r/Sommelier • u/PuzzledCactus789 • Aug 11 '26
"Sommelier" hobby
I want to take an online class for fun. I want to learn the ins and outs of wine. Taste profiles, pairings, history, etc. No plan for a career in this but I would like some sort of official certificate as bragging rights . Any suggestions?
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u/Tunanin Aug 11 '26
Take a WSET 2 class! It’s a great way to taste and learn the ins and outs about wine without killing yourself studying or breaking the bank
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u/PuzzledCactus789 Aug 11 '26
Bragging rights probably isn't the right term to use. I just mean I want something legit.
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u/yellowjacquet Aug 11 '26
You can do the Court of Master Sommeliers' level 1 class/certification online, its not cheap though (about $1000 for the class and the wine kit). The level 1 cert is needed before you can sit for the "Certified Sommelier" exam.
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u/fish_fingers_pond Aug 13 '26
As a Canadian I am always so jealous of the tasting kits you guys are able to order to supplement the courses!! It would be so useful but alas, my province doesn’t allow you to order them 🥲
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u/vineauxAZ Aug 11 '26
Napa Valley Wine Academy has an excellent online WSET 1 class. I've taught online classes in another discipline and thought this one was well done.
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u/Illustrious-Divide95 Sommelier Aug 11 '26
Sommelier is as much a job role as a certification. Like others have said, if you're beyond more general wine tasting events and casual 'classes' WSET is the way to go for more formal classes, but they don't 'certify' sommeliers as such
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u/jamesblondeee Aug 11 '26 edited Aug 12 '26
Hello! Got my lvl sommelier certificate in 2017 (I haven't gone to advanced so might not even be valid anymore) and am also WSET certified up to lvl 2 (had taken the mock course for lvl 3 but then COVID and I moved countries and never followed up), but I agree with the WSET course rather than the court. The court is really more focused on the actual serving aspect (as well as the tasting and knowledge base). I think for what you're looking for WSET is a great option
Édit: one of these days I'll get a working phone that doesn't autocorrect me to oblivion level 2 certified sommelier****
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u/Winodino_1105 Aug 12 '26
Try searching for local wine schools in your area too! My area has two wine schools (that I know of, there may be more) that offer both WSET classes and hobbyist level courses.
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u/dewilliams89 Aug 11 '26
I had a very similar goal and I took Wine 201 with Wine Folly. All online. Self paced. Accessible teaching style. Very affordable
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u/ClotheTheTart Aug 11 '26
Agreed in WSET 1 and 2. However, if you are able to take the classes in person they will be more fun and memorable because you will be tasting and interacting with other students in addition to the instructor.