Wine School of Philadelphia

I had a chance to take a cocktail crafting course here as part of a special event and had an amazing time! This was such a wonderful event! I really appreciated the intimate setting of the event and am so grateful to have been chosen to attend. Keith did a great job explaining every aspect of crafting a perfect cocktail and had answers to everyone’s questions. As a bartender, I had some previous knowledge of cocktail crafting but his instruction allowed me to have a greater understanding of certain concepts, and to learn even more about my craft. I had no idea that this amazing resource of such high repute existed in Philadelphia. I’ll definitely be recommending this school to others.

Had a very enjoyable late afternoon learning about New Zealand wines. The instructor was engaging and knowledgeable. The course lasted about an hour and a half. There were a number of safety measures in place including checking temperature and pulse ox. Looking forward to going back for another class in the future!

I've attended two classes. The first one was a wine 101 class, which was so good I booked a bourbon class soon as I got home. That class was even better. The teacher pulled out some amazing whiskeys I had never heard of, really brought home what to look for, and really expanded my understanding. I really liked that he included a tasting lexicon, which gave me a charge to really understand where the flavors come from. A few tips if you plan on coming. Come 15 minutes early, and get a seat in the front. The instructors really are wonderful and will answer your questions. If you come late, you'll probably sit in the back. There were a few old grumps who showed up late and the instructor made sure to keep them in line when they complained about where they sat. The instructor laid into them when they tried to mansplain to a young woman who was sitting just in front of them. This place has a reputation for being a safe place in Philly. Big props for being inclusive.

In May, I had the pleasure of attending the Wine School of Philadelphia's Piedmont wine-tasting class. It was a pleasure to take the wine class with Keith Wallace, who was excellent and made the experience informative and enjoyable for everyone. Keith's extensive knowledge of Piedmont wines and his ability to describe the subtleties of each wine we tasted impressed my wife and me. As well as answering our questions clearly and concisely, he made the learning experience enjoyable. Keith's ability to incorporate the region's history and geography into the wine tasting was impressive. Our class learned about Piedmonte wines' unique climates, soil types, and grape varieties. The tasting itself was also one of the highlights of the class. Keith expertly explained each wine's aroma, taste, and texture throughout the tasting. It was an excellent opportunity to sample various Piedmont wines, including Barolo and Barbera. The Wine School of Philadelphia's Piedmont wine-tasting class with Keith Wallace was terrific. We highly recommend this class to anyone interested in learning about Piedmont wines and the region's wine culture. It was an unforgettable experience that we will always cherish.

Our favorite instructor and founder. Guaranteed to come out with a thorough understanding of the focus of each course. Complete at the following courses: Foundation - Wine (8-weeks) Intermediate - Wine (8-weeks) Hard Ciders Luxury Dessert Wines

A lot of people write about the taste classes that last one day. It's clear that those are great. That's just the tip of what this place has to offer, though. The best thing about them is their sommelier classes. I have no plans to become a chef, but damn, they are the best thing I have ever found. I wish my Wharton professors were this good. I want to sit at Keith's feet and take in everything he knows. There's more to it than just being hard and fulfilling. It changes the way you think, taste, and learn.

Informative, relatable, and most importantly humble. Have completed multiple courses and look forward to more. Great way to spend an evening educating yourself or spend a few months on a deep dive into the world of wine. You will never know what you don't know until you learn from Keith and Alana who keep wine accessible and fun while pushing you to demand more from yourself and the beautiful world of wine.

Completing the L2 and L3 sommelier programs at the Wine School of Philadelphia has been one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had. Keith and Alana are amazing teachers, wonderful people! Their passion for wine and their dedication to teaching is evident in every class, making the learning experience truly enriching. While the quantity of information can seem daunting at first (You really do learn a lot!!), the intimate, unique, and drama-free classroom atmosphere they foster allows for a truly enjoyable experience. Time seems to fly by! I'm astounded by the vast amount I've learned in such a short period, and I’m eagerly looking forward to taking the advance classes. For anyone intrigued by wine and eager to learn more, I highly recommend signing up for classes at the Wine School of Philadelphia. It's the ideal place to learn from!

