The London Wine Academy
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before your class
The London Wine Academy is an independent wine school in London, established in 1993, that has since welcomed over 50,000 students to its experience-led wine courses, tastings and masterclasses. It is rated 4.7 by guests on Google and verified as a Top Rated Wine Educator 2026 by Trustindex. The Academy is one of the UK’s longest-running wine schools, and all courses follow an in-house curated syllabus designed around immersion and enjoyment, not exams. Tastings run in Mayfair, the City, King’s Cross and Bankside, led by Masters of Wine, Master Sommeliers and WSET Diploma holders. The Academy’s founder is a brand ambassador for the Premières Côtes de Bordeaux Region and regularly presents at the London Wine Fair and other major trade events. The Academy also provides wine consultancy, staff training and bespoke events for corporate clients including Google, Deloitte, Shell, BMW, Barclays, The Telegraph and Van Cleef & Arpels. The London Wine Academy was a finalist for Wine Educator / Communicator of the Year 2026 at the International Wine Challenge (IWC) Industry Awards.
Choosing Your Course
Do I need any wine knowledge to attend?
How long do courses last?
Our courses vary in length depending on the experience. They range from 2 hours for the shorter beginner courses to 4.5 hours for the more in-depth experiences.
Is this course part of a series?
Most of our courses are standalone experiences, so you can join any session without needing to attend others first. However, many guests enjoy progressing through multiple themes to build their knowledge over time.
Are these courses WSET-accredited?
No – our courses are inspired by professional wine education standards but are designed to be informal and focused on enjoyment rather than formal exams or qualifications.
Will I receive a certificate?
Our courses teach practical tasting skills you can use every day, rather than working towards a formal qualification. Certificates of completion are available on request.
How is this different from a Sommelier Course?
Sommelier courses are typically more intensive and career-focused, covering service, theory, and exams. Our courses are designed for enjoyment, focusing on tasting, understanding wine and knowing what to look for, in a sociable setting. Read our full guide: Understanding Consumer Wine Courses vs Sommelier Training
Booking, Gifts and Groups
Can I cancel or reschedule my booking?
Bookings can usually be rescheduled or transferred to someone else with advance notice. Please refer to our Terms & Conditions for full details, including any applicable fees.
Can I book for a group or corporate event?
Yes – we can design bespoke sessions for corporate events, birthdays, celebrations, or private groups. To find out more about how we can help you, visit our Bespoke Events page.
Is this suitable for a date night or couples?
Absolutely. Our courses are sociable and interactive, making them a great option for couples or a unique date experience.
Can I buy courses as a gift?
Can I come on my own?
Absolutely. Many guests come alone. Our tastings are welcoming and sociable, and where we can, we seat solo guests together, so they quickly become part of the group.
On the Day
What time should I arrive?
The start time for the London Wine Academy courses varies depending on the date. For the most accurate information, visit our calendar. We always recommend arriving 5-10 minutes early to any session.
Where do the courses take place?
Is there a dress code?
What should I expect when I arrive?
You’ll be welcomed by your tutor, shown to your seat, and introduced to the session. You’ll receive your first wine shortly after arrival, and the experience will be guided in a friendly format.
Will food be provided?
Yes – all our courses include food, whether that’s a main course, tapas-style dishes, or a multi-course menu, depending on the format. Details are on each course page.
Do I have to drink every wine?
No. Spittoons are available and are useful when tasting several wines, but using them is entirely your choice.
What price are the wines you taste?
Most of the wines we taste sell for around £15 to £50 a bottle. It depends on the course: fine wine tastings can include more expensive bottles.
Wine Explained
What is the difference between Old World and New World wine?
Old World wines come from traditional European regions like France, Italy, and Spain, and tend to be more subtle and terroir-driven. New World wines come from regions like Australia, South Africa, and the USA, and are often fruit-forward and more expressive in style. Read more: Old World Wines vs New World Wines
What is terroir and why does it matter?
Terroir is a French concept that describes the complete natural environment in which a wine is produced — encompassing soil composition, topography, climate, and the influence of surrounding vegetation and water. It is the reason why the same grape variety grown in two different places will produce wines that taste distinctly different. In winemaking, terroir matters because it gives wine its sense of place: those characteristics that cannot be replicated elsewhere, no matter how skilled the winemaker.
What is blind tasting and why is it used?
Blind tasting is when wines are tasted without knowing their identity. It helps remove bias and allows you to focus purely on the aromas, flavours, and structure of the wine. Read more: How To Taste Wine for Beginners
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Still Have a Question?
We are happy to help with anything not covered here