Good questions.

New to wine or spirits? Start with an Explorer course (90 minutes) or an Introduction (3–4 hours). Already confident? Go straight to Level 1. For a career in hospitality, follow the pathway to Level 2 and Level 3. Not sure? Message us and we’ll recommend the right level.

No. Our Explorer, Introduction and Level 1 courses have no entry requirements. Some advanced courses recommend the previous level — it’s shown on each course page.

Yes. AWS courses are accredited by the UK CPD Certification Service. Some courses are also supported by industry bodies, such as WIRSPA for our rum courses — shown on each course page.

After payment you receive a login to the AWS student school. Study the videos and lessons at your own pace, on any device, and sit the exam online when you’re ready.

6 months from enrolment for Explorer, Introduction and Level 1 courses, and 12 months for Level 2 and above. Need longer? Add 3 months for US$/KY$50.

Each online course comes with a suggested tasting list so you can buy the samples locally. A printed AWS workbook is available for US$50 plus shipping.

We don’t have a public classroom — we teach at hotels, restaurants and venues across the Cayman Islands, the Caribbean, and North and South America, and live on Zoom. Upcoming dates are listed on each course page.

Teaching, all wines or spirits tasted in class, the printed AWS workbook, online course materials, practice quizzes and the exam.

No. Tasting is always optional and spittoons are provided. Tasting courses are open only to students of legal drinking age (18 in the Cayman Islands). Please don’t drive after a tasting.

Most courses finish with a multiple-choice exam; the pass mark is 70%. Advanced levels add short written questions and blind tasting. The exact format is shown on each course page.

Within 5 working days of the exam, as a secure digital certificate with its own certificate number. Employers can check it on our Verify page.

You can resit: US$/KY$50 for Explorer to Level 1, US$/KY$95 for Level 2 and above.

Students in the Cayman Islands pay in KY$; everyone else pays in US$. Payments are processed securely by Fygaro — we never see your card details.

Yes. Full refund 14+ days before a class (less a 25 admin fee), a free transfer 7–13 days before, and you can always send someone in your place. Online courses can be refunded within 7 days if not started. See our full terms.

Yes — save 10% when five or more people book together. Hotels, restaurants and companies can request a tailored proposal on our For Business page.