FAQ

• Where are you located?
  • The classroom in the event center at Bacchus Landing, 14210 Bacchus Landing Way, Healdsburg CA 95448
  • Event center is on your left once you enter the gates. When you enter the event center, turn right and the classroom is on the left just before the staircase. The wine classroom is on the ground floor.
• Directions
  • From the South: Take Highway 101 to Central Healdsburg exit. At the roundabout, take the 3^rd exit and pass under the 101.  Less than .5 miles, entrance to Bacchus Landing is on right side, just before small bridge.
  • From the North: Take Highway 101 to Westside Road exit.  At stop sign, turn right and in about .3 miles, turn right into Bacchus Landing.  If you go over the small bridge, you've gone too far and can turn around on West Dry Creek Road.

• WSET is the Wine & Spirits Education Trust, a globally recognized education and certification body based in the United Kingdom.
• WSET provides best-in-class education and qualifications to inspire and empower the world’s wine and spirits professionals and enthusiasts. We offer a comprehensive suite of qualifications covering wines, spirits and sake.
• WSET qualifications are globally recognized as the international standard in wine and spirit knowledge. They are designed for those who are just starting out in their careers, as well as established professionals, and the many enthusiasts who have a passion for wines and spirits.
• To learn more about WSET, https://www.wsetglobal.com/

• Conveniently located in downtown Healdsburg, less than 1 mile from the town square
• Only publicly offered WSET certification courses in Sonoma County
• Taught by wine industry professionals, no just educators
• Access to winemakers, depending on course
• Tasting of select wineries at Bacchus Landing following the exam

Currently we offer three levels of study from Introduction to Wine for those just starting their wine education journey through Advanced which is designed for those seeking a global perspective on wine.  We are not offering Level 4, the Diploma in Wine at this point but will consider in the future depending on interest.  The Diploma is required for anyone seeking their Master of Wine certification.  More details on the specific levels can be found on our courses page

• How do I register
  • Check out our range of flexible course dates and register directly for the course that best suits your schedule here.
• Do I have to start with level 1
  • Level 1 is not a requirement but a good overview to wine from a global perspective.  If you only know about and drink wine from California, this might be a good introduction to other regions and styles.  If you've been drinking wine for years and taken a few winery tours, you may want to begin your journey with Level 2's Intermediate course.  Reach out any time with questions and we'll help you navigate your odyssey.

• What’s provided during the classes
  • Official WSET course materials
  • Range of wines to taste and evaluate
  • All the glassware needed to taste wines
  • Additional handouts as needed to boost your wine knowledge and help you crush the exam
  • Insane amount of wine geekiness if you wish but only in small doses
  • Loads of fun
• What do I need to bring to class
  • Curiosity and openness to learn new cool stuff about wine
  • Course books will be sent in advance for Intermediate and Advanced students.  Good idea to bring if you wish to jot notes in your book
  • A pen or pencil might be useful too
• Do I need to bring lunch or snack
  • For full day classes, there will be at least a 30-45 minute break so you can either bring your lunch or grab something from the Bacchus Landing Market
  • No lunch or snacks are provided as part of the course.  We may offer some bland crackers during tastings as palate cleansers.  These are not a meal!

• When is the exam?
  • For Level 1, the exam is given at the end of a full day class or on the last day of a multi-day course
  • For Level 2 or 3, the exams are generally scheduled up to a week or more after the last class.  For intensive courses, the exam will be at the end of the last day of class.  All of the exam dates and times will be provided prior to booking your course and reconfirmed on the first day of class.
• What do I need to bring to an exam?
  • Valid form of ID to prove you are you and that the name put on your frameable WSET certificate is accurate
  • Pencil and pen
• What if I have to miss an exam?
  • We want you to pass the exam with flying colors and get that awesome WSET pin.  But we know life can get in the way and there may be scheduling conflicts.  We will generally try to reschedule you for a future exam date as long as you provide advance notice.  If you just blow off the exam and don't show up, then you have to reregister for the exam.  Details are on our policies page.

• Do I get a refund if I have to cancel a course?
  • We generally try to have you reschedule if you are unable to make a course. If you have to reschedule within 30 days of the course start date, there is a $150 rescheduling fee to cover the costs imposed by the WSET for administrative changes required.

• Do you offer online courses?
  • We believe that learning about wines, especially tasting, is an interactive sport. All of our courses are currently offered in-person only in Healdsburg, CA.
  • In our quest to make wine education more accessible, we’re exploring online classes. Please contact us at info@odysseywineacademy.com if you are interested in exploring online courses.
• Study Materials
  • What study materials am I provided with?
    • All courses come with the Official WSET study guides for that level as well as their Systematic Approach to Tasting (SAT)
  • When do I get study materials?
    • Course material is generally sent within a few weeks of registering
    • For Level 2 and 3, we try to get you the study guides quickly so you can read up before your course begins.
  • Do I need to read the book before the course begins?
    • Doesn't hurt but not required!
    • One of the best ways to learn is to reinforce what you read with the dynamic discussions during the classes.