Sommelier Program   

Start your wine journey with confidence. You'll learn how to taste like a pro, explore major grape varietals, debunk common wine myths, and understand basic wine service and food pairing. No experience needed. Pass the Level One exam to earn your Beginning Sommelier Badge and prepare for the next level.

This intermediate wine course builds on basic knowledge to explore the world of wine more deeply. Students learn about the major wine-producing countries, how climate and soil affect grape growing, and how different winemaking styles influence the finished wine. Structured tastings help sharpen your palate and develop professional-level sensory analysis skills. Completion of this course earns the Intermediate Sommelier Badge and prepares students for advance sommelier program.

Master the art and science of wine. In this final level, you’ll dive deep into the major wine-producing countries—France, Italy, Spain, Argentina, the United States, and more—learning the regional differences, varietals, and vintage impacts that define great wines. You’ll explore advanced pairing strategies, refine your blind tasting skills, and gain practical sommelier experience. Completion of this course includes a written and blind tasting exam and earns you the Advanced Sommelier Badge, Level Three Certification, and the official Madison College Sommelier Pin, a mark of your accomplishment and expertise in the field. Lunch is provided on Saturdays.