Seriously fun wine education.

The Capital Wine School was founded by Jay Youmans MW with the vision of offering the highest quality wine education and tasting instruction available in the Washington, DC area. Our classes and events are fun and unpretentious, but offer the depth of knowledge and insight sought by those wanting to learn more about wine.

All our courses place particular emphasis on tasting skills and the essential knowledge required for understanding wine. Our mission is simple: we want to help you learn about, appreciate, and enjoy wine. And have fun doing it!

From wine enthusiast to master of wine.

The Capital Wine School offers courses and tastings for every level of wine enthusiast or wine professional. In addition to our regular monthly featured tastings, we offer beginning and intermediate classes such as Introduction to Wine Basics (IWB – 101), and Essential (Blind) Wine Tasting Skills (BWTS – 201).

Our wine industry certification courses include the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) courses: WSET Intermediate Certificate Level 2 and WSET Advanced Certificate Level 3; and the Society of Wine Educators (SWE) Certified Specialist in Wine (CSW – 301).

Our most advanced course is the Master Class in Blind Wine Tasting (MCWT – 401) This class is designed for experienced tasters, wine buyers, and those who are preparing for exams such as the WSET Diploma, Master Sommelier, or Master of Wine exam.

Sign-up today for our free e-newsletter!

Keep up-to-date on our course offerings and events by subscribing to our free e-newsletter, The Capital Wine School News, published each month. This free publication includes articles on wine, answers to frequently asked questions, and tips on the best wines available in the Washington, DC area.