What is PhillyWine?

PhillyWine is a Philadelphia-based wine education company and WSET Approved Program Provider offering professional wine certification, wine classes, tastings, and educational experiences. Established in Philadelphia in 1999, PhillyWine provides WSET wine education from Level 1 through Level 4 Diploma, with in-person and online learning options for wine enthusiasts and industry professionals.

In addition to WSET certification, PhillyWine offers wine education programs, events, and experiences in collaboration with colleges, universities, wineries, importers, hospitality organizations, and other wine industry partners.

Which WSET levels does PhillyWine offer?

PhillyWine offers all four levels of WSET wine education, from introductory wine certification through the advanced WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines:

• WSET Level 1 Award in Wines – An introduction to wine, ideal for beginners.

• WSET Level 2 Award in Wines – A more comprehensive exploration of major grape varieties, wine regions, styles, labeling, and food and wine pairing.

• WSET Level 3 Award in Wines – Advanced wine study focused on understanding how grape growing and winemaking influence the style, quality, and price of wines from around the world.

• WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines – WSET's highest-level wine qualification, designed for advanced students and wine industry professionals pursuing expert-level knowledge.

PhillyWine offers WSET courses in Philadelphia as well as selected online and regional learning options. Course formats, schedules, and prerequisites vary by level.

Which WSET Level should I start with?

The right WSET level depends on your current wine knowledge and goals.

WSET Level 1is the best starting point if you're new to wine or want a structured introduction to grape varieties, wine styles, tasting, and food and wine pairing.

WSET Level 2 is appropriate for students who already have some basic wine knowledge and want a broader understanding of the world's major grapes, wine regions, styles, and labeling. WSET Level 1 is not required before taking Level 2.

WSET Level 3 is an advanced qualification intended for students with a strong foundation in wine. Students should have knowledge equivalent to WSET Level 2 before beginning Level 3.

If you're unsure which WSET course is right for you, PhillyWine can help you choose a starting level based on your existing knowledge, professional experience, and wine education goals.

Do I need to take WSET Level 1 before Level 2?

No. You do not need to complete WSET Level 1 before enrolling in the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines.

WSET Level 1 is an excellent starting point for students who are completely new to wine or want an introduction to wine tasting, major wine styles, and food and wine pairing. However, students who already have some wine knowledge—or who are ready for a more comprehensive introduction to the world’s major grape varieties, wine regions, and styles—can begin directly with WSET Level 2.

If you're unsure where to start, PhillyWine can help you determine whether WSET Level 1 or Level 2 is the better fit based on your existing wine knowledge and learning goals.

Do I need to be a wine professional to take WSET?

No. You do not need to work in the wine industry to take a WSET wine course. WSET qualifications are designed for both wine enthusiasts and industry professionals who want structured, internationally recognized wine education.

Many students begin WSET simply because they love wine and want to understand what they're tasting, become more confident selecting wine, or learn about the world's major grapes and wine regions. Others pursue WSET qualifications for careers in restaurants, retail, importing, distribution, winemaking, hospitality, education, or other areas of the wine industry.

Your ideal starting level depends more on your existing wine knowledge than on whether you work professionally with wine.

How does WSET wine certification work?

WSET wine qualifications are a progressive series of internationally recognized wine education programs offered at four levels. Each level builds greater knowledge of grape varieties, wine regions, grape growing, winemaking, wine styles, tasting, and other factors that influence the wines in your glass.

You do not have to begin at WSET Level 1. Many students with existing wine knowledge start directly with Level 2. Students considering Level 3 should already have a strong foundation in wine, typically equivalent to the knowledge covered in WSET Level 2. Level 4 Diploma is an advanced program with specific entry requirements.

If you're completely new to wine, WSET Level 1 is usually the best place to start. If you already understand common grape varieties and basic wine terminology, WSET Level 2may be a better starting point. Students seeking advanced, professional-level wine study can progress to WSET Level 3 and ultimately WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines.

PhillyWine offers WSET wine courses for both enthusiasts and industry professionals, with in-person classes in Philadelphia and additional learning options depending on the course.

What is the difference between WSET and sommelier certification?

WSET and sommelier certification are different approaches to wine education. WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) qualifications focus on developing a structured understanding of wine, including grape growing, winemaking, major wine regions and styles, tasting, and the factors that influence wine quality and price.

Sommelier certification programs generally place greater emphasis on restaurant wine service, including serving and presenting wine, beverage programs, food and wine pairing, and other hospitality skills, alongside wine knowledge and tasting.

