The most complete certified wine program in Bangkok is the Essentials of Sommelier Skills at Wine & Spirit Academy — a 14-day professional sommelier certification (฿109,000) available in either a weekend format of 7 consecutive Saturday–Sunday sessions or a weekday format running Monday to Friday over three weeks. It is the only program in Thailand that combines full theory, blind tasting, and hands-on service training at professional depth. Shorter certified options exist for enthusiasts and for teams, and this guide compares all of them.
The Essentials of Sommelier Skills is a 14-day certified sommelier program delivered by Wine & Spirit Academy Bangkok at the École Ducasse Nai Lert Bangkok Studio. It is the highest level of the Foundations of Sommelier Skills pathway and the most comprehensive wine qualification available in Thailand.
| Program name | Essentials of Sommelier Skills |
| Provider | Wine & Spirit Academy (WSA Bangkok) |
| Duration | 14 days + 1 day examination |
| Weekend format | 7 consecutive Saturday–Sunday sessions |
| Weekday format | Monday to Friday across three weeks |
| Price | ฿109,000 |
| Location | École Ducasse Nai Lert Bangkok Studio, Soi Somkid, Lumphini, Bangkok |
| Prerequisite | None formally required; prior wine study recommended |
| Languages | English and Thai |
| Certification | WSA certificate, recognised across the Thai HORECA industry |
Most wine certifications in Asia are theory qualifications. You read, you sit an exam, you receive a certificate — and you have never once opened a bottle in front of a paying guest.
The Essentials of Sommelier Skills is built the opposite way. Fourteen days is enough time to teach the complete chain: from the vineyard, through viticulture and winemaking, to the moment the wine reaches the table. The curriculum covers:
That last category is the one that separates this program from a diploma. A sommelier who can identify a wine blind but cannot sell it is not employable. A sommelier who can do both runs the beverage program.
Take it if:
Do not take it if:
The weekend format — 7 consecutive Saturday–Sunday sessions — exists because most people taking this program are already working full-time in hospitality. You keep your job and your income while you qualify.
The weekday format — Monday to Friday across three weeks — is the intensive route. It suits career changers between roles, and international students travelling to Bangkok for the qualification.
Both formats deliver the identical 14-day curriculum and the same certification.
Versus WSET: WSET is a globally portable theory qualification with excellent structure and international recognition. It does not teach service. The Essentials of Sommelier Skills teaches theory and service, and is regionally recognised rather than globally portable. Many WSA students hold both — WSET for the international credential, Essentials for the job-ready craft. Our full breakdown is here: WSET vs CMS vs FSS.
Versus the Court of Master Sommeliers: CMS is an examination body, not primarily a teaching body. It tests you; it does not spend 14 days training you. Candidates preparing for CMS exams frequently use the Essentials program as their preparation.
Versus short courses: A 3-hour masterclass is an excellent evening. It is not a qualification, and it should not appear on a CV as one.
Versus the shorter FSS levels: FSS Basic, Intermediate and Advanced total six days combined. Essentials is 14 days and covers materially more ground, particularly in service, commercial strategy, and blind tasting repetition.
The programs below are covered in depth in their own guides — this section is a map, not a syllabus.
The FSS pathway is WSA’s progressive certification track. Each level assumes the one before it.
If you already know you want a wine career, going directly to the 14-day Essentials program is usually the better economic decision than climbing all three levels first. Here is how the full sommelier pathway works.
Single-region evening classes running 6:30–9:30 PM, covering Bordeaux, Burgundy, Rhône Valley and Loire Valley (฿5,500 each), plus Champagne (฿6,500). Five wines, food pairing, taught by a working sommelier.
These are not a substitute for certification, but they are the best way in Bangkok to understand one country or region properly while working full-time. Italian and Spanish Premium Masterclasses run in the same format at ฿5,500. Read the full French Premium Class guide →
The gentlest entry point available: how to order, serve, taste and pair with confidence. For beginners and for professionals who entertain clients. If wine still feels intimidating, start here: How to start learning wine in Bangkok without feeling intimidated.
For hotels, restaurants, cafés and bars training a whole team rather than one person. Delivered at your property, using your service standards.
Read the full HORECA training guide → or see how HORECA training increases revenue.
WSA also runs a separate certified sake pathway covering grades, brewing and service, structured the same way as the wine programs. Read the full sake course guide →
| Program | Duration | Price | Level | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essentials of Sommelier Skills | 14 days | ฿109,000 | Professional | A sommelier career |
| FSS Advanced | 3 days | ฿24,000 | Advanced | Working F&B professionals |
| FSS Intermediate | 2 days | ฿16,000 | Intermediate | French terroir and appellations |
| FSS Basic | 1 day | ฿8,500 | Foundation | Starting the certified pathway |
| French Premium Class | 3 hours | ฿5,500–6,500 | Enthusiast | One region in depth |
| Italian / Spanish Masterclass | 3 hours | ฿5,500 | Enthusiast | Beyond France |
| Wine Etiquette & Pairings | 2 hours | ฿3,500 | Beginner | Social and professional confidence |
| HORECA programs | On-site | ฿21,600–44,000 | Team | Hotel and restaurant staff |
Prices current at time of publication. Confirm dates and availability on the booking page.
How long is the Essentials of Sommelier Skills program?
14 days. It runs either as 7 consecutive Saturday–Sunday sessions or Monday to Friday across three weeks.
How much does the 14-day sommelier course in Bangkok cost?
฿109,000 for the complete Essentials of Sommelier Skills program at Wine & Spirit Academy.
What is the best sommelier course in Bangkok?
For a professional career, the Essentials of Sommelier Skills at WSA is the most comprehensive certified program in Thailand — 14 days covering theory, blind tasting, service craft and commercial strategy. For enthusiasts, the shorter FSS levels or a 3-hour French Premium Class are more appropriate.
Do I need prior wine knowledge to take the Essentials program?
No formal prerequisite exists, but prior study — FSS Basic, WSET Level 2, or equivalent experience — makes the 14 days considerably more productive. Contact WSA and describe your background; we will place you honestly.
Can I keep working while taking the 14-day program?
Yes. The weekend format exists specifically for people working full-time in hospitality — 7 Saturday–Sunday sessions with your weekdays free.
Is the Essentials of Sommelier Skills the same as WSET?
No. WSET is an international theory qualification. Essentials is a practical, service-focused sommelier program. They complement each other; many students hold both. See our full comparison.
Is the program taught in English or Thai?
Both, depending on the session. Confirm your preference when booking.
Where is it held?
École Ducasse Nai Lert Bangkok Studio, Soi Somkid, Lumphini — a short walk from Ploenchit and Chidlom BTS.
If you are weighing the 14-day Essentials program against a shorter route, tell us what you want to be doing professionally in twelve months. That answer usually chooses the program for you.
📞 099-016-8838
✉️ wsafbscorporate@gmail.com
📍 École Ducasse Nai Lert Bangkok Studio, Soi Somkid, Lumphini, Bangkok 10330
Browse all FSS Sommelier Classes → | More wine & sake guides →
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