Global Credentials &
Essential Frameworks
Structured learning is the key to unlocking wine's complexities. Our Foundational offerings are designed to give you a command over geography, history, and production methods of the world's major wine regions. These certifications serve as the vital academic framework for your journey. Achieving these credentials from the Comité Champagne, the Wine Scholar Guild or the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) not only validates your expertise with a globally respected title, but also serves as the perfect precursor to the specialized terroir studies found in our Signature Programs.
Champagne Specialist
Join us for an immersive journey into the world of Champagne with our Champagne Specialist Course, designed in collaboration with Comité Champagne. Led by Tanya Morning Star, one of a handful of premiere champagne experts in the world, this professional-level course is ideal for those in the wine industry looking to deepen their knowledge and expertise in Champagne, though it is also open to serious enthusiasts. The course includes 15 hours of classroom instruction and 14 Champagne tastings, culminating in a certification exam.
June 7 & 14, 2026
DeLille Cellars, Woodinville, Washington
Wine Scholar Guild Certifications
French, Italian, & Spanish Wine Scholar
Whether you're an industry professional or a passionate wine lover, deepening your understanding of the world’s most iconic wine regions is a powerful next step.
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Taught by Tanya Morning Star, through the Wine Scholar Guild Programs, you'll gain the tools, language, and cultural insight to confidently speak about the wines of France, Italy, and Spain—from grape varieties to climate, soil, regional traditions, and the regulations that shape each appellation.
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Upon successful completion of the certification exam, students receive:
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A diploma for the corresponding program
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A lapel pin representing your area of expertise
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The privilege to use post-nominal titles in your professional signature: FWS (French Wine Scholar) | SWS (Spanish Wine Scholar) | IWS (Italian Wine Scholar)
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These in-depth programs are designed for serious students who already have a basic foundation in wine and are ready to dive deeper. To get the most out of these courses, you'll want to set aside time for self-study alongside classroom instruction.
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New to the Wine Scholar Guild?
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The Essentials series is your perfect starting point. These engaging, weekend-style courses are designed to introduce you to the wines of France, Italy, and Spain in a focused and approachable format—ideal for wine enthusiasts, hospitality professionals, and anyone looking to build confidence in speaking about wine.
Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET)
Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 Diploma Certificates
The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) is the educational affiliate of the prestigious Master of Wine Program. The WSET has been a leader in wine training since 1969 and currently offers programs in 62 countries. Last year the WSET trained nearly 50,000 students.
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The Wine & Spirit Archive offers WSET intensive Level 1, Level 2 Level 3 & DIPLOMA Certificate Courses in Wine & Spirits in Seattle.
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Tanya Morning Star covers various subjects on an ongoing basis, as a guest lecturer for all WSET Levels.
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WSET Level 2 and Level 3 courses are the best, intensive way for serious enthusiasts or wine industry professionals to pack in a staggering amount of wine knowledge, taste a library of wines, and get certified by the world’s most prestigious Wine Certification organization.
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To learn more, contact Mimi Martin at the Wine & Spirit Archive in Portland, Oregon.
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If you are planning to register for any of Napa Valley Wine Academy's Online programs such as the Napa Valley Wine Expert, Oregon Wine Expert, SommDay School, or more, use this link.