WSET qualifications are designed for both wine enthusiasts and professionals working throughout the wine and drinks industry, including hospitality, retail, importing, distribution, sales, winemaking, and education. You do not need to work in a restaurant or intend to become a sommelier to study WSET.

Neither pathway is inherently better; the right choice depends on your goals. WSET is particularly well suited to students seeking broad, structured wine knowledge, while sommelier certification may be a better fit for those focused specifically on restaurant wine service.

Are WSET qualifications internationally recognized?

Yes. WSET qualifications are internationally recognized in the wine, spirits, and hospitality industries. WSET qualifications are studied by both wine enthusiasts and professionals working in areas including hospitality, retail, importing, distribution, winemaking, education, and other sectors of the drinks industry.

WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines is WSET’s highest-level wine qualification and is designed for students seeking advanced, expert-level wine knowledge.

How long does it take to complete a WSET wine certification?

Level 1 requires six hours of study and can be completed in one day. Level 2 requires 27 hours of study, sixteen of which are in-class sessions and eleven are outside class/personal study. Level 3 requires 30 hours of in-class sessions and 54 hours of personal study for a total of 84 hours. The Diploma course takes 18 months minimum to complete. This assumes no re-sits. Certifications are broken into courses of varying length and conclude with a final exam.

How much do WSET courses cost?

WSET course costs vary depending on the qualification level, course format, and location. PhillyWine offers WSET wine education from Level 1 through Level 4 Diploma, with both in-person and online learning options.

Tuition may include study materials, instruction, wines for tasting, and the WSET examination, depending on the course and format. Visit the individual WSET Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, or Level 4 Diploma course page for current tuition, schedules, and information about what is included. Payment plans are available for select PhillyWine courses.

Where can I take PhillyWine classes in Philadelphia?

PhillyWine offers in-person WSET wine certification courses in Philadelphia, including WSET Levels 1, 2, and 3 and WSET Diploma education. Classes are offered at locations including Fitler Club and Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business, depending on the course and schedule.

PhillyWine is a WSET Approved Program Provider and has continuously provided wine education in Philadelphia since 1999.

Where are PhillyWine WSET classes held?

PhillyWine offers in-person WSET courses in Philadelphia and at select partner locations throughout Pennsylvania and Virginia. Philadelphia classes are held at Fitler Club and Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business. Additional courses are offered through Northampton Community College in Bethlehem, PA; Delaware County Community College in Drexel Hill, PA; and James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA.

Course locations vary by program and date. Students receive complete location details when registering.

When do PhillyWine WSET classes take place?

Current PhillyWine WSET course dates and schedules are available on the individual course pages for WSET Level 1,Level 2, Level 3, and Level 4 Diploma. Course dates, formats, and locations vary throughout the year.

Does PhillyWine offer WSET classes online?

Yes. PhillyWine offers online learning options for students who cannot attend classes in person. WSET Level 4 Diploma classes can be attended remotely, while Diploma tastings are conducted in person.

PhillyWine can also enroll students in the WSET Online Classroom for eligible courses. The WSET Online Classroom is a separate, flexible online learning platform managed by WSET’s digital learning team.

How does the WSET Online Classroom work?

Online study offers students the flexibility to complete their study at a time and place that suits them through the WSET Online Classroommanaged by WSET’s digital learning team. Each course has a set start and finish date, with clear guidelines on progression, however there are no fixed times to log-on as there is no "live" delivery of content. Students can complete their learning at times that suit them.

Students will learn through a range of independent and/or group activities supported by videos and quizzes, designed to achieve the required learning outcomes to prepare for the examination.

Throughout the course, students will have access to a subject-specialist educator who’ll provide feedback on any assigned exercises and respond to course-related queries. Online students are welcome to come to live PhillyWine classes and tastings in order to have access to all the guidance they need.

If I cannot make it to an exam, can I defer?

Yes. You must inform PhillyWine within two weeks of the exam date that you would like to defer.

Does PhillyWine offer wine classes, tastings, and events outside of WSET?

Yes. In addition to WSET certification courses, PhillyWine offers wine tastings, masterclasses, educational events, industry collaborations, and other wine experiences throughout the year.

These programs allow wine enthusiasts and professionals to explore specific regions, producers, styles, and topics without enrolling in a full WSET certification course.

Is PhillyWine affiliated with the Wine School of Philadelphia?

No. PhillyWine and the Wine School of Philadelphia are separate and independent wine education businesses.

PhillyWine is a WSET Approved Program Provider offering WSET wine qualifications, including WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines. PhillyWine is not affiliated with, owned by, or operated by the Wine School of Philadelphia.