My husband and I are wine enthusiasts. We love visiting vineyards and wineries in different parts of the world, going to wine tastings, wine festivals, etc. We've never been to wine school, even though we talked about how amazing it would be to get a wine certification. Last month, my husband signed us up for the Spain vs France wine class one evening, and I can't believe we never thought of coming here before. The class was full. Whether you were a beginner or moderate level, it didn't matter, the class was easy to follow and informative. Our instructor was fun, knowledgeable and personable. The Wine School of Philadelphia offers professional wine certification courses and wine tasting classes, but they also have classes for beer tasting, AND brewing too! They are all very reasonably priced. I would advise to book your classes ahead of time, as they will sell out.

The facts of the owners response are incorrect. I was sent a collection notice during the Christmas holidays--so much for his high handed response. More importantly the collection notice was for the full class even though I paid it through Amex and they canceled it. The monthly fee was never the issue-I would have gladly paid it. In fact i was going to restart the online course in 2023 when i had time again--but getting a collection notice was the final straw. I know many Wine School graduates. They say the same thing--good class--Keith is a jerk. I get it now

Had a pleasant experience and the wine selection was delicious! The teacher was very knowledgeable and she kept it fun and light hearted while also giving some great info.

I can't offer enough praise for the Wine School of Philadelphia. I had so much fun and learned so much in the first few classes I took, I was compelled to become a member. I now eagerly await the great variety of future events in store. Anyone with any level of knowledge or interest in wine (or spirits) should definitely check this place out.

This was a really good experience. The instructor was so knowledgeable and it was such a great beginner class. I learned so much and came out of the class feeling as if I had an evening so well spent. The basics are presented in an easy style with opportunity for questions. I am planning on taking another class very soon. I would highly recommend.

We love the wine school. Both Keith and Alana are super knowledgable and fun. We've gone to 3 classes so far and have learned so much. The classes are engaging and informative and its really fun to taste and compare the wines. We tell everyone we know to try it!

I thoroughly enjoy learning great things at the school. I've been into wine in various ways whether it's visiting Wineries, having gatherings where folks are sharing their favorite bottles or just sipping on something new. But when I went to a wine tasting class, I realized it was more than just tasting the wine, it was an education and I got bit by the "wine bug". Thus my formal education began.....I am not sure how deep I will go but I look forward to where it may take me. Both Keith and Alana are wonderful teachers and make the classes very enjoyable. ~Kelly DV

First time here. I can't wait to go back! Went for wine 101 which was such a fun and engaging class. It was set up family style table besides a few 2 tops. Sitting at the community table made the night more interesting getting to interact and see everyone else's reactions to the class. Allana was an amazing instructor. She was hilarious and so outgoing and really made the class the experience it was. If you haven't been here yet check out their class schedule ASAP classes fill out extremely quick. I booked this in the spring and the class was for the fall. If your guest drops out you're able to replace them with no issue. Can't wait to go back here for another class!

I first came to the wine school for a wine and cheese learning event. The highlight was that It was more "learning" than I thought it would be and less social than you get at, say a house party, for example. I was hooked! The world and business of wine has always been fascinating to me so I decided to enroll in the Wine School of Philadelphia's sommelier course. Did you know this is one of the best wine programs in the country?! After a few weeks into the program, I can see why! Keith and Alana are excellent instructors that are clearly experienced and serious about creating incredibly knowledgeable sommeliers. While the program is complety approachable, fun and unpretentious, it is equal parts intense and jam packed with information. If you are interested in learning, I highly recommend taking a class.. or two ...or three.

We went for a wine class (Great Wine Made Simple) & had a great time. Alana was knowledgable, friendly & guided us through the different wines while answering all our questions. There was lots of wine! By the end of the class, I felt like I had a better vocabulary to describe wines & aromas. I'd recommend a class at the Wine School if you're curious or would like to learn more about wine, or even if you'd just like to drink a lot of wine you may not have tried before. Be warned: It's very cold in the Wine School, so bring a sweater or other warm layers to wear in there.

I signed up for the online Level 1 course and I enjoyed being able to complete each section at my own pace. It was actually quite challenging! I bought the Level 1 course--originally thinking I might not continue through Level 2 and 3--but after seeing the package deal online and enjoying Level 1, I reached out via a customer service ticket online to see if they could give me some sort of discount applied to the 3-course package but they responded and said no. Kind of disappointed they couldn't accommodate me in some way and now not so sure about purchasing the additional package. I also thought some of the statistics in Level 1 could be updated.

