Enhance Your Knowledge of Wine with Our Certification Program
We are thrilled to announce our new Wine Tasting Certification, in partnership with PhillyWine, designed for wine lovers, enthusiasts and professionals looking to deepen their knowledge and appreciation of wine.
Now offering Certificate levels 1 & 2, taught in-person by JMU alum Noelle Allen.
PhillyWine provides WSET Certification in wine, spirits and sake, as well as independent, non-certification wine classes and events. The Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET) is one of the world's leading providers in wine education, and WSET Certification is globally recognized. Whether you just want to learn more or are working toward a Master-level title, PhillyWine has something for you!
Level 1
Course Investment: $400
Tuesday, February 2, 2027 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday, March 20, 2027 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Questions About This Program?
Contact Elizabeth Sacco at saccoeg@jmu.edu or 540.568.4038.
Dr. Drinks: Taste Wine like a PhD
Join Dr. Amanda Kellogg, PhD in English and WSET Level 2, for a series of engaging wine-tasting events exploring the science, history, and culture behind what’s in your glass. Each session focuses on a specific wine-tasting skill and includes insights from JMU faculty experts in biology and chemistry. Whether you’re looking to refine your palate or feel more confident ordering wine, come curious, have fun, and enjoy four exceptional wines.
Upcoming Tasting Events
Meet Your Instructor
Noelle Allen is a JMU alumna, co-owner of PhillyWine, and a WSET Certified Educator and Diploma holder who has taught wine certification courses since 2018. She oversees PhillyWine’s daily operations and strategic growth.
Her background includes wine importing, writing for Eater Philly, and leadership roles in banking and finance. She holds a BBA from JMU and an MBA from Villanova University and is also a motivational speaker.
Certificates
- Individuals working in the hospitality industry
- Aspiring students of hospitality
- Wine lovers and enthusiasts
- Culinary professionals
- Event and wedding planners
- Business & organizational professionals, entrepreneurs & leaders
- Individuals who want to throw better parties!
If you’re just beginning to explore the world of wine, start here.
You will discover the main types and styles of wine through sight, smell and taste. We'll teach you the basic skills to describe wines accurately, as well as how to pair food with wine. Upon successful completion you will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin. The Level 1 course provides a solid foundation for moving onto Level 2. Courses offered in-person only.
This qualification requires a minimum of six hours of study time.
What you'll learn
- The main types and styles of wine
- Common wine grapes and their characteristics
- How to store and serve wine
- Principles of food and wine pairing
- How to describe wine using the WSET Level 1 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine® (SAT)
- Link to WSET Level 1 Wine Specification
Costs include
- Wine
- A hardcopy of the book
- The exam, taken in-person at the end of the class
When you’re ready to take the next step into the world of wine, start here.
Level 2 is intended for beginners wishing to learn about a wide range of wines or for those who wish to build on the introductory knowledge gained in the WSET Level 1 Award. You’ll gain knowledge of the principal and regionally important grape varieties of the world, the regions in which they are grown and the styles of wine they produce. Through a combination of tasting and theory, you’ll explore the factors that impact style and quality and learn how to describe these wines with confidence.
On successful completion of the examination you will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin, and will be able to use the associated WSET certified logo. Courses offered in-person only.
What you'll learn
- How to taste and describe wine using the WSET Level 2 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine®(SAT)
- How environmental factors, grape-growing, winemaking and maturation options influence the style and quality of wines made from eight principal grape varieties:
- Chardonnay
- Pinot Grigio/Gris
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Riesling
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Merlot
- Pinot Noir
- Syrah/Shiraz
- The style and quality of wines:
- made from 22 regionally important grape varieties
- produced in over 70 geographical indications (GIs) around the world
- How grape varieties and winemaking processes influence key styles of fortified and sparkling wines
- Key labelling terms used to indicate origin, style and quality
- Principles and processes involved in the storage and service of wine
- Principles of food and wine pairing
- Link to WSET Level 2 Wine Specification
Course details
This qualification has a minimum requirement of 28 hours of study time:
- 16 hours of delivery time with a WSET course provider (classroom or online)
- 11 hours of personal study and revision
- A 1-hour examination
Costs include
- A hard copy of the study pack
- All wine
- Glassware
- The exam, taken in-person at the end of the class
Registration Information
Admission Requirements: You must be 21 or older to enroll in the program. Please make sure to enter your birthday while registering.
Program Completion Requirements: Pass the final exam, held in-class. The exam is 30 questions in 45 minutes.
Course timeline & Structure: See our FAQ page, or reach out to cpdtraining@jmu.edu with your question.
Online: Credit card payments (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express) can only be accepted through online registration.
By Mail: To pay by check*, please complete the registration form and mail with payment to the address shown on the form no later than 3 weeks prior to the start date to allow for mail time.
*A $50 fee will be assessed for any check returned by the bank.
Registration Deadline: Registration closes 1 week prior to class start date.
For additional information including cancellation and refund policy, see Policies and Notices.
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