January 9, 2025 (Napa, CA) — Napa Valley Wine Academy (NVWA), the nation’s leading drinks education school, celebrated a transformative 2024 marked by innovation, inclusivity, and student success.
Empowering Over 8,700 Students with Unmatched Educational Impact
In a year defined by growth and excellence, NVWA empowered 8,703 students across its wine, spirits, sake, and beer programs through in-person and online courses. Demonstrating its commitment to professional drinks education, 54 students earned the prestigious WSET Diploma, underscoring NVWA’s leadership in drinks education. Furthering its mission of accessibility, NVWA awarded over $100,000 in scholarships, ensuring aspiring beverage professionals could pursue their educational goals.
Catherine Bugeue, the VP of Education, said: “At Napa Valley Wine Academy, every decision we make begins with one question: How will this benefit our students? Our team is driven by a shared passion for creating exceptional learning experiences, whether through innovative programs, immersive study trips, or thoughtful support systems. It’s incredibly rewarding to see our students grow, achieve their goals, and become leaders in the beverage industry. Their success is our greatest accomplishment.”
Expanding Nationwide and International Reach
In 2024, NVWA expanded its educational footprint by adding new locations for in-person learning. NVWA now offers education in Napa, Tampa, Denver, Bardstown, Nashville, Los Angeles, and Santa Barbara. The academy also advanced its online learning, shipping over 4,900 wine kits to enhance virtual learners’ tasting experiences and sensory skills. To further enrich hands-on education, NVWA led eight international wine study trips to regions like Germany, Burgundy, and South Africa, along with three intensive Napa Bootcamps. With its blend of global experiences and flexible learning, NVWA continues to set the standard in drinks education.
Driving Excellence Through Partnerships and Community
NVWA’s influence extended far beyond the classroom, collaborating with over 50 esteemed partners, including Comité Champagne, USBG, Pink Boots Society, Vins de Bordeaux, Rhône Valley Vineyards, Rioja DOCa, Albertsons Companies, and K&L Wine. These partnerships provide students with exclusive content, masterclasses, and unique networking opportunities, enriching their educational journey. Simultaneously, NVWA continued to cultivate a passionate learning community with over 100,000 newsletter subscribers and nearly 1,000 NVWA members, reinforcing its commitment to drinks education and professional growth.
Innovative Programs and Looking Ahead 2025
In response to evolving educational demands, NVWA introduced several innovative courses in 2024, including the Champagne Specialist Certification, Professional Wine Educator Program, TasteCoach, and WSET Beer Courses, among other forward-thinking programs. Building on this momentum, NVWA kicked off 2025 by expanding its offerings with the launch of WSET Level 1 & 2 courses in both on-demand and instructor-led formats, empowering students to choose their ideal learning style for a personalized and flexible educational experience.
Christian Oggenfuss, CEO and Co-founder of NVWA, emphasizes the academy’s student-centered approach, stating, “From day one, 14 years ago, our mission has been clear: to put the student at the center of everything we do. Every program we create, every partnership we forge, and every innovation we introduce is guided by this principle. Behind this commitment stands an extraordinary team of passionate professionals who live our core values daily, ensuring that every student experience is exceptional. Our success is a reflection of their dedication and our shared belief that when students thrive, we all succeed.” As NVWA enters 2025, the academy remains committed to expanding its course offerings, forging new industry partnerships, and inspiring the next generation of beverage professionals through innovative education and unforgettable learning experiences.