Wine School of Philadelphia is a must if you love wine, are in the industry, or if you just want to learn more about one. I just finished level one online and it was very informative and easy to navigate. It teaches you a good amount of core information before you head into L2 and L3, which are in person classes downtown. I just had my first L2 class last night and it was awesome. Keith seems like a great down to earth guy as well as a dedicated instructor. I'm pumped for the rest of the class. I would definitely recommend signing up and doing L1 online first.

Went to a wine tasting event here and it was great. Fun wines, good insight and always entertaining. Other guests were knowledgeable, but unpretentious - which is always welcome with wine drinkers.

A really fun and engaging experience no matter what your wine IQ, the Wine School of Philadelphia is the perfect date/friend night and you'll actually learn something. I love wine. You can keep your craft beer and liquor, I'd take a glass of red over those any day. But even if your only experience with wine is drinking it straight out of the bag, you'll have a really good time at any of the School's one-off classes they have throughout the year. Be sure to book in advance as classes fill up quickly. The school is actually really small, occupying the basement and first floor of a modest building (I think some lucky souls have an apartment on the second floor). My girlfriend and I signed up for the "Know Your Wine Style" class ($40 a person). Our teacher sommelier guided us on a 90 minute wine exploration focusing on four types of wines - Acid Freak (low and high acid), Super Taster (high and low tannins), Old Schooler (fruit forward New World and earth Old World), and Boozehound (high and low ABV) - with two opposite wines in each type so you can taste the difference. It was infinitely informative and you get generous pours of wines from all over the world. It was very accessible for newbies and winos alike, with the only pretentiousness coming from a few of the people in the class. Best part? You get to finish off the remaining wine from the eight bottles! Bonus! I cannot stress enough how much fun this class was and how I'm already looking forward to giving them more of my money. Take a chance and go with your friends, or spice up that date.

I have only just begun the online core program but can already tell it's amazing. The videos are concise and educational, and the amount of information both learned and - most importantly - retained even after just the Week 1 module is stunning. I love how the lectures are broken up into 2-4 minute short videos, which keeps my mind from wandering (seriously, my attention span is shot after this damn pandemic). I'm so pleased to have found this program, and cheers to Keith and Alana for building something very, very cool.

For part of my birthday gift, the GF got us tickets to a cooking demonstration and wine tasting at PA School of Wine. It's a cute setup, with several two-tops up front and a larger community table taking up the main expanse of the room. Chalkboards took the place of the walls, replete with the names of wines as well as the ingredients and directions for the dishes that would be created on this night. We had Chef Keith for our culinary class and he was busy prepping when we arrived 15 minutes early so we could grab a seat near the front. We appreciated the mirror above him, which allowed us to see his prep station. We started off the meal with some background on the Wine School and the meal we were about to enjoy. Walnut crisps and a pour of white wine kicked things off while Chef got started on the first dish. Our starter was a salad focused on carrots. While the carrots were beautiful and fresh, they were definitely too large and hard to cut with the salad knife we were provided. The vinaigrette was also a bit too acerbic, though I appreciated the use of walnut oil, which was a nice touch with the hazelnuts. I did enjoy the tips Chef offered. Salt, pepper, lemon - amazing what a few ingredients will do to amp up your boring salads at home! Our next dish was a mushroom farro, which had a great essence from the stock and was paired with another white wine. The salty hits of shaved parm on top were much needed to offer up some salt and richness to each bite. Pro-tip here? If you're cooking hearty grains, don't use just water. You should always have a few boxes or cans of chicken/beef stock on hand! Our final dish came in the form of nicely cooked filets with a Bordelaise red-wine sauce. Steaks were prepped in advance via sous vide, with a final sear with a blow torch! Roasted asparagus accompanied the steaks, along with a pour of red wine. As we left, there were a tray of chocolates for us to enjoy as a final bite. So if you're looking for a fun, culinary date night, I'd recommend checking out Wine School of Philadelphia. Tickets are typically around $75pp, so it's a discount if you're not ready to splurge on the level of an Audrey Claire Cook class.

The Wine School of Philadelphia is a wonderful institution led by Alana and Keith. They are incredible teachers with a wealth of knowledge and a gift for decoding wine. They strive to create an inclusive classroom environment and welcome all skill levels. Their classroom has easily become one of my favorite places to spend my time increasing my knowledge on the subject. I have never left a class without learning something invaluable, as applied to wine and as applied to life. They are ethical people with an incredible view of the world. It's truly a magical place and I could not endorse it more!

