Choosing where to study wine is a key decision for anyone passionate about the world of wine, whether for personal enrichment or professional advancement. While France and the US are known respectively for their wine traditions and educational institutions, London stands out as a truly exceptional destination. 

Here’s why taking a wine course in London could be the best decision for your personal wine education journey.

A Global Wine Capital

London is a world hub for the wine trade, attracting professionals and enthusiasts from every continent. This cosmopolitan environment means students are exposed to a diverse range of perspectives, learning opportunities and wine styles that simply can't be matched elsewhere. 

Indeed, the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), based in London, is widely regarded as the de facto leader in wine qualifications globally. London is also home to Britain’s oldest wine merchant, Berry Bros. & Rudd (BBR), which was established in 1698 and continues to specialize in fine wine sales from the world’s greatest producers.

Packed Schedule of Wine Events

London is an epicenter for wine events, offering an impressive array of tastings, master classes, dinners and industry gatherings year-round. Whether you’re a casual enthusiast or a seasoned professional, the city’s active scene ensures there’s always something exciting happening every day of the week. In particular, WSET, BBR, The London Wine Academy and West London Wine School provide frequent wine events.

As an example, while planning an upcoming trip to London this summer, I had to choose between 3 different wine events all taking place the same night: Central and Southern Spain (WSET), Champagne vs English Sparking Blind Tasting Dinner (BBR) and Bordeaux, Rhone and South France (West London Wine School).

Unrivaled Access to World-Class Educators

London’s leading wine schools, such as WSET School London and The London Wine Academy, are staffed by educators who are not only highly qualified - many holding the prestigious WSET Level 4 Diploma or even the title of Master of Wine - but also deeply passionate and engaging in their teaching approach. This level of expertise ensures that students receive top-tier education in both theory and tasting.

Exceptional Tasting Opportunities

Unlike other international schools that focus primarily on wines in their region, London’s wine courses provide access to an extraordinary breadth of tasting samples. Students can expect to taste everything from household names to rare, outstanding bottles from every corner of the wine world. This global approach is invaluable for building a comprehensive palate and understanding of international wine styles.

I recently earned my Level 3 qualification from WSET School London, which involved tasting 81 wines in 1 week! We would cover a particular wine region, then immediately jump into tastings to connect what we had learned to our palates. I’ve taken online wine courses also, but nothing compares to the experience of in person learning.