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Somm Essentials is unfortunately unavailable

Thankfully we have 3 other Sommelier Classes for you to choose from. Check our top choices below or see all classes for more options.

Varietal Profiling: Blind Tasting Red Wines

San Francisco Wine School @ 415 Grand Ave, San Francisco, CA

Refine your palate and uncover the nuances of red grape varieties in a hands-on workshop led by industry experts. Explore the distinct characteristics of global wine regions and hone your ability to discern varietal and regional influences. Join us for an immersive tasting experience curated by Master Sommelier David Glancy.

(13) Intermediate 21 and older

Blind Wine Tasting Conclusions & Testing Techniques

San Francisco Wine School @ 415 Grand Ave, San Francisco, CA

Refine your wine-tasting skills with San Francisco Wine School's Intermediate Blind Tasting program. Led by industry-leading instructors, this workshop will teach you exam preparation strategies and test-taking techniques to work smarter, not harder. Don't miss the chance to be guided through an eight wine-tasting experience by Master Sommelier David Glancy.

(13) Intermediate 21 and older

Somm Essentials Service & Tasting Exam

San Francisco Wine School @ 415 Grand Ave, San Francisco, CA

Earn your Somm Essentials Certificate with the San Francisco Wine School. This comprehensive exam covers theory, service, and blind tasting, providing you with the knowledge and skills to excel in the world of wine. Join us and elevate your wine expertise today!

(13) All levels 21 and older
See all Sommelier classes San Francisco

Somm Essentials

  • All levels
  • 21 and older
  • $1,695
  • 415 Grand Ave, San Francisco, CA
  • 33 hours over 11 sessions

Start Dates (0)

  • $1,695
  • San Francisco Wine School @ 415 Grand Ave Ste 301, San Francisco, CA 94080
  • 33 hours over 11 sessions
  • *no class Feb 19 or Apr 9
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Class Description

Description

What you'll learn in this sommelier class:

WINE, SPIRITS, TASTING, PAIRING, SERVICE, AND BEYOND: AN 11 Session program to help students develop a foundational knowledge in a broad array of fine beverages.   

Developed by Master Sommelier and Certified Wine Educator, David Glancy, and revered by professionals and enthusiasts alike, this foundational program provides hands-on training and new insight into the world of fine beverages.  Somm Essentials students will learn the essential professional techniques of blind wine tasting, food and wine pairing, and beverage service and gain insight into the fundamental elements, styles, and production techniques of wine, spirits, beer, and sake, as well as tea, coffee, bottled water.

The official Society of Wine Educators' Hospitality Beverage Specialist Exam and Study Guide is included as a supplement to proprietary lectures and interactive tasting exercises provided by our industry leading instructors during each class.  This program is perfect for those considering or preparing for beginning to intermediate level sommelier exams and those who want to learn inside secrets of the professionals.


Please inform us of any dietary allergies or intolerances at the time of registration so we can accommodate your needs.


GUIDED TASTING EXERCISES: 

Wine is included in this program.  Students will taste over 40 wines and 12 beers/spirits throughout the course of the program to enhance and reinforce the learning objectives, lectures, discussions, and reading.  All wines are selected by Master Sommelier David Glancy and our instructors to represent a broad sampling of the classic regions and varietals.

Roomers will have wine in their glass in the classroom.  Zoomers will have tasting kits they can either pickup or have delivered for an additional fee


SYLLABUS OVERVIEW:

Somm Essentials consists of ten weekly workshops covering the following areas:

  • Tasting, Chemistry & Flaws
  • Wine Service Techniques
  • Viticulture & Enology
  • White Wines of the World
  • Red Wines of the World
  • Food Pairing Lab
  • Coffee, Tea & Bottled Water
  • Beer & Sake
  • Spirits
  • Three-Part Somm Essentials Exam

Each class within the full program can be taken as a single workshop.


ABOUT THE CERTIFICATION & EXAM


There are three parts to the Somm Essentials Exam. Students must pass all three parts to earn their Somm Essentials Certificate.


Theory: The Hospitality Beverage Specialist Credential exam from the Society of Wine Educators represents the theory portion of the Sommelier Essentials exam. Students who pass this portion will earn the Hospitality/Beverage Specialist Credential.


Service: Students will be tested on service and wine pairing though a hands-on practical examination.


Tasting: Students will blind taste 2 wines and provide a written analysis.


Who should take Somm Essentials?

Somm Essentials provides broad knowledge across multiple beverage categories for students starting out in the food & beverage industry or those looking to polish their skills or broaden their skill base. It is ideal for waiters, bartenders, foodservice managers, tasting room staff, and food writers, as well as those pursuing sommelier and other wine credentials. The class is also great for enthusiasts who want to know more about the beverages they enjoy.


ENROLLMENT INCLUDES

  • Exam Fees & Registration
  • Official Society of Wine Educators' Hospitality/Beverage Specialist Study Guide
  • Access to the Society of Wine Educators Online Wine Academy
  • San Francisco Wine School Water Bottle
  • Certificate upon successful completion

Please note: All attendees must be 21+ years

Refund Policy

Cancellations and reschedules for full programs are accepted up to 11 business days prior to the start of the course with an option to transfer full credit to a future class OR receive a full refund less a 5% cancellation fee.

Recordings are available to students who are unable to attend live classes. Full program students who give at least business days notice of their absence in an individual workshop may request to have a tasting kit created for no additional charge. No further make ups will be allowed.

If you need to cancel registration in any other program after the notice period, you will be refunded $70 for each class that you do not attend with a minimum notice of 11 business days. Study guides and any other course material must be returned in unused condition or the cost of the materials will be deducted from the total refund.

If you need transfer to a future program within the 11 business days notice period, a $150 transfer fee will be collected at that time. Transfers will be effective 1 week after notice has been provided and fees must be paid at that time. Recordings will be available for workshops prior to the transfer effective date. Your registration is fully transferable to another person for the same program and session with no fees.

There are no refunds available for individual workshops or special events. Recordings are available to students who are unable to attend live classes. Full program students who give at least business days notice of their absence in an individual workshop may request to have a tasting kit created for no additional charge. Reschedules for the next available date are also accepted for individual workshops up to business days prior to the originally scheduled date. Reschedules are not available for special events.

If you are unable to attend a program, workshop or event and are not eligible for a reschedule or refund, and want to attend the session live, consider offering your seat to a friend or colleague. They will love you!

Notice for all cancellations, reschedules, format changes and transfers must be given by emailing [email protected]

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San Francisco Wine School

San Francisco Wine School strives to open up the world of wine to serious students and enthusiasts everywhere while helping people of all levels break into the wine industry, advance their career, or simply pursue their passions. Founded by Master Sommelier and Certified Wine Educator David Glancy,...

Read more about San Francisco Wine School

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San Francisco Wine School

San Francisco Wine School

All classes at this location

Our gorgeous new 4,000 sq ft top floor wine education center is located directly across from City Hall in charming downtown South San Francisco. Our sunlight-filled wine education center boasts 16-ft high coved ceilings, eight 12-ft tall windows, and gorgeous 180 degree views of the San Bruno Mountains, City Hall and the San Francisco Bay. South San Francisco is 9 miles from downtown San Francisco, conveniently located next to San Francisco International Airport and the 280/380/101 interchange halfway between the airport and the former Candlestick Park. San Francisco Wine School is located downtown just blocks from Highway 101 at the intersection of Grand Ave and Maple Ave.

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