My husband and I love the Wine School! We attend a few classes each year and Keith is very knowledgeable, yet extremely down to earth! We always have a great time while learning something knew about wine or cocktails. I highly recommend taking a class here, but make sure you buy the insurance just incase you have to reschedule.

I've been a student at the Wine School of Philadelphia for the past 9 years. Started off thinking hey I really like wine I want to learn more about it so the logical 1st step was the Intro to wine class. From that moment I was hooked. Since then I've become a Certified Sommelier and have taken every advanced class my hectic life allows as a busy mom who works full time and own a side business. The wine knowledge delivered by both Keith and Alana is always mind blowing, Just when you think you know, you realize there's always so much more to learn about everything. Being in an atmosphere where the subject matter is taken seriously but the instructors deliver it in a fun, down to earth way makes the classroom environment comfortable and engaging. I can recall so many times a wine was presented and I immediately thought oh I don't like wines from there or I never liked that varietal and then BAM Keith or Alana throw some history and knowledge on you as to why a certain wine is either made that way or this is what makes it taste like that and you soon gain an appreciation for what you thought you didn't like. If I've learned anything from the Wine School it would be an open mind helps build an experienced palate. So if you're looking to take any type of class at the wine school whether it be a one night pairing or tasting or become a student I promise you, you will walk away with an experience you'll tell your friends about and knowledge you'll never forget.

Keith and Alana have created something really special at the Wine School. They offer a wide variety of classes, and bring enthusiasm and knowledge to each of the tastings that make it so interesting and memorable to learn and enjoy amazing wines. I have attended a dozen or so classes here and keep coming back to learn more! One of these days I am going to take their wine certification course, but for now, I love the opportunity to explore and learn about the great wine regions of the world.

Poor Customer service. I purchased two tickets to a class as a Christmas gift. Two begin, both of us took off work to attend a class that we had tickets to, for a scheduled date and time. About two weeks before the class I reviewed the website in anticipation for any related COVID protocols that I may need to be aware of to ensure our visit goes well. The website stated "Before class, you will receive an email from the Wine School Administrator with the subject line RE: Response Required", with no specific date or idea of when a email would come; for instance, "five days before the class" etc. Its great to see another restaurant in Philadelphia taking extra steps to ensure we have a safe experience. As with most busy people, you don't always get to your junk/spam email box on a daily basis like you do your main inbox. Upon checking my junk email box I located emails from the Wine School requesting a response, and then a subsequent email stating my reservation is cancelled and a code was provided to schedule class at a different date. I responded to the email address as soon as I found these emails, which was Thursday before a Saturday(tonight) class expressing my sincere apologies for not intercepting the email in my junk email box sooner, and that we are confirming our attendance. I received a response the next day stating that I was not able to attend the class. I also located an Facebook post on the same day, two days before the class, stating that two spots opened up for the coming Saturday Wine 101 course; the same course I had two reservations for- my tickets/reservations. It's unfortunate that an establishment for advertises and prides on teaching does not work better with customers looking for an experience I was hoping to give as a gift to someone. I'm sure that class sizes are extremely small right now to ensure that customers and the employees remain safe. If that were the case it would seem very reasonable for a business to contact a customer who has two dedicated and reserved seats in a class by telephone to confirm their attendance. Even if that seemed like a burden, a text message is also appropriate, similar to what every reputable restaurant does to confirm seats. If this is related to COVID-19, The process makes no sense, considering you would want to confirm someone's attendance right before the class and ensure they have not developed COVID-19 symptoms, or are in quarantine due to some type of COVID-19 exposure. I have asked for refund of the tickets via email, with a response yet to be received. If this customer service is any indication of the experience that we were about to have this evening, I'm glad the plans fell through and we took our night elsewhere. It appears my money was taken, and now being held in the form of a gift card or credit; which is basically stealing, considering I am not forced to either walk away from the money or book a reservation for a business who has treated me poorly before I have physically been there. This reservation cancellation was performed by the business, my money was kept, and the seats resold. Seems like a tactic used to put money over experience and education. Hopefully customer service is reevaluated by management in the near future.

A fantastic class for learning about wine. The school is well organized, the space inviting, and the education on point. I have been taking their level 2/3 Somm class, and it has been well organized and an incredible experience. I have prior experience in beer judging, so for the sections that have overlap, it is comforting to have a good alignment of knowledge. The instructors have even taken that to give me some notes when there is a distinction. There are individual wine classes, courses, winemaking, cocktail making, and even beer courses here, and if your goal is to learn and grow your palate, I don't think you could go wrong with any of them.

