of the world, including where they are grown and how climate, winemaking, and terroir influence style and quality. With a balance of theory and guided tastings, you’ll learn how to systematically taste and accurately describe wines using professional techniques.

A fully online, self-directed Level 2 path where you can begin anytime and move through the material at your own speed, including the exam online (scheduled at a date/time of your choice). You’ll use Commonwealth’s learning platform with recorded lectures, flashcards, practice quizzes, assignments with immediate feedback, summary videos, mock exams, and an eBook study pack.

A guided six-week online program featuring 4 live online meetings (1.5 hours each) with recordings available 24/7, plus educator support throughout the session. Students get the Level 2 study pack (digital), a course community, practice quizzes/activities, recommended weekly study pacing, and a tasting list with an optional discounted tasting kit—ending with the scheduled exam and digital credential upon passing.

The WSET Level 3 Award in Wines is an advanced, globally recognized wine certification designed for professionals and serious wine enthusiasts in the San Francisco Bay Area, Napa Valley, and Sonoma. This course delivers an in-depth, industry-relevant education that reflects today’s dynamic global wine landscape and provides immediate, practical value for career growth. Widely regarded as a benchmark qualification in the wine industry,

WSET Level 3 is ideal for those working in hospitality, wine retail, distribution, importing, or winery operations, as well as individuals seeking leadership roles or advanced expertise in wine. This course is perfect for: Wine professionals advancing their careers in Napa, Sonoma, or the Bay Area Individuals pursuing leadership, buying, or decision-making roles Dedicated wine enthusiasts ready for an intensive, structured program Advanced Wine Education & Global Wine Knowledge WSET Level 3 provides a deep exploration of the world’s major wine regions, including France, Italy, Spain, the United States, South America, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.

This in-person WSET Level 3 course in the Bay Area takes place over 7–8 weekend sessions, allowing time to absorb complex material and refine tasting skills between classes. Each session includes guided tastings, with over 90 wines sampled throughout the course, providing unmatched hands-on experience. Study Materials & Resources Students receive a comprehensive WSET study pack, including: Official WSET Level 3 textbook Study workbook Access to exclusive WSET video content Additional learning support, including Wine with Jimmy resources Certification & Exam To earn the WSET Level 3 Award in Wines, students must pass a final exam consisting of: A written theory examination A blind tasting assessment Successful candidates earn the prestigious WSET Level 3 certification and may use the WSET designation on professional materials.

An advanced, instructor-supported 15-week online program with 5 live online meetings (1.5 hours each), recordings available 24/7, and a weekly structure designed to keep you progressing through major wine regions and exam expectations. Commonwealth includes a hard-copy Level 3 study pack (with SAT card), online exam-prep support, and an in-person exam option (Cambridge, MA or San Francisco, CA), plus a tasting list and optional discounted tasting kit.

An advanced, instructor-supported 15-week online program with 5 live online meetings (1.5 hours each), recordings available 24/7, and a weekly structure designed to keep you progressing through major wine regions and exam expectations. Commonwealth includes a hard-copy Level 3 study pack (with SAT card), online exam-prep support, and an in-person exam option (Cambridge, MA or San Francisco, CA), plus a tasting list and optional discounted tasting kit.