North American Sommelier Association

What North American Sommelier Association does

The North American Sommelier Association (NASA) is a California-registered non-profit educational organization founded in 2006 and headquartered in Los Angeles. It operates as the exclusive North American branch of the Worldwide Sommelier Association (WSA), the largest sommelier association globally with 100,000+ members. NASA delivers professional sommelier certification and wine education using the WSA's internationally patented Analytical-Descriptive Technical Wine Tasting Method and Technical Food & Wine Pairing methodology — proprietary curricula developed in Europe over the last century and adapted for the US market in 2012.

NASA's core product is the Silver-Pin Certified Sommelier program, a 150+ hour, year-long professional certification covering enology, viticulture, wine tasting, oenography, and food pairing. This is complemented by a portfolio of specialized certifications: Italian Wine Specialist (IWS), American Wine Specialist (AWS), Spanish Wine Specialist (SWS), Food & Wine Pairing Specialist (FWPS), Master of Terroir, Master Taster, Master of Service, Master of Bordeaux, Master of Cognac, and Master of Olive Oil, plus an entry-level Wine Primer. Revenue is generated primarily through one-time course fees (ranging from $149 for a Cognac master class to $4,190 for Silver-Pin), recurring annual membership subscriptions, branded merchandise, and event sponsorship from Champagne houses (Dom Perignon, Ruinart) and regional wine consortia.

NASA distributes courses through 19+ in-person chapters across 17 US cities, 5 Canadian cities, and Taiwan, partnering with restaurants and wine venues (Press Club SF, WineHouse LA, Obika NYC). Channels include earned media (LA Times, Eater, SOMM documentary), monthly webinars, partner-hosted events, and word-of-mouth referrals. The organization is community-led rather than direct-sales-led, with no disclosed revenue, headcount, or post-2020 operational metrics. COVID-19 forced a pause in in-person operations in 2020 and a pivot to online education.

Name

North American Sommelier Association

Legal name

North American Sommelier Association

Website

https://nasommelier.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2006

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The North American Sommelier Association is a California non-profit established in 2006 and the exclusive North American branch of the Worldwide Sommelier Association, providing professional sommelier certification (Silver-Pin), regional wine specialist courses, and food-wine pairing training to hospitality professionals and wine enthusiasts across 19+ US and Canadian cities.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Wine Education and Sommelier Certification

NAICS

Professional and Management Development Training (611430), Exam Preparation and Tutoring (611691)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Professional Culinary Arts (Chef Training) (EDAOAKAA)

akta.pro secondary industry

Project, Process & Quality Certification Prep (PMP, PRINCE2, Lean Six Sigma, ITIL) (EDANAIAE)

Keywords

• Wine education
• Sommelier certification
• Wine specialist training
• Food and wine pairing
• Hospitality training

Headquarters

HQ city

Los Angeles

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices19 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Course Fees: Revenue from tuition fees for certification courses including Silver-Pin Sommelier ($4,190), Wine Specialist courses ($650-$715), Master programs ($150-$395), and Wine Primer ($345). Includes materials, tastings, and exam fees.
2. Membership Fees: Annual individual and corporate membership providing access to webinars, events, networking, job referrals, discounts, and continuing education. Membership runs January 1 - December 31 annually.
3. Merchandise Sales: Sale of NASA-branded merchandise including business cards ($89), aprons ($30), ties ($38+), scarves ($30+), and blazer patches ($7+). Merchandise available to active certified members only.
4. Event Sponsorship: Partnerships with Champagne houses (Dom Perignon, Ruinart), wine producers, and organizations for graduation ceremonies, wine dinners, and seminars. Includes GoFundMe campaigns for operational pivots.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

NASA delivers professional sommelier and wine specialist certification courses anchored by the Silver-Pin Certified Sommelier® program (150+ hours of classroom instruction over about one year), complemented by regional specialist certifications (Italian, American, Spanish), the Food & Wine Pairing Specialist, and Master-level courses (Terroir, Taster, Service, Olive Oil, Bordeaux, Cognac). All instruction is grounded in the Worldwide Sommelier Association's patented Analytical-Descriptive Technical Wine Tasting and Food & Wine Pairing methodologies, and graduates receive globally recognized WSA-issued credentials.

