Our Mission
World-Class Wine Education and Experiences for Professionals and Enthusiasts
We strive to open up the world of wine to students everywhere, helping people of all levels break into the wine industry, advance their career, or simply pursue their passions. Founded by Master Sommelier David Glancy, we are the largest wine school in the United States offering the most thoughtful approach to wine study: respected industry Certification Programs, unique Workshops on today's most important topics, Special Events, and Private Experiences.
Our Location
Our gorgeous 4,000 sq ft top floor wine education center is located directly across from City Hall in charming downtown South San Francisco. Our sunlight-filled wine education center boasts 16-ft high coved ceilings, eight 12-ft tall windows, and gorgeous 180 degree views of the San Bruno Mountains, City Hall and the San Francisco Bay. We're conveniently located 2 blocks from the brand new South San Francisco Cal Train Station near San Francisco International Airport and the 280/380/101 interchange with easy, affordable parking, surrounded by an eclectic assortment of shops and restaurants. Take a 2 min video tour.
Building A New Kind of School
After David Glancy, MS, CWE created the groundbreaking Certified Sommelier Program at Professional Culinary Institute (now ICC) he was repeatedly asked:
- What certifications do I need to stay competitive?
- Which credentialing bodies are most respected in the industry?
- What’s the smartest way to prepare for exams?
- Who are the best instructors?
- Should I study and work at the same time?
As a result, David founded San Francisco Wine School in 2011. He knew these students needed a new kind of school—one that allowed students to achieve the highest level of wine certification through an accessible, modular path of study. This modular path allows each student to create a unique educational experience to meet their goals.
Carefully Selected Credentials
David evaluated all the wine certifications and programs in the industry and chose those created by only the most trusted, well respected sources. He also created proprietary programs and workshops to prepare students for self-study exams and enrich the educational process.
Learn how each of our programs can be used as a building block toward different career paths and certifications here.
Industry Leading Instructors
We hire only the most talented and knowledgeable Instructors who know wine and know how to teach. Our instructors have the highest credentials from all four major credentialing bodies, including:
- Master Sommelier Diplomas from Court of Master Sommeliers
- Diploma in Wine & Spirits from Wine & Spirits Education Trust
- Certified Wine Educators from Society of Wine Educators
- Master of Wine from Institute of Masters of Wine
Community Support & Resources
We believe every student who joins us needs a community of support to succeed.
- Public Events offer learning and tasting experiences beyond the classroom
- Job Board is updated regularly by employers who seek out our alumni
- Glancy Wine Blog provides the latest wine industry news and analysis
- Scholarships and Corporate Rates help make education accessible to all
Flexible Formats + Global Reach = Accessibility
We offer both in-person and Remote Study Options with both our live Hybrid Classes & Events as well as our expertly designed, Glancy eWine School. Tasting kits are included for online participants in all Hybrid Classes and can be delivered across the US for an additional fee. We provide weekday, evening, weekend and intensive formats that condense material for expedited learning. Our Hybrid certification programs are also broken into individual workshops that may be taken a la carté, so students can select only the subjects that matter most to them.
Our Glancy eWine School programs offer asynchronous engagement with your instructor and fellow students online, so you can study when the time is right for you. Weekly tasting assignments, quizzes, and discussion topics keep the interaction lively as your class moves through the program together.
Customized Education & Continued Learning
We also offer corporate training, public events & appearances and private events at our gorgeous 4,000 square foot Wine Education Center, online and around the world.