Our Story
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.
Since 1993
Over 30 years teaching wine in London
Expert Tutors
Led by Masters of Wine, Master Sommeliers and WSET Diploma holders
IWC 2026 Finalist
Wine Educator / Communicator of the Year
50,000+
Students taught across three decades
Since 1993
Our Story - The London Wine Academy
The London Wine Academy story – we aim to share knowledge with clarity, bring real-world expertise to every class, and leave people feeling more capable and inspired after every course. From curious enthusiasts to hospitality teams, corporate clients and international wine regions, everyone is welcome on our courses and events.
The London Wine Academy Story started in 1993.
The concept of The London Wine Academy was born from a desire to offer a smarter, more engaging way to learn about wine. For over 30 years, we have helped thousands of people get to understand wine better through clear explanations, practical tasting experience and courses that are genuinely enjoyable.
What began as consumer wine courses in London has grown into three distinct areas: wine education, trade consultancy and UK market representation, and carefully tailored corporate and private events. While the business has evolved, the guiding principle has remained the same – to teach wine in a way that is engaging, professional and accessible.
Independent from the start, The London Wine Academy has always worked with some of the best tutors in the wine industry – Masters of Wine, Master Sommeliers and WSET Diploma holders – who wear their knowledge lightly and make everyone feel at ease asking questions. Our aim has never changed: to help you understand what you are tasting, choose wines you enjoy and feel confident doing it.
What We Believe
We believe wine should be a source of pleasure, interest and discovery - not intimidation.
Our courses use practical explanations and guided tastings to make concepts clear, without unnecessary jargon or rigid textbook learning. The result is practical wine knowledge you can use in everyday life, whether you are choosing a bottle for dinner, exploring a new region or building your professional understanding.
The London Wine Academy Teaching Approach
People learn best when the atmosphere is relaxed, supportive and engaging. Our tutors bring decades of trade experience, but teach in a warm, down-to-earth style that helps people feel at ease. Small groups encourage discussion and plenty of opportunity to ask questions.
We use the Systematic Approach to tasting because it works – not just in the classroom, but in real life. After more than three decades of teaching wine in London, we know what helps people progress quickly, comfortably and with lasting understanding.
Meet our founder
Leta Bester founded The London Wine Academy after discovering her passion for wine while studying Commerce and Wine Culture at Stellenbosch University in South Africa. Her early career took her across New Zealand, Australia and the UK, where she worked directly within the wine trade and developed a strong understanding of both education and the wider industry.
She completed her WSET Diploma in five months and began the Master of Wine programme the same year. Leta created The London Wine Academy to offer structured, modern wine education delivered with warmth, clarity and real-world relevance. Today, she continues to lead the business across courses, masterclasses, consultancy, trade partnerships and international wine projects, while maintaining the Academy’s independent and experience-led approach to wine education.
IWC 2026 Finalist
Recognition
After more than thirty years of teaching, The London Wine Academy is proud to be recognised within the wider wine and education community.
In 2026, The London Wine Academy was shortlisted as a finalist for Wine Educator / Communicator of the Year at the International Wine Challenge (IWC) Industry Awards – one of only four finalists across the UK wine industry.
10 Reasons Why People Choose The London Wine Academy
- More than 30 years of independent wine education
- Trusted by international wine bodies, corporate teams and private clients for polished delivery, credible expertise and a personal approach
- A broader perspective on wine, spanning education, events and trade
- Our own courses and teaching framework, shaped by real experience rather than off-the-shelf syllabuses
- Friendly, practical teaching from Master of Wine–trained tutors, WSET Diploma holders and Master Sommeliers, designed to give you real understanding, not just exam technique
- Tutors with genuine trade insight and strong academic knowledge
- Small groups and a welcoming, non-intimidating atmosphere
- High levels of repeat bookings and consistent 5-star feedback
- A long-standing reputation built on trust
- Courses designed for real life — whether you’re choosing a bottle for dinner, exploring a new region or developing your professional knowledge
Whether you are just beginning or building on what you already know, our courses and events are designed to give you practical skills, lasting knowledge and an experience you will genuinely enjoy.
We hope our story at The London Wine Academy helped to inspire and convince you that wine tasting can be for everyone and we would like to extend a warm welcome for you to join us on a course or a tasting in the near future.