The Pacific Northwest is becoming more popular than ever for its high-quality wines and wineries and is the second-largest source of wine from North America. Many of the regions within it stand toe to toe qualitatively with California, France and other great wine regions of the world. San Francisco Wine School’s Northwest Wine Appellation Specialist NWAS™ was created by David Glancy, MS, CWE and Fred Swan, DWS. Wine Appellation is a term mostly used in relation to where wine grapes are grown and this course was created to provide the first and only in-depth, professional credential dedicated solely to this important region.
"Oregon, Washington, Idaho & BC are relative newcomers to the international wine stage with the majority of expansion and improvement coming in the last 30 years. The last 15 years has been an absolute explosion of new AVAs and GIs and world-class wines. Every day there is more to know! Fred Swan has done an amazing job gathering these details as we launch this credential to give these regions the attention they deserve." - David Glancy, MS, CWE
This 4-class series and certification exam helps students understand the diverse terroirs and wine styles of this dynamic region and features a comprehensive, up-to-date, and formal education on every wine region in Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, and Idaho.
Washington and Oregon are the second and fourth biggest producers of wine in the United States. If British Columbia were an American state, it would be the fifth largest producer. Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is one of America’s hottest wines right now. And almost 50% of Oregon vineyards are certified sustainable. Whether you’re a consumer or in the trade, the Pacific Northwest is a region you need to know.
Northwest Wine Appellation Specialist NWAS™ features 4 workshops and the final exam with time to study over a 6-week period. Each class within the full program can be taken as a single workshop. Click the links to learn more!
Session 1
Mondays
Hybrid Class: Oct 30th - Nov 20th 6-9pm
Study Break (no class): Nov 27th
In-Person Exam: Dec 4th - 6-7pm*
*Online upgrades are available for an additional fee
Apply for scholarship by Sep 30
Hybrid - Room/Zoom
We've recently invested in some serious AV technology upgrades to create an integrated Hybrid Room/Zoom experience for all students, so each individual can choose to participate in-person as a "Roomer" with wine in their glass or online as a "Zoomer" with a custom tasting kit. Both Roomers and Zoomers have the same wines and are able to engage with us and each other during these live classes. Recordings are also available within 1 business day after the class. Learn more...
In-Person Location
San Francisco Wine School*
415 Grand Ave #301
South San Francisco, CA 94080
Click for parking and public transportation information
*See our latest COVID Safety Information
Online Info
You will receive the zoom link and any handouts needed a few days before class via email. Check spam and contact help@sfwineschool.com if you have not received it within 1 business day of your class/event.
If you have a tasting kit, it may be picked up at San Francisco Wine School or delivered across the US. Wine parameter lists are available for those participating in locations where kits cannot be delivered. View pickup and delivery options here.
Wine lists and instructions are included in your kit.
*Installment plans available. Group rates available. Contact help@sfwineschool.com for more information.
This exam is a 1 hour, in-person written exam with 100 multiple choice and short answer questions. Online exam upgrades are available for an additional fee. Contact us for more information.
Students who score 80% or higher will be awarded a NWAS certificate and can proudly display the initials NWAS after their name. Earning this credential will set you apart in the increasingly competitive wine industry and help you guide your customers through this complex and important region.
No prior wine education necessary, however we encourage first-time wine students to take a blind tasting workshop prior to enrolling in this program.
All attendees must be 21+ years old.
Are you in need of financial assistance to pay for this program? The Glancy Wine Education Foundation assists those looking to start or advance their career in wine or hospitality with educational scholarships of 60-100% depending on your level of need. Internship opportunites are also available through San Francisco Wine School. Learn More & Apply