The fine print.

1. Booking and payment

Your place is confirmed once payment is received. Prices are shown in US dollars (US$) for students outside the Cayman Islands and in Cayman Islands dollars (KY$) for students in the Cayman Islands. Payments are processed securely by Fygaro; we never see or store your card details. Discounts and promotions apply to online courses only. Groups of five or more save 10%.

2. Classroom and live Zoom courses

• 14 days or more before the course: full refund, less a US$/KY$25 administration fee and the cost of any materials already sent.
• 7 to 13 days before the course: no refund, but one free transfer to a later date, or a credit towards another course.
• Less than 7 days before, or if you do not attend: no refund. You may send someone in your place at no charge.
• Further transfers cost US$/KY$50 each. Transfers and credits must be used within 12 months.
• If we cancel or change the date, for example because of low numbers or circumstances beyond our control, you may choose a full refund or a free transfer.

3. Online self-study courses

• Refunds: full refund within 7 days of purchase if you have not yet started the course. Once you have opened the course lessons, the fee is non-refundable.
• Access and exam window: 6 months from enrolment for Explorer, Introduction and Level 1 courses; 12 months for Level 2 and above. You may sit the exam at any time within this period.
• Extensions: 3 extra months for US$/KY$50. After access has expired, you may re-enrol at 50% of the course fee.
• Technical problems: contact us and we will help you get full access.

4. Exams, resits and results

• Moving your exam: free once with at least 10 working days’ notice; otherwise US$/KY$50.
• Resits: US$/KY$50 for Explorer, Introduction and Level 1 exams; US$/KY$95 for Level 2 and above. Level 3 and Level 4 tasting resits are quoted on request.
• Results and certificates: results and digital certificates are issued within 5 working days of the exam. Printed certificates, where selected, are delivered within 3 weeks. Certificates are issued once payment is complete.
• Prerequisites: some advanced courses require the previous level. Please check the course page before booking.

5. Groups, hotels and businesses

Team training is confirmed with a 50% deposit, with the balance due before the course starts. Venue, travel, accommodation, wines and other arrangements are set out in your proposal. Results and certificates are released once full payment is received.

6. Tastings and events

Tickets are non-refundable within 72 hours of the event. Before then, we will gladly offer a transfer or credit.

7. Workbooks and shipped materials

Printed workbooks and kits are non-refundable once dispatched. If anything arrives damaged or goes missing in transit, contact us and we will help arrange a replacement. Customs duties, taxes and local delivery charges are the responsibility of the recipient.

8. Alcohol and age

Courses that include tasting are open only to students of legal drinking age in the country where the class takes place (18 in the Cayman Islands). Tasting is always optional; spittoons are provided and we encourage responsible drinking. Please do not drive after a tasting.

9. Health, safety and liability

Please tell us in writing before the course about any medical condition, allergy or intolerance that may affect your participation. You take part at your own risk and agree to hold the Academy of Wine & Spirits, its educators and contractors harmless from any loss or injury, except where caused by our negligence. You authorise us to seek medical help on your behalf if needed.

10. Reasonable adjustments

We welcome students of all abilities. If you need an adjustment to take part in a course or exam, write to the Director of Education before booking. We will consider every request and reply in writing with our decision. Information you share about a disability will be kept confidential if you ask.

11. Complaints and appeals

Please raise any concern with your educator first. If it is not resolved, email us a formal complaint or appeal. We will decide within 15 working days of receiving it and confirm our decision in writing within 5 working days of making it.

12. Contact

Academy of Wine & Spirits · P.O. Box 11227, Grand Cayman KY1-1008, Cayman Islands · +1 (345) 938 0458 · info@academyofwineandspirits.org