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About Level 3:
***Please note, as of August 1st, 2025, WSET is transitioning to Digital Certificates and Digital Badges for all current qualifications in order to reflect their commitment to a faster, more efficient and sustainable certification process***
WSET Level 3 delivers an in-depth education experience that reflects today’s dynamic wine industry and offers immediate value. The Level 3 certificate is one of the most globally-recognized achievements in wine and is geared towards professionals or people interested in entering the wine industry, especially those looking for increased leadership and decision-making. Wine enthusiasts with a serious commitment will also enjoy this course, as it is interactive and customized to individual class dynamics and interests. The Level 3 course includes a complete study pack with an exclusive textbook and study workbook. Proprietary WSET films are also included.
WSET Level 3 embarks on an in-depth examination of the options and limitations available to producers of every major world wine region, including France, Italy, Spain, North and South America, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. For each region we examine the natural and human factors that impact wine style, quality, and price. The study pack and textbook are completely new and include links to WSET films. Students who successfully pass a final examination, including a written and tasting portion, are entitled to the title “WSET Level 3 Certified” and to use the WSET logo on their professional materials. Additionally, all WSET Level 3 Award in Wines students at Commonwealth Wine School gain access to Wine with Jimmy study resources.
All Commonwealth Wine School students receive access to:
Our proprietary Online Learning Platform with recorded lectures, flashcards, and quizzes
Our Commonwealth Wine School App with all of these resources at their fingertips
The Wine with Jimmy online study resources
ITINERARY:
Day 0 — Sunday, September 20
Arrival & Welcome
5:00 PM | Welcome Session at Decant
The program begins with an orientation session and WSET calibration tasting. Students will review the goals of the trip, expectations for participation, and guidance for making the most of the week.
Day 1 — Monday, September 21
Site Expression & Elevation
Paul Hobbs Winery
The day begins with a visit focused on terroir-driven winemaking, vineyard selection, precision viticulture, and the balance between power and elegance.
Lunch — Friuli Restaurant
Elevation Wine & Custom Crush Facility
Students will visit Elevation Wine, a custom crush facility, with an additional producer visit supported by Dan. This session will explore the role of custom crush facilities in modern winemaking, including non-estate production, fruit sourcing, and flexibility across multiple vineyard sites.
Day 2 — Tuesday, September 22
Napa Icons & Sustainable Practices
Corison Winery
A focused visit exploring single-vineyard, small-lot production of high-end Cabernet Sauvignon, including oak usage and red wine fermentation techniques.
Lunch — La Saison
Tres Sabores
An exploration of small-scale, sustainable production and hands-on viticulture, with attention to farming practices and the connection between vineyard work and wine style.
Quintessa
A visit centered on biodynamic farming, vineyard expression, and blending for balance, complexity, and consistency.
Day 3 — Wednesday, September 23
History & Sensory Calibration
Inglenook
Students will examine one of Napa Valley’s historic estates and consider classic winemaking approaches, red wine production, and the evolution of Napa wine styles over time.
Lunch — Oakville Grocery
Lost Valley Vineyard — Sustainability Study Session
A structured study and tasting session designed to reinforce WSET theory and tasting technique.
Activities include blind tasting, theory revision, and exam preparation.
Dinner — Vineyard Experience
The day concludes with a vineyard dinner exploring the sensory connections between wine, food, and place.
Day 4 — Thursday, September 24
Production & Sparkling Wine
Demptos Cooperage
A behind-the-scenes look at oak sourcing and barrel production, including how oak decisions influence flavor, texture, structure, and integration.
Domaine Carneros
Students will explore traditional method sparkling wine production, with a focus on acidity, balance, lees aging, and cool-climate wine style.
Lunch — Vineyard Lunch by Fatted Calf
Elkhorn Peak
A final vineyard-focused visit exploring cool-climate viticulture, site-driven expression, structure, aromatics, and acidity.
Day 5 — Friday, September 25
Examination
Location: Decant
Time: 12:00 PM
Students will sit for the examination at Decant. Please bring your own lunch or plan to order food at the location.
CANCELLATION FEES:
Should you or any member of your party have to cancel their booking once it has been confirmed, a written notice of cancellation must be given. The effective date for cancellation is the date when we receive a written notice. Cancellation charges will apply and are detailed as follows:
Where one or more participants cancel their participation less than 16 weeks prior to the start date but more than 2 weeks from the start date, they will be liable to a cancellation fee of 50% minus the cost of the WSET Level 3 online course which is $1025.
Less than 4 weeks to the start date, the fee will rise to 100%.
Cost: $3495
Tuition includes WSET study pack, all wines, class materials, and exam
Payment Plans are available! Please contact us for a payment link - info@commonwealthwineschool.com
TRIP INSURANCE IS RECOMMENDED.
Instructor: Monika Bielka-Vescovi - of Napa Wine Class