This review gets two stars ONLY because we laughed so much during this experience, or I'd give it a one. We had Keith for a bubbles class. First, there were five of us in our family. Half of us traveled from far away to be together for the holidays, and we got there early just to sit together - and then he told us multiple times we weren't allowed to sit with one another because large groups "ruin the class." He used inappropriate language throughout the class: shit, shitty, fuck, etc. He made no sense, it was extremely difficult to follow what he was saying and we walked away feeling like we didn't learn anything. He also said multiple inappropriate comments, such as "Am I the only middle class person in the room?" when people didn't immediately respond to him talking about grilling, and he compared the #metoo movement to the "wine movement." We laughed at him, not with him; very uncomfortable experience. Have a little class....

I have completed the intermediate wine certification program and it was an amazing experience. When I started my hope was to be able to learn how to buy wine I'd like. I got that confidence for sure - but in hindsight I think the most important skill I learned was the ability to identify wine I _don't_ like and not feel like I have to drink it anyway. The instructors are knowledgable, passionate, and patient - which was so important to teaching a novice like myself. I highly recommend the program as well as the various tasting classes they put on.

My wife and I have been going to the wine school for years now, and have nothing but great things to say. If you're worried about the "norm" for wine tastings - having to use weird adjectives to describe the wine, having the expert talk down to you, and having no idea why the thing you're tasting is expensive or cheap...you do not have to deal with any of this at the Wine School. The instructors are incredibly down-to-earth, and take the most unpretentious approach to teaching their students about wine. They love answering questions. They foster curiosity, and made wine fun for us. We ended up taking the Core Wine Course over several weeks, and would highly recommend it. We still go back regularly for specialty classes about things like Italian wines, Japanese Whiskey, and exotic wines. In short: it's a ton of fun, and if you ever hoped that wine could be as down-to-earth and fun to explore as beer, then this is your spot.

Alana was so perfect for this introductory class all about finding out which wines you prefer, despite getting over her cold. We had a full house, and she did a terrific job keeping the crowd engaged while teaching us something new with each new tasting. We had a great time learning facts about wine we should have known years ago. Immediately after the class, we put our new knowledge to the test by going to the liquor store to pick out some nice wine!

I took the The Wine School of Philadelphia's Core Somm program online this winter. I was a little apprehensive about the experience of taking the courses online but I was blown away how seamless it was. From the scent standards to the structure of the classes, Keith and Alana have it all figured out. Keith and Alana are so incredibly knowledgeable about wine and they teach in an approachable way that makes the material easier to learn. I highly recommend anyone who is interested in learning more about wine to take classes with Keith or Alana!

There's so much to love about the Wine School of Philadelphia! My husband and I enjoyed an introductory class taught by Alana and we immediately registered for the core program levels 1&2. We're just about to finish this program and already registered for level 3! It's refreshing to be a student again, studying something we're highly interested in and Keith is the ultimate teacher. He's funny as anything, delivers each class with a well thought out plan and shares his incredible knowledge in ways that work for entire group (which has a variety of personalities and knowledge levels). If you're taking the core classes, you absolutely need to be interested in learning about wine and the science behind it... not just interested in drinking it. Amazing though how you can appreciate a glass after understanding how it got there. Thank you Keith and Alana!

I enjoyed my experience at The Wine School when I attended Wine 101. Look at it this way: If you are prone to dropping $40 in one night at places like Tria, why not spend a night here, spend the same amount of money, and learn a few things. Samples were plentiful and the wine was very good quality. The classroom is set up to look and feel like the lounge area of a bar. Our class was taught by Zack, who was great for this gig. He was very detail oriented and quite knowledgeable about the history of wine. He was clearly a big wine fan as well, which helps. Even if you think you know wine, Zack will surely be able to give you some new information. Just an additional note: When I purchased the tickets for the class, I chose to go for the "discount" tickets. The premium tickets offered customer support via telephone and the ability to reschedule your class. I am really not sure what circumstances would have required customer support prior to Wine 101, so unless the rescheduling option really entices you, I would save the $10-$15.

I've only taken one class at the Wine School of Philadelphia so far but I was so impressed I signed up for the semester Core class immediately! The ambiance is comfortable and Alana, who taught my Sommelier Secrets class, was so knowledgeable, engaging, and warm, every level of wine enthusiast would feel welcome.

