Learn Wine Tasting Online with This Top-Rated Beginner Course
Are you curious about wine, but don’t know where to start? Do wine lists seem intimidating, and wine labels feel like a secret language? If so, the Online Wine Tasting and Appreciation course by certified sommelier Anna Maria Kambourakis might be exactly what you need.
This course is rapidly becoming one of the most recommended wine tasting classes online for beginners and casual enthusiasts—and for good reason. Whether you want to host better dinner parties or simply improve your own tasting experience, this program offers a fun, practical approach to learning wine.
In this article, we’ll break down what makes this course different, who should consider enrolling, how it compares with other wine education programs—and whether it’s worth the $69.99 investment.
What You’ll Learn in the Online Wine Tasting Course
Anna Maria Kambourakis is not just a certified sommelier; she’s also a wine blogger and tour operator in Crete, Greece. Her online wine tasting course focuses on making wine approachable, not overwhelming. With more than 50 bite-sized video lessons packed into just over an hour of content, it’s designed specifically for busy people who want short, focused learning sessions.
Here’s what the curriculum includes:
- The basics of wine tasting and aroma identification
- Understanding wine varietals, grapes, and regions
- Step-by-step guidance on how to taste and assess wine properly
- Tips for food and wine pairing
- Decoding common wine label terminology
Each lesson invites you to taste along, using wines you can easily find at your local store or supermarket. That hands-on approach helps you put concepts into practice right away.
If you’ve ever thought wine education meant reading massive books or sitting through lengthy classes, this course flips that idea on its head. It’s down-to-earth, flexible, and meant to make you feel comfortable in your wine journey—not take over your calendar.
Why Beginners Love This Wine Tasting Course
If you type in something like “best beginner wine tasting course” into Google, you’ll notice a growing interest in approachable, practical wine education. According to wine blog Travelling Corkscrew, this specific course stands out because “the technical terms never felt over your head” and “tasting week helped everything click.”
Students often highlight the following benefits:
- ✅ Lessons are short (under 5 minutes each), making it easy to progress a little each day
- ✅ Instructor uses everyday language, avoiding confusing wine jargon
- ✅ Great for visual learners—lots of charts, infographics, and interactive tips
- ✅ Teaches skills you can use immediately next time you’re at a restaurant or wine store
- ✅ Lifetime access gives you the flexibility to learn at your own pace
What do people say in real forums or discussions? While there isn’t a Reddit thread focused solely on this course, online users consistently rate hands-on and simplified wine courses as the most effective. Quora discussions also reinforce how learning from certified sommeliers adds value and authenticity.
The Only Downside? No Formal Certification
While most reviews are overwhelmingly positive, there are a few drawbacks to consider.
- ❌ No certificate of completion—if you’re hoping to use this for your resume or as a step toward becoming a professional sommelier, you’ll need a more advanced program.
- ❌ Not ideal for wine geeks or pros—this course isn’t designed for those deep into wine science or working toward WSET accreditation.
Still, if you’re the type of person who wants to learn wine in a relaxed, engaging environment with guidance from a true expert, this course is a no-pressure way to get started.
How Does It Compare to Other Wine Courses Online?
There are plenty of options out there if you’re looking to join a wine class. Some popular programs include Corkbuzz, the San Francisco Wine School, and other WSET-certified institutions. These can get pricey—and often require live attendance or a fixed schedule.
Here’s how the Online Wine Tasting and Appreciation course compares for beginners:
Feature | Anna Maria’s Course | Corkbuzz / WSET |
---|---|---|
Price | $69.99 (one-time) | Varies ($200+) |
Certification | No | Yes (some) |
Format | Pre-recorded videos | Live or structured |
Best For | Beginners / Enthusiasts | Pros / Advancers |
Length/Time Commitment | ~1 Hour | Multi-week |
If certification isn’t your goal and you’re not looking for a career in the wine industry, you’ll probably get everything you need from Anna Maria’s course. For hobbyists, that’s a fantastic deal.
What Makes This Course Stand Out?
Course structure matters—but so do people.
Anna Maria brings her real-world sommelier experience and wine travel expertise into the course. Her lessons feel like conversations, not lectures. She connects the dots for you and builds up your confidence so you can actually enjoy wine, not just learn about it.
Another standout feature: this isn’t just a one-and-done class. The course comes with bonus resources like flavor wheels, pairing charts, and curated wine style examples. These help you understand what to buy, what to smell, and how to pair confidently at home.
Is the Wine Tasting and Appreciation Course Worth It?
Considering its price, high-quality instruction, and student-friendly materials, this course delivers outstanding value. Especially if you’re:
- A complete beginner or casual wine drinker
- Someone who wants a flexible schedule and short lessons
- Looking to improve your tasting confidence
- Tired of feeling overwhelmed by wine language
Also worth noting: the course has no additional upsells or hidden fees. For $69.99, you get full lifetime access. Not bad when you compare it to the price of a single bottle at a high-end wine bar.
Final Verdict: Who Should Enroll?
If you’re someone who’s ever walked through the wine section and said, “I wish I knew what I was looking at,” this course is likely going to be a game changer for you. It removes fear, builds knowledge, and makes wine tasting fun instead of frustrating.
You don’t need to be a foodie or spend thousands attending Master Sommelier programs. With just an hour of online instruction, you’ll be tasting, smelling, and choosing wine with more confidence and joy.
Whether you’re planning your next wine trip abroad, hosting a tasting party, or just want to get more out of your glass at dinner, Anna Maria’s Wine Tasting and Appreciation course is a fantastic place to start.
Want a better wine life from the comfort of your couch?
Now’s your chance to learn the basics—taught by a friendly expert, broken down into lessons you can complete over lunch break.