A beginner level introduction to wine suitable for those starting a wine career or pursuing an interest in wine. For individuals new to wine study, this qualification provides a hands-on introduction to the world of wine. You’ll explore the main types and styles of wine through sight, smell, and taste, while also gaining the basic skills to describe wines accurately, and make food and wine pairings.
For complete course content, see the official WSET specification
To ensure that our wine sample provider may deliver your kits in time for the course, registration closes 10 business days before the listed start date.
Class sold out or timing not right?
Complete our interest form to help us plan future offerings, and we’ll keep you posted.
A beginner to intermediate level qualification exploring wines for those working in the industry or wine enthusiasts. For individuals seeking a core understanding of wines, this qualification explores the major grape varieties and important wine regions in which they are grown. You’ll learn about the styles of wines produced from these grapes as well as key classifications and labelling terminology. Upon successful completion you will receive a WSET digital certificate and lapel pin, and will be able to use the associated WSET certified logo.
For complete course content, see the official WSET specification
At Barrel Thief Wine Shop, 5805 Patterson Avenue, Richmond VA.
In person course. Choice of online, remotely invigilated exam, or in person paper exam.
Please note that registration closes 10 business days before the course begins.
Class sold out or timing not right?
Complete our interest form to help us plan future offerings, and we’ll keep you posted.
A beginner to intermediate level qualification exploring wines for those working in the industry or wine enthusiasts. For individuals seeking a core understanding of wines, this qualification explores the major grape varieties and important wine regions in which they are grown. You’ll learn about the styles of wines produced from these grapes as well as key classifications and labelling terminology. Upon successful completion you will receive a WSET digital certificate and lapel pin, and will be able to use the associated WSET certified logo.
For complete course content, see the official WSET specification
Note to candidates: we will no longer be offering the Online Self-Study version of this course, as we do not feel candidates are properly prepared without live tutored tasting instruction using precise wine samples.
To ensure that E-Tasting may deliver your wine samples in time for the first session, registration closes 15 business days before the course start date.
Class sold out or timing not right?
Complete our interest form to help us plan future offerings, and we’ll keep you posted.
A beginner level introduction to wine suitable for those starting a wine career or pursuing an interest in wine. For individuals new to wine study, this qualification provides a hands-on introduction to the world of wine. You’ll explore the main types and styles of wine through sight, smell, and taste, while also gaining the basic skills to describe wines accurately, and make food and wine pairings.
At Barrel Thief Wine Shop, 5805 Patterson Avenue, Richmond VA.
In person course. Choice of in-person paper exam**, or online Remote Invigilation exam.
Main registration closes 12 business days before the course.
**Late registrations will be accepted if space is available, but will require students take the Remote Invigilation Exam at a later date.
For complete course content, see the official WSET specification
Class sold out or timing not right?
Complete our interest form to help us plan future offerings, and we’ll keep you posted.
The French Wine Scholar® program sets the industry standard as the most in-depth and comprehensive certification program devoted entirely to the wines of France.
Tailored for dedicated wine aficionados and industry professionals, FWS is your passport to exploring the rich historical and cultural traditions, appellation and classification structures, viticultural and winemaking practices that make French wine a global benchmark.
Completion of the program doesn’t just reward you with a certificate; it confers upon you the sought-after FWS post-nominal initials, symbolizing intermediate- level proficiency and industry-wide respect.
Next session begins Spring 2026. Register your interest via a brief email to info@vawsa.com to be notified when dates are announced and registration is open.
Class sold out or timing not right?
Complete our interest form to help us plan future offerings, and we’ll keep you posted.
Help us plan future offerings.
TRACY WALDRON, DWS
Cross-certified in Perfumery and Chocolate-making, and with a university science degree, Tracy shares knowledge in ways that are unique to each student’s current perspective, but always grounded in the science of sensory perception as it applies to tasting.
We offer tailored training and tasting experiences for restaurants, retailers, wineries, universities, private clubs, and corporate teams — available both on-site and online.
From WSET certification courses to staff training, tasting fundamentals, and industry-specific seminars, our programs are designed to engage and educate at every level.
