Sommelier Programming in Chicago and Beyond
Nestled inconspicuously in Chicago’s Mayfair neighborhood, a wine school with humble beginnings has quietly emerged as a promising player in the city’s wine education scene. Founded in 2022, this unassuming institution finds its home on the second floor of a FedEx shop, where the juxtaposition of its unglamorous setting against the backdrop of an up-and-coming sector of Northwest Chicago adds an intriguing charm. A stroll in the vicinity reveals a trifecta of microbreweries within walking distance, embodying the area’s burgeoning vibrancy.
Despite its unconventional location, the school is one of only a handful of wine schools accredited by the National Wine School (NWS). While NWS famously eschews small wine schools, it has extended its embrace to this Chicago venue, recognizing its commitment to excellence. Currently, CWSS only offers online sommelier certification. However, they are collaborating with local colleges to boast their own wine programs: the school stands at the crossroads of academia and practical expertise.
While the doors of this enigmatic wine school have yet to swing open to the public in a physical sense, save for its virtual classes, whispers in the grapevine suggest that an array of captivating wine classes and programs are poised to be unveiled in the near future. As the anticipation builds, wine enthusiasts and aspiring connoisseurs eagerly await their chance to partake in the educational offerings this hidden gem promises to deliver.
Love the program, but I had a hard time contacting the school with questions.
I had taken WSET classes before. I much preferred the more intuitive style of NWS classes. L2 was excellent, thank you.
I took the L1 program online. It was excellent. I will be taking the L2 and L3 programs in person once they open up their classroom to the public. Great location on the second floor in a good neighborhood.
