Wine knowledge essentials
Learn the essential wine facts in our online wine course for beginners with sommelier Kristene King Thrall, from how wine is made to how it pairs with food!
This course includes
- Quizzes & knowledge checks
- Closed captions & dubbing
- Mobile app (iOS & Android)
