Certified Rioja Sommelier™
Spain’s most famous wine region — classifications, ageing and tasting the styles of Rioja.
By paying you agree to our terms & conditions. Online access: see “At a glance” below.
Join a class near you.
Don’t see a date or city that suits you? Ask us about the next class — or start online today.
Booking a class means you agree to our terms & conditions — full refund 14+ days before the class (less a 25 admin fee), free transfer 7–13 days before, and you can always send a colleague in your place.
What you’ll learn.
- The rich history of Rioja and its DOCa status
- Geography, sub-regions (Alta, Alavesa, Oriental) and terroir
- Native grapes: Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano, Mazuelo and Viura
- Winemaking traditions vs modern styles
- Barrel ageing and classification: Joven, Crianza, Reserva, Gran Reserva
- Sustainability and innovation in Rioja
- Rioja's global significance in today's wine industry
- Tasting technique and structured assessment
- 8 hours in the classroom, live on Zoom or online at your own pace
- Digital course materials, the AWS online quiz platform and online resources
- Printed AWS workbook in class · online students can add it for US$50 + shipping
- 12 samples tasted in class · suggested tasting list for online students
- 30-question exam · pass mark 70%
- Verified digital AWS certificate and badge, with lifetime access
- 6 months online access to study and sit the exam
From booking to certificate.
Choose online or a class date and book securely.
Online: your student login arrives by email. Classroom: venue or Zoom details.
Study with videos, the AWS workbook, practice quizzes and real tastings.
At the end of class, or online whenever you’re ready within your access period.
Your accredited digital certificate within 5 working days — verifiable online.
Save 10% when five or more people book together — perfect for teams, friends and colleagues.
Everything you need to pass with confidence.
Pass the exam and receive your AWS certificate, accredited by the UK CPD Certification Service, with your own certificate number you can verify online.
Online course materials, the AWS quiz platform and practice exams, and online resources to keep.
Included in every classroom course. Studying online? Add the printed workbook for US$50 plus shipping.
Booking five or more people? Save 10% on the group. Discounts apply to online courses.
Training a whole team?
We bring this course to your venue, or run it live on Zoom, built around your wine list and your guests.