Product overview

The North American Sommelier Association (NASA) is a non-profit wine education and certification organization offering a portfolio of professional sommelier and wine specialist courses. The core offering is the Silver-Pin Certified Sommelier® program — a 150+ hour, approximately 1-year professional certification recognized globally through the WSA (Worldwide Sommelier Association). Complementing this are specialized certification courses including Italian Wine Specialist (IWS)®, American Wine Specialist (AWS)®, Spanish Wine Specialist (SWS)®, Food & Wine Pairing Specialist (FWPS), Master of Terroir®, Master Taster, Master of Service, Master of Olive Oil, Master of Bordeaux®, and Master of Cognac®, along with an entry-level Wine Primer Basics Course. NASA also offers a monthly webinar series, individual and corporate membership benefits, and branded merchandise. All courses are delivered in-person in classrooms across North American cities and Taiwan, with select content transitioning online. The organization was founded in 2006 in California and operates under the WSA global umbrella, the largest sommelier association in the world.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Silver-Pin Certified Sommelier® Comprehensive professional sommelier certification program delivered over approximately one year with 150+ hours of hands-on classroom instruction, covering enology, viticulture, technical wine tasting, international oenography, and technical food & wine pairing. Issued jointly by NASA and WSA and recognized globally. Priced at $4,190 with payment plans available.
• Wine Primer Basics Course Entry-level 2-day, 14-hour introductory wine course with no prerequisite. Covers wine fundamentals, winemaking basics, major world wine regions, tasting basics, food & wine pairing concepts, and proper wine service. Issues a certificate of attendance. Priced at $345 all-inclusive.
• Italian Wine Specialist (IWS)® Specialized certification course covering all 20 wine regions of Italy, including terroir, culture, history, traditions, DOC/DOCG regulations, and grape varietals. 4-day course (28 hours) plus exam; 30+ wines tasted. Priced at $715 all-inclusive. 96% satisfaction over 7 years.
• American Wine Specialist (AWS)® Specialized certification covering wine regions of California, Oregon, Washington, and the remainder of the United States including native and hybrid varieties. Offered in two pods: West Coast Specialist ($395) and Remainder US ($195); full course $590. Includes study guide, membership, 40+ wines, and AVA maps.
• Spanish Wine Specialist (SWS)® Certification course covering Spain's major wine regions (Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Priorat, Castilla, Rías Baixas, Jerez) and key grape varieties (Tempranillo, Garnacha, Monastrell, Albariño). 2 full days (7 hours each) plus exam. Priced at $650 all-inclusive.
• Food & Wine Pairing Specialist (FWPS) Standalone 4-day certification course on technical food & wine pairing using NASA's internationally-patented method based on human physiology, chemistry, and tradition. 4 days (5 hours each) plus exam; written test plus 3 pairing exercises with 65% passing score. Priced at $650 all-inclusive.
• Master of Terroir® 2-day course (6.5 hours each) plus 2-hour exam focusing specifically on terroir — geography, geology, and climate factors affecting wine. Covers macroclimate, mesoclimate, microclimate, viticulture effects, and soil/rock types. Taught by Gold-Pin Sommeliers and professional geologists. Priced at $395.
• Master Taster Certificate Elite 2-day master-class (1 day instruction + 1 day examination) in advanced technical wine tasting using the NASA/WSA technical tasting methodology and scoring form. 15 wines tasted. Pre-requisites: AIS/NASA/WSA Certified Sommelier, WSET diploma, or Advanced Sommelier equivalent. Priced at $295 (course only) or $350 (with material).
• Master of Service One-day certification training service professionals in restaurant and hospitality industries on proper and professional wine and food service, dining room etiquette, protocols, and floor management. Taught by active professional sommeliers from Michelin-starred restaurants. Priced at $200.
• Master of Olive Oil First olive oil certification in North America, inspired by the Italian Sommelier Association (ISA) curricula. Covers olive oil production techniques, tasting techniques, and main varieties. Tastes extra virgin olive oils from Italy, Spain, Greece, North Africa, USA, and Australia over 3 evenings (2.5 hours each) plus exam. Priced at $350.
• Master of Bordeaux® 1-day intensive course (7 hours lecture + 1.5 hour exam) on the Bordeaux wine region covering history, terroir, appellations, varietals, classifications, and business model. Designed and taught by Diego Meraviglia, a certified Bordeaux Wine Educator by CIVB. Priced at $289.
• Master of Cognac® 3.5-hour course covering Cognac's history, production, and food pairing applications. 9 Cognacs tasted illustrating various terroirs, styles, tiers, and aging categories. Taught by Irina Ponomarenko, a Certified Cognac Educator by BNIC. Priced at $179 non-members / $149 members.
• Webinars Monthly web seminar series launched in 2017 as a member benefit. Past editions have covered Rioja, Cognac, Champagne Prestige Cuvées, Lodi AVA, Campania, Sherry, and Silver-Pin Sommelier course overview. Recordings are archived for member access. Non-members can view first 6 months free.
• Individual & Corporate Membership Annual membership (calendar year, Jan 1 - Dec 31) providing access to educational events, networking opportunities, classroom time, webinars, job referrals, further education, and exclusive discounts and benefits. Members receive discounts on courses and access to specialized events. Available as individual and corporate tiers.
• NASA Store (Merchandise) NASA-branded merchandise including personalized business cards for certified members ($89), signature aprons ($30), men's ties ($38+), women's scarves ($30+), and embroidered blazer patches ($7+). Available to active certified members only.

Quantifiable outcome

• 96% satisfaction rate for IWS certification over 7 years
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered minor, core and flagship.

