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Wine Courses in Chicago

Take a wine certification course, for business or pleasure at our multi-award winning wine school

Overview

Fine Vintage is a leading provider of wine education in North America, run by James Cluer, Master of Wine.

In Chicago we offer best-in-class certification courses from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) as well as Fine Vintage specialization courses.

Below you will find our course schedule, pricing, and full course descriptions. Enrollment takes less than 2 minutes. Required by the trade, desired by the enthusiast, get excited and register for your wine course today.

TERMS: Full payment is charged at the time of registration. Your payment is non-refundable but you can transfer it once to another person or to a future course of the same type, if you contact us 14 days or more before the start date. In the rare event Fine Vintage has to cancel a course you will receive a 100% refund.

See what other people have to say about our courses.

Location

The Hilton Garden Inn Central Loop
The Chicago wine courses are held at the Hilton Garden Inn Central Loop, located at 245 South Franklin Street. It is in the heart of the financial district, situated across from the Willis Tower. There are several Chicago Metro stations within a few blocks, and onsite parking is available. See map.

Instructors

Our wine classes are instructed by industry-leading professionals including Cedar Stoltenow and Lyn Farmer. We are renown for our outstanding wine tastings, exceptional instruction and high pass rates. Meet your instructors.

Our Courses

We are proud to offer the WSET Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 Award in Wines. You can further enhance your wine education with our Fine Vintage Specialty Courses including our Sensory Masterclass, French 101, Italian 101, American 101, Canadian 101 courses, and our fantastic Tasting Masterclasses.

INCLUDED WITH EACH COURSE

Fine Vintage is renowned for expert instruction, premium wine tastings and high pass rates at WSET courses. Your study material, exam fees, and certificate are included in the price – no hidden extra charges here!
But we like to go above and beyond. With each enrollment in an in-person course, you will also receive:

Free access to one of our Fine Vintage Online Courses (valued at $99 - $299).
Free access to our library of more than 400 exclusive Videos on Wine.
Free copy of The Art of Tasting, a 17 page booklet by James Cluer MW.

Now that’s unbelievable value!

WSET Courses

The WSET courses are the gold standard in professional wine education.
The Level 1 is the perfect place to start.

Who is this course for?
WSET Level 1 courses are perfect for the beginner and those with a basic knowledge.
No Prerequisites
WSET Certification
See full course description
Date: Saturday, November 23, 2024
Time: 9:30am -5:30pm
Instructor: Lyn Farmer
Price: $499.00
Date: Saturday, January 25, 2025
Time: 9:30am - 5:30pm
Instructor: Lyn Farmer
Price: $499.00
Date: Saturday, April 26, 2025
Time: 9:30am - 5:30pm
Instructor: To be announced prior to the course
Price: $499.00
Date: Saturday, July 26, 2025
Time: 9:30am - 5:30pm
Instructor: To be announced prior to the course
Price: $499.00
Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
Time: 9:30am - 5:30pm
Instructor: Ali Martin
Price: $499.00
Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025
Time: 9:30am - 5:30pm
Instructor: Ali Martin
Price: $499.00

Specialty Courses

by Fine Vintage

We offer a range of outstanding specialization courses so you can develop expertise in an area of particular interest.

Who is this course for?
Improve your tasting ability. Learn to identify aromas and flavours.
No Prerequisites
Fine Vintage Certification
See full course description
Date: Saturday, March 15, 2025
Time: 9:30am - 5:00pm
Instructor: Bryce Wiatrak
Price: $499.00
Date: Sunday, September 21, 2025
Time: 9:30am - 5:00pm
Instructor: Ali Martin
Price: $499.00

Instructors

Location

The Hilton Garden Inn Central Loop
The Chicago wine courses are held at the Hilton Garden Inn Central Loop, located at 245 South Franklin Street. It is in the heart of the financial district, situated across from the Willis Tower. There are several Chicago Metro stations within a few blocks, and onsite parking is available. View larger map

Hilton Garden Inn Central Loop

245 S Franklin St, Chicago, IL
View larger map

Tasting Glasses

When you come to our WSET Level 1 course we give you a beautiful set of 6 professional tasting glasses and a carry bag, included in the course fee. These are yours to keep forever. 

When you attend other courses we offer please bring your own tasting glasses back to use at the class.

If you need to get more glasses before a new course then you can purchase more for $49 a set.

If you do not start with the WSET Level 1 course then you need to purchase a set for $49 when you register.

Course Updates

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Testimonials

WSET Level 2

Fine Vintage is dedicated to providing excellence in the classroom. The instructors are well-educated and passionate about wine which inspired me. The wines in class are high quality and allowed me to truly understand and learn about the varietal/blend/region being taught. Level 2 is a wonderful foundation to build knowledge in the world of wine. I highly recommend Fine Vintage to everyone that asks.


JOAN PIERSON – CHICAGO

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