Do You Really Need a Wine Certification?
5 Reasons It Might Not Matter (and 3 Reasons You Should Consider Getting One Anyway)
“So… should I get my wine certification?”
This is a question I used to ask all the time—mentors, colleagues, anyone who would listen. And when I was a floor sommelier in restaurants, I constantly got asked about my certification status. Some customers even seemed a little disappointed that I hadn’t been through a Somm-style trial by fire. I get it. There’s something satisfying about having those letters after your name, that little validation that says, yes, I actually know what I’m talking about.
But here’s the thing: wine knowledge isn’t just about sitting in a classroom. It’s about the bottles you’ve opened, the conversations you’ve had, and the curiosity that keeps pulling you back in. Some of the smartest wine people I know have never taken a certification course, while others swear by them.
So what actually matters when it comes to learning about wine? The good, the challenging, and the surprisingly simple ways to grow your knowledge. Whether you’re debating a formal certification or just looking to level up your understanding, this might help you figure out your next move.
Five Reasons Certification Doesn’t Make or Break a Wine Pro
You Don’t Need a Diploma to Know Wine
There’s no official rule that says you need a certification to understand or appreciate wine. Some of the best wine professionals—including top sommeliers, winemakers, and writers—have learned through hands-on experience, tasting, and self-study. The wine industry values passion, curiosity, and the ability to communicate about wine just as much as it does formal credentials.
You can learn so much from books (and podcasts)
We're living in a golden age of accessible wine education. For the cost of one certification course, you could build a small library of exceptional wine books that you'll reference for years.
Some personal favorites:
- "Wine Folly" by Madeline Puckette for visual learners
-"The Wine Bible" by Karen MacNeil for comprehensive knowledge
-"Cork Dork" by Bianca Bosker for an inside look at the industry
And don't get me started on podcasts! "I’ll Drink to That " with Levi Dalton features interviews with winemakers that give you insights you'd never get in a classroom. "The Four Top" is a rousing conversation with wine pros that breaks down complex topics without pretension.
Between YouTube channels, wine apps, and free online communities, you can build serious knowledge without spending a dime on certification.
Wine knowledge is always evolving
The world of wine isn’t static. Regions are changing, climate shifts are impacting styles, and winemaking techniques continue to evolve. Even certified professionals have to keep learning long after they pass an exam. Staying curious, tasting widely, and keeping up with industry news are just as important as any certificate hanging on your wall.
Wine certification can be expensive and time-consuming
Getting certified isn’t just about studying; it’s also a financial and time investment. Depending on the program, courses can cost anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, not to mention the additional cost of wines for tasting practice. Plus, classes and exams require significant time and commitment, which may not be realistic for everyone, especially if you’re already working full-time in wine or another industry.
The best wine pros don’t necessarily have certification
Some of the most respected voices in wine never sat for a formal certification exam. Legendary winemakers, importers, and sommeliers built their expertise through hands-on experience, mentorship, and relentless tasting. Being an excellent wine pro isn’t about memorizing soil types or obscure appellations; it’s about knowing how to connect with people, understand their tastes, and bring real enthusiasm to the table.
Three Good Reasons to Go for That Wine Certification
Sometimes You Need a Push
There is nothing more motivating than a deadline. When you’re studying for certification, you’re working toward a final test of some kind—whether it’s a written exam, a blind tasting, or even a dissertation-level paper on a wine topic you can’t stop talking about. Taking certification classes gives you structure, and if you’re like me, the pressure of classmates and a teacher dedicating their time to sharing important knowledge is enough to keep you focused.
There’s also a little competition involved. Sure, you want to pass the class, but you also might find yourself wanting to pass with distinction. Wine people tend to be nerds who like to have a good time, and the academic environment of a certification class is the perfect place to bring those two things together. You’re learning, but you’re also pushing yourself—and maybe even out-tasting the person next to you.
2. Taste Wine You May Not Have Easy Access To
Most of us have our comfort zones when it comes to wine. We stick to what we know and love, whether that’s a crisp Sancerre or a juicy California Syrah. But when you take a certification course, you’re forced to step outside of that bubble. One week, you might be dissecting the difference between Barossa and Rhône Valley Shiraz, and the next, you’re analyzing the delicate complexities of aged German Riesling.
Certification programs expose you to wines you wouldn’t normally reach for—or even have access to. Some of the best bottles I’ve tasted were poured in a classroom setting, wines that would have been too expensive, too rare, or just too obscure to seek out on my own. This kind of exposure is invaluable because it expands your palate and gives you a reference point for wines from all over the world.
3. Meet Your Local Wine People
Wine can be a pretty niche interest, and if you're deep in it, you might not always have friends who want to spend hours discussing the merits of skin-contact Furmint or debating the best vintages of Chablis. Certification classes introduce you to people who are just as obsessed as you are. Whether they work in hospitality, retail, distribution, or are just passionate enthusiasts, these are your people—folks who get why you’re geeking out over the acidity in a Txakolina or why you’re hunting down obscure Eastern European varietals.
More than just networking, this is about building community. Having a group of people who share your curiosity and excitement makes the whole journey more fun. These are the people you’ll trade tasting notes with, meet up for bottle shares, and maybe even travel to wine regions with. Whether you’re in the industry or just a devoted wine lover, finding that shared experience makes all the difference—and it’s often what keeps people coming back for more.
Your Wine Journey is your own:
There’s no single “right” way to learn about wine. Whether you go the certification route or dive in through personal exploration, the most important thing is staying curious. The people who thrive in wine are the ones who ask questions, taste everything, and stay open to discovery. That’s the beauty of it—there’s always something new to learn, another layer to uncover.
So instead of asking, “Do I need a certification?” maybe the better question is, “What kind of wine journey will bring me the most joy?” Because at the end of the day, that’s what really matters.
