Why Study With Us?

As industry veterans in wine growing, wine & spirits making and tasting, and the business of the beverage industry, we enjoy nothing more than using our experience to ignite and fuel passion in our students.

The combination of theory and practice

Since 2017, Virginia Wine & Spirits Academy has been training the hospitality staff of Richmond restaurants and retailers, Central Virginia wineries and distillieries, and the passionate consumers who frequent those establishments.

We only employee instructors who have professional experience in the beverage industry, along with a teaching certification. This first-hand experience when combined with certified theoretical knowledge brings the world of wine and spirits to life for all of our students. We are uniquely suited to guide students seeking careers in all parts of the industry, while also providing the level of detailed knowledge that today’s passionate wine drinkers desire.

Whether you are new to wine and spirits, looking to extend your knowledge, or interested in learning more about the regions of the world where wine and spirits are made, let us be your guide.

What is WSET?

The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET and WSET Awards) is an awarding body and registered charity devoted to the development and delivery of qualifications and courses in wines and spirits. Established in 1969 for the UK wine trade, WSET has since grown to become the global industry leader in education.

As an independent, not-for-profit organization, WSET’s educational products offer impartial and sound learning on which individuals and businesses can build knowledge and expertise.

There are approximately 600 Approved Program Providers (APPs) operating in more than 70 countries and 19 languages. WSET is the gold standard in internationally recognized, job-relevant credentialing for the wine and spirits trade, and Virginia Wine & Spirits Academy is proud to be offering in-class and online courses from our home base in Richmond, Virginia.