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 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!
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.
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.
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
Meet Your Instructor
Noelle Allen, an alum of James Madison University, is the co-owner of PhillyWine and a WSET Certified Educator and Diploma holder, and has been teaching wine certification classes since 2018. She is responsible for daily operations at PhillyWine and for creating long term strategies that support program sustainability, quality and growth.
In early 2024, she coached the Wharton Wine Team in the Left Bank Bordeaux Competition and her team won first place with the highest tasting scores in ten years in the qualifier in the Americas. They took third place at the global competition in Bordeaux, France.
She has also worked in wine importing, was a freelance wine writer for Eater Philly, and ran her own education and lifestyle club called Wine LALA.
Prior to working in wine, she worked in finance and banking and was most recently a VP of Business Banking/Relationship Manager at a large commercial bank. She holds a BBA from JMU and an MBA from Villanova University.
She happily left Corporate America to mix her love of business and strategy with the academic pursuit of wine. Thanks to lessons learned and experiences had during this amazing and unexpected career shift, she also works as a motivational speaker to college and business students.
About PhillyWine
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.
Level 1 In-Person Program
Course Investment: $400
April 19, 2025
Saturday
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., ET
JMU Ice House
Harrisonburg, Virginia
Registration Information
Admission Requirements: You must be 21 or older to enroll in the program.
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.
Register: https://aceware.jmu.edu/wconnect/CourseStatus.awp?&course=25PDPWC2504
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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