About Us
World-Class Wine Education and Experiences for Professionals and Enthusiasts
Inclusivity is among our core values, so when we say everyone, we mean it. Whether you’re a wine-curious enthusiast or a wine or hospitality industry professional, we’ve built San Francisco Wine School for you! We strive to open up the world of wine to students everywhere, helping people of all levels break into the wine industry, advance their careers, or simply pursue their passions.
A New Kind of School
When our founder, Master Sommelier David Glancy, set out to create a new kind of school in 2011, he wanted to offer informative, engaging wine education and training directly to individuals in the hospitality industry and wine trade. But we quickly found that non-industry enthusiasts were also craving unique, high-quality wine education. We broadened our mission to include students of all backgrounds and interest levels. Today we are the largest wine school in the United States, offering more than 25 certifications and educational series and over 75 individual classes, and an array of events serving people from all backgrounds with all levels of interest — from novice enthusiasts to advanced, credentialed professionals.
Our edutainment-focused approach to instruction means that you’ll have fun while getting a rock-solid wine education from our award-winning, industry-leading instructors. No stuffy or snooty classes here.
Not only do we offer an extensive collection of experiential classes and learning paths for wine certifications, but we’re also an industry leader in services for businesses that help build wine-focused enterprises, from retail wine shops to wineries to restaurants. We also understand the challenges professionals face in in today's wine and hospitality industries and offer extensive support for trade to start or advance their careers.
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What Sets Us Apart
We offer a wine education like no other. Learn more about what makes San Francisco Wine School unique.
Flexible Learning Formats
Since 2021, we have offered hybrid (live in-person and online) classes and events that let you learn from wherever you are. Whether you learn with us at our South San Francisco Wine Education & Event Center or online, everyone shares the same learning experience at the same time. Most hybrid classes include wine tastings, and tasting kits for online participants can be delivered across the U.S. at no additional charge.
Other learning options include asynchronous classes through Glancy eWine School and public events that offer learning and tasting experiences beyond our regular curriculum. We also offer corporate training and private events at our place, your place, and online.
Experienced, credentialed wine instructors
Our team of instructors have been selected for their highly regarded credentials, extensive industry experience, and deep passion for wine. (Plus, they’re just fun people!) On average, our instructors have 20 years of experience in hospitality and/or the wine trade and hold multiple wine certifications, such as Master Sommelier, Master of Wine, Certified Wine Educator, or WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines. We set the bar high for our instructors: To teach a certification prep course at San Francisco Wine School, instructors not only need to hold the certification themselves, but must also have passed their own certification exam with honors.
Learning Paths & Financial Support
Financial Support for Professionals
Continuing our commitment to “training the trade,” and recognizing the financial challenges faced by employees of the wine and hospitality industries, we provide scholarships through our partnership with the Glancy Wine Education Foundation.
Finding Your Leaning Path
Our goal is to help students to achieve even 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.
Community Support & Resources
We believe that every student who joins us needs a community of support to succeed. As a San Francisco Wine School student, you’ll have access to these additional resources:
- Our Job Board is updated regularly by employers who seek out our alumni
- Financial Aid & Internships are available for students interested in gaining experience in the wine industry or financing their program tuition
- Glancy Wine Blog provides the latest wine industry news and analysis
- SFWS Membership provides opportunities to save on class fees, earn rewards, and go beyond the classroom with special education and events hosted by Master Sommelier David Glancy