Super knowledgeable people leading classes, but they make it fun and engaging. There are no condescending wine snobs here - just smart fun people who seem to enjoy sharing what they know.

Great resource in our city. A great many options if you are interested in wine as a hobby, a career or just like to drink it. Keith and Alana are both knowledgeable and welcoming. I took the sommelier class and had a blast.

The one-hour classes about wine regions have been really interesting. The price is minimal and the information provided is extensive. The interactive aspect is also welcome. I like how there are breaks taken in the presentation to answer questions posed by the participants. It's been a great way to expand my wine knowledge from the comfort of my home.

Had a great time at the Wine School. Reserved a spot at the table for beer and cheese pairing event. The instructor was knowledgeable and kept the conversation going. It was a fun way to spend the evening.

My mother and I had the worst experience here. I bought us a wine class to do together as her Mother's Day gift. Upon arrival for the class, we had the door shut in our faces because the class was over booked and there were no seats. This was very confusing to me as I did pay for the class and receive a confirmation email a week prior to the class. This was not the experience I wanted for my mother during her Mother's Day gift.

The Wine School is really fun! I like the variety of events they offer. Tickets are a bit pricey but you get a LOT of alcohol for your money, so it's a fair price. I would highly recommend this for a date night activity!

Nice online classes are a diversion during this difficult time. I give them a lot of credit for figuring out how to do these classes online.

Excellent class that combines concrete skills and detailed and interesting discussions of each region. I highly recommend these classes

Keith is a fantastic Sommelier and instructor. His knowledge and passion is second to none, and I commute from DC just to take his courses. I could not possibly recommend Keith more highly. I've been attending classes here for years, and the school just keeps getting better. If you have a desire to learn about wine and have a good time while doing it, there's no better place on earth.

I have to echo the sentiments of the vast majority of reviewers of the Wine School. I've taken multiple courses at the Wine School this year, beginning with the Foundation/Core course, followed by Spanish Wines and International Wines. I've had such a great time that I've signed up for Italian Wines in the fall, and I intend to continue taking more courses afterward. All the courses have been really fun and engaging, and I wouldn't keep going back if I didn't enjoy them as much as I do. Many of the classes fill up quickly, so I recommend planning ahead and booking your seat early. Keith and Alana make a terrific instructing team: Alana's lectures are always very well-organized, logical, and packed with info. Keith's lectures take a slightly more meandering path, but it's all about enjoying the journey (right?); I've certainly come to appreciate it :) I think their two styles complement each other very well, and they create a "safe" learning environment free of pretension. It's undeniable that Keith and Alana possess a depth of knowledge and passion for wine that carries through into their teaching, and I love their commitment to helping their students advance their students' careers as much as possible. I also appreciate the thought they put into selecting the wines for each class; every wine is chosen for a specific reason. For the introductory course, the focus was on identifying varietal fingerprints in each type of wine, so in the beginning, Keith screened out wines that had been manipulated to mask those unique characteristics. In later classes, Keith introduced some blended wines to show us that we could still identify those varietal fingerprints in combination with other things. In other classes, we compared wines that had been made from under-ripe vs. over-ripe vs. ripe grapes, and we also covered various wine faults. These are the kinds of things that are extremely difficult to self-teach, as no winemaker would ever advertise whether they used under-ripe or over-ripe grapes. It was also a pleasure to be exposed to wines I'd never tried before, such as ripasso wines from Italy. I was also amused at how often some of the crowd favorites were not the most expensive wines. For example, you can find some outstanding Washington cabs for a fraction of the cost of an analogous Napa wine, and the courses help you to find great wines for good value. For the region-specific classes, Keith and Alana selected wines representing the characteristics of that region, while explaining how climate, grape blends, and wine-making techniques affected the taste of a particular wine. I think it's fair to say that most people don't enjoy every type of varietal they drink, but because of the explanations Keith and Alana give, I've come to appreciate wines that I don't naturally love (i.e., pinotages will still never be my first choice, but now I'm willing to drink them voluntarily). The classes throw a lot of information at you and can be demanding, but I've often been surprised by how much I've subconsciously retained. But I will say that the more I learn, the more I realize how much I don't know. All of my classes have had a mix of people who are (1) just taking the classes for fun and have no intention of jumping into the wine industry (me), (2) looking to change up their careers by taking the first step of becoming sommeliers, or (3) already in the biz and want to advance their careers through the programs. The diversity of backgrounds and levels of wine knowledge is a plus, as I think it reduces the snobbery that one might expect to find. When I showed up for my first class, I didn't quite know what to expect. However, people who come in anticipating some sort of luxury experience where they're waited on hand and foot will be disappointed, and there are always a handful of those people no matter where you go. But if you're there to absorb tons of wine knowledge, then it's the perfect spot. I've found the overwhelming majority of my classmates to be really fun, interesting, and down-to-earth people, and we've even kept in touch to organize our own blind tastings or just to hang out. I'd say the chances of meeting some cool folks is pretty good here. Lastly, while I dove into the Foundation/Core courses headfirst, I understand that some people want to dip their toe into the water first, as the weeks-long courses aren't cheap. If that's the case, I suggest signing up for a one-off class to see how you like it. If it's not for you, then no biggie. If you like it, then chances are, you'll enjoy the longer courses, too. Hmm...this is long, so I'll wrap it up. Thanks for reading and hope it helped. Back to watching college football :)

