FAQ

Where is Virginia Wine & Spirits Academy located?

Virginia Wine & Spirits Academy (VAWSA) is located in Richmond, VA.

How can I contact VAWSA?

For general enquiries: email – info@vawsa.com or phone - 804-357-1501

How can I register and pay for a class or course?

Advance payment is required for all classes and programs. You can register and pay through our course registration page using MasterCard, Visa, Discover, or American Express.

What if I need to cancel or reschedule a class or course?

Cancellations more than 14 days prior to the course start date are eligible for a full refund, less a 4% processing fee. Cancellations 14 days or fewer prior to the course start date are eligible for a refund less a 20% cancellation fee. There are no refunds for cancellations within 12 days of a course start date.

If you wish to reschedule instead of receiving a refund, you may request to be rescheduled to another session with no penalty, as long as the request is made more than 14 days prior to the class or course beginning. If you reschedule 14 days or fewer prior to the class or course start date, there will be an additional 20% rescheduling fee. Rescheduling is not possible within 12 days of a class or course start time.

For all exams, please note that there are no cancellations or rescheduling of examinations within 15 business days of the scheduled exam date. Students will need to re-register and pay for a later exam date if they find themselves unable to sit for an exam for which they are scheduled.

Should VAWSA be forced to cancel a course, all students will be offered enrollment in the next available session free of charge. If the student is not available to undertake the course at a later date, a full refund will be issued.

Where do I sit the exam for a course?

WSET exams for Level 1 or 2 qualifications are conducted online from students’ homes via Remote Invigilation. You must be able to fulfill the requirements of Remote Invigilation outlined in WSET’s RI Exam Guidance, or be prepared to take the paper exam at our office in Richmond, Virginia.

WSET exams for Level 3 qualifications are available in-person only, at our office in Richmond, VA.

Wine Scholar Guild and Edinburgh Whisky Academy exams must be taken in person at our office in Richmond, VA.

How do I choose which WSET course is right for me?

It depends on prior knowledge and readiness for the level of study.

WSET Level 1 is for beginners with limited knowledge of wine. No pre-requisite.
WSET Level 2 is an intermediate level for which students should have a basic knowledge of wine and spirits. No pre-requisite.
WSET Level 3 is an advanced course and requires the WSET Level 2 Award.

How do I choose which WSG course is right for me?

Essentials courses require no previous wine knowledge, and provide the baseline of knowledge necessary to progress to Scholar courses. Those with a WSET Level 2 or CMS Introductory certification, or relevant industry experience, will also have the requisite baseline knowledge to be successful on the Scholar courses.