Healdsburg Wine Academy Joins Forces with Commonwealth Wine School: A New Era in Wine Education

The Odyssey Wine Academy in Sonoma County, which marked its place as the area’s first in-person Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) certification school, has announced its merger with the Commonwealth Wine School, a renowned educational provider based in Massachusetts. Established in 2022 by Julie Rothberg, the Odyssey Wine Academy quickly gained recognition in wine education, offering certification programs through WSET, one of the most esteemed institutions in the industry.

The WSET program includes four levels of certification, each presenting increasing complexity and depth. Although the academy initially offered classes in Spanish, Level 1 was discontinued due to low enrollment.

Rothberg, who continues to play an active role in the academy, expressed that the decision to merge was influenced by her desire to dedicate more time to her family. This merger will also facilitate enhanced marketing strategies and broaden course offerings to engage more students.

Classes previously held at Bacchus Landing in Healdsburg will now take place at Maison Wine Bar in a designated space called “The Friend” room, starting this fall.

Maison co-owner Evan Hufford, a certified sommelier who has taught at the San Francisco Wine School, views the partnership as a natural evolution of his vision for the bar as a hub for the industry. He aims to include WSET Level 1 sake classes among the offerings.

Enrollment for WSET courses is now open for the upcoming session starting in September at Commonwealth Wine School.

About the Author: Chris Lehoux

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