Welcome to the Virginia Wine & Spirits Academy

We provide informative and fun wine and spirits education, in-class and online, for trade professionals and enthusiasts throughout Virginia and neighboring states.

Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET) qualifications are globally recognized as the international standard in wine and spirit knowledge, with courses in over 70 countries and 15 languages. As a WSET Approved Program Provider, we offer a comprehensive suite of qualifications covering wines and spirits. These courses are designed for those who are just starting out in their careers, as well as established professionals, and the many enthusiasts who have a passion for wines and spirits.

Wine Scholar Guild (WSG) is the leading provider of specialized certification programs on the wines of France, Italy, and Spain, with a school network spanning 30 countries and 5 continents. As a WSG approved program provider, we offer the French and Spanish Wine Scholar online certifications.

VAWSA Owner and Education Director, Tracy Waldron, is a former sommelier, winemaker, and wine importer with a passion for bringing new people into the fold of the wine and spirits industry. She spent more than a decade in Napa Valley as a sommelier and winery owner, followed by several years of international travel as a wine importer searching for new producers to introduce to the US market. In 2016, this Richmond, Virginia native decided to return to her home town, focusing her attention on providing education to the trade and enthusiasts alike. Her goal is to push for industry diversity through education and direct mentorship of students, and to play a role in establishing a demand for qualified beverage industry leaders through WSET’s globally recognized certifications.

Richmond is continually evolving as a vibrant community of new businesses, an exciting area for food, fashion, arts, craft beer, local wine, and distilleries. VAWSA is excited to be here participating in the growth of that community.