• Vino DirectminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2017Importer/distributor of fine boutique Italian wines and online retailer based in Southern California. Established official sponsorship collaboration for 2017 including wine dinners, seminars, tastings, and high-quality wine events.
• Sopexa (French Wine Marketing)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2016Partnership with Sopexa, the French wine marketing organization, to present Burgundy Seminars in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Third consecutive year of partnership as of 2016. Previous seminars covered Bordeaux Medoc and Cognac regions.
• Worldwide Sommelier Association (WSA)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2006NASA is the exclusive daughter organization and North American branch of WSA. WSA issues course certificates from European headquarters in Rome. WSA is the largest sommelier association globally with 100,000+ members. WSA provides curriculum, methodology, quality control, and international events including the Best Sommelier in the World competition.
• Italian Sommelier Association (AIS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAIS provided the foundational curriculum, methodology, and training that NASA was founded upon. NASA translates and adapts AIS methods for the North American market. AIS founder Franco Ricci serves as WSA President.
• Wine & Spirits ArchiveminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered with NASA for Oregon expansion in 2013, offering the Italian Wine Specialist course starting January 2014.
• Consorzio Tutela Vini MontefalcominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNASA hosted wine seminars and tastings on behalf of the consortium. Events included wine dinner at 54 Mint in San Francisco and seminars at Press Club SF and Terroni Hollywood. Featured Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG and regional producers including Antonelli, Caprai, Castelbuono, Perticaia, Scacciadiavoli, Le Cimate, Bellafonte, and Romanelli.
• Dom PerignonminorGTM or Marketing PartnerChampagne house provides patron support for NASA graduation ceremonies and minting events. U.S. Brand Ambassador Diego Meraviglia represents Dom Perignon since February 2017.
• RuinartminorGTM or Marketing PartnerChampagne house provides patron support for NASA graduation ceremonies. Jeridan Frye serves as Ruinart U.S. Brand Ambassador and attended 2018 graduation.
• WineHouse (Los Angeles)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCourse venue partner for Silver-Pin Sommelier, Wine Primer, and other courses in Los Angeles. Location at 2311 Cotner Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90064.
• Press Club (San Francisco)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCourse venue partner in San Francisco. Location at 20 Yerba Buena Ln, San Francisco, CA 94103. Also home of District Manager Mauro Cirilli's wine program.
• Bordeaux Wine Council (CIVB)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDiego Meraviglia is certified as Official Bordeaux Wine Educator by CIVB/Ecole Du Vin de Bordeaux. NASA offers Master of Bordeaux certification.
• Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac (BNIC)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBNIC certified Irina Ponomarenko as Cognac Educator. NASA offers Master of Cognac certification with BNIC-recognized certificate of attendance.
• Regulatory Board of Denominación de Origen RiojaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSupports NASA's Spanish Wine Specialist course with curriculum and resources for Rioja region education.
• East European Sommeliers and Experts AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNASA collaborates with this association for seminars and training on Eastern European wines and spirits.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Society of Wine Educators: US-based wine and spirits education association offering Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) and Certified Spirits Educator credentials. Directly comparable as a North American wine certification body, with notable overlap given Diego Meraviglia holds CSW himself.
• Guild of Sommeliers: US-based nonprofit wine professionals' organization providing education, tasting content, and community to sommeliers. Directly comparable as a peer nonprofit serving the same sommelier community with overlapping educational content, events, and credentialing-adjacent resources.
• Court of Master Sommeliers: US-headquartered sommelier certification body offering Introductory, Certified, Advanced, and Master Sommelier tiers. Directly comparable elite-tier sommelier credentialing organization competing for the same career-track hospitality professionals in North America.
• International Sommelier Guild (ISG): Wine education organization offering sommelier certification courses across multiple US and Canadian cities. Directly comparable as another North American sommelier training school with similar curriculum structure and regional delivery model.
• Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET): UK-based global wine and spirits education provider offering tiered certifications (Levels 1-4 plus Diploma). Directly comparable as a wine certification body competing for the same hospitality professional and enthusiast learners, though WSET leans more digital and global versus NASA's in-person regional delivery model.
• Wine Scholar Guild: Online wine education organization specializing in regional certifications (French, Italian, Spanish). Directly comparable as a competitor in the regional wine specialist certification segment where NASA offers IWS, AWS, and SWS programs.
• Italian Sommelier Association (AIS): Italy-based parent of the methodology and curriculum NASA teaches, and the largest Italian sommelier association. Comparable as the upstream curriculum source and sister organization that NASA's IWS program is built upon; relevant as both peer and strategic feeder.

Emerging players

• Wine Folly: Digital-first wine education and content platform serving enthusiast and entry-professional segments with courses, certification, and reference content. Comparable as a competing channel for the same end learners, differentiated by online delivery versus NASA's in-person tasting model.
• Burghound / Allen Meadows: Specialist wine education and tasting subscription platform focused on Burgundy and premium regional content. Comparable as an adjacent wine education specialist targeting serious enthusiasts and trade buyers who might otherwise pursue NASA regional certifications.

Regional players

• Domaine Wine School: Canadian wine education provider (with presence in Toronto and Vancouver) offering WSET courses and sommelier training. Comparable as a regional sommelier education competitor operating in the same Canadian chapters NASA serves (Toronto, Vancouver).

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/NASommelier
• Facebookfacebook.com/NorthAmericanSommelierAssociation
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/north-american-sommelier-association-official

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about North American Sommelier Association