Are you passionate about wine but not ready to drop everything for a career change?

Good news: You don’t need to move to Napa or quit your job to start training like a sommelier.

Whether you’re a hospitality pro looking to boost your tips or a curious wine lover exploring new career paths, you can build serious wine knowledge — on your schedule.

Here’s how to start... 

1. What Is a Sommelier—And Why Pursue It?

A sommelier is more than just someone who knows wine—they’re trained to evaluate, recommend, and serve wine with confidence and professionalism. But sommeliers today aren’t limited to fine dining. You’ll find certified wine professionals working in hotels, retail, distribution, education, event planning, and even online content creation.

Why pursue sommelier training?

• Career credibility in the food & beverage world

• Flexible job options or side income

• Personal enjoyment and deeper appreciation of wine

• Confidence to speak about wine with authority

2. How to Start Learning About Wine in Your Free Time

Even with a full-time job, there are plenty of ways to begin your wine education from home—or wherever you are.

Books

Wine Folly: The Essential Guide to Wine by Madeline Puckette & Justin Hammack Modern, visual, and incredibly beginner-friendly.

The Wine Bible by Karen MacNeil A comprehensive, engaging deep dive into the world of wine.

Windows on the World Complete Wine Course by Kevin Zraly Structured like a self-paced class—perfect for independent study.

Tasting Wine and Cheese by Adam Centamore Learn wine pairing basics with delicious, low-pressure tastings at home.

Podcasts

GuildSomm Podcast Advanced content and interviews from industry leaders (ideal if you’re pursuing certification).

Wine for Normal People Friendly, down-to-earth advice from a certified sommelier.

The Swirl Suite Insightful conversations hosted by Black women in the wine industry.

I'll Drink to That! with Levi Dalton In-depth interviews with sommeliers, winemakers, and industry veterans.

YouTube Channels

Wine Folly Bite-sized videos on tasting, varietals, and regions.

André Mack / Bon Appétit Real-world wine tips with charm and style.

Exotic Wine Travel (Matthew Horkey) Explore lesser-known wine regions from around the world.

V is for Vino A sommelier-led wine travel show that teaches through stories.

3. Affordable Entry Points for Formal Training

When you’re ready to take the next step, consider these popular wine certifications:

• WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) – Structured and globally respected

• CMS (Court of Master Sommeliers) – Service-focused, ideal for hospitality pros

• CSW (Certified Specialist of Wine) – Emphasizes wine theory and global regions

If you're not ready for a multi-month course or a $1,000+ investment, consider something shorter but still impactful—like the Wine Workshop: Sommelier Prep and Wine Hospitality Essentials at Oregon State University. 

In just two days, you'll gain:

• A professional understanding of how wine is made, tasted, and evaluated

• Sales and service strategies to boost your on-the-job performance

• Hands-on tasting experience

• A clear foundation to pursue WSET, CMS, or CSW certification later
  

4. How to Balance Wine Education with Your 9–5

Here are a few tips to make progress even if your schedule is packed:

• Set weekly study goals (1–2 chapters or videos per week)

• Practice with friends by hosting wine tasting nights

• Use your workplace to reinforce learning (if you’re in hospitality, try explaining one wine to a guest per shift)

• Keep a wine journal to document what you’re tasting and learning

Remember: You don’t have to go all-in at once. Consistency beats intensity.

5. Building Toward Certification Without Burnout

If you’re juggling a job, family, or other commitments, here’s how to stay on track:

• Create a timeline—e.g., complete one book or podcast series in 2–3 months

• Celebrate milestones like confidently reading a wine label or completing a course

• Take breaks when needed. The journey is meant to be enjoyable, not overwhelming.

• Connect with a community—find wine clubs, tasting groups, or Facebook groups to stay inspired

6. When to Level Up: Your Next Step

Once you’ve built a foundation, you’ll know you’re ready for more when:

• You can explain wine styles or regions confidently

• You’re recommending bottles to friends or customers

• You want to pursue a new role, side hustle, or certification

At that point, enrolling in a hands-on workshop or entry-level course will help you level up fast—and start thinking like a sommelier.

Final Pour

You don’t need to quit your day job to become confident in wine.

With the right tools, a little structure, and hands-on practice, you can build sommelier-level knowledge on your own terms—and open the door to exciting new opportunities in wine and hospitality.

Ready to swirl, sniff, and study like a pro?

Explore OSU’s Sommelier Prep & Wine Hospitality Workshop to take your first official step.