My friend and I came to the wine school for one of their wine smarts tasting classes while in town for a few days to visit since we love the city. At first glance, it was a great space, intimate enough to get to know your fellow students, but spacious enough to hear the teacher and learn. There's a cafeteria-style table that encourages students to get to know each other throughout the night. My friend and I sat there and immediately began chatting with others. Everyone was super friendly and the instructor answered every question and was so knowledgeable about the wine. We were offered five flights of wines, and she taught us a great deal about the ins and outs of speaking about wines more intelligently (but not snobby!). My friend and I really enjoyed our time here! I would recommend to to natives and out-of-towners alike.

I have been attending the Wine School for about 5 years now and I continue to check the calendar for new classes and encourage other wine geeks to take a class here. Keith and Alana are extremely knowledgeable and I always leave having learned something new. I have done both wine courses and single classes and each time I am amazed and how fun and lively the classes are. I will continue to come here for years to come (and bring friends).

I've taken 2 or 3 of the basic wine courses and found them to be excellent introductions to vinology for the casual wine enthusiast. Now I'm looking to advance my knowledge with their courses on varietals. I expect I'll be coming back again and again to expand my knowledge base and enhance my appreciation of the wine-drinking experience. Take a sip and you might find you're ready for a bigger gulp next time!

I started with enrolling in the foundations program back in February to expand my personal knowledge of wine. I feel opportunities that I never expected are unfolding with every class I take. I have graduated as a certified sommelier and am now taking my advanced courses. The classes are fun, challenging, informative and a great way to make connections with others in the wine industry. I have great respect for how Alana and Keith conduct their classes and their enthusiasm for wine education. I highly recommend the wine school of Philadelphia to anyone looking to expand their wine knowledge.

A serious place to learn about wine. Keith and Alana know their stuff. Since passing the Foundation and Intermediate level exams, not only has my wine IQ improved tremendously, but my love and appreciation for wine has grown seriously deep. Have a blast with their themed, two-hour tasting classes, or get intense with their Core Wine Courses. This is the real deal. Highly recommended.

Classes are informative without being stuffy or pretentious, and they're very reasonably priced. They're perfect for a night out or a gift for a loved one. I can't speak to the courses, but I absolutely recommend the one-off classes.

Keith and Alana have shared such great knowledge about wine, including the regions they are from, and accompanied by the rich history of the grapes. It is always a one of a kind event, that we look forward to each time. Since taking the classes I shop for and enjoy wine with new enthusiasm. I have truly developed my taste for it and have come to understand the world of wine through the Wine Schools informative, fun, education based classes. My husband and I are super excited for the Ultimate Champagne Class!! Thank you Keith and Alana for bringing such a unique experience to Philadelphia.

The Wine School of Philadelphia offers a fantastic range of courses to help anyone meet their goals. Whether you are a complete beginner or a sommelier, there is something for you. The classes are presented in a casual and unpretentious way by seasoned professionals, and they are fun! You can expect the food, wine, beer and spirits presented, at all levels, to be of the highest quality, and often rare, so that your experience is truly unique.

I have attended several wine events at the Wine School of Philadelphia and each one was a wonderful experience. I was there for the Cook and Corks in October. Keith was a delight and not only did I learn a lot about wine, I laughed along the way. Alana was extremely knowledgeable and pleasant. The menu was complex, the food was delicious and the wine pairing was perfect. Thank you for a great night out! I will be back! I would HIGHLY recommend a night out or class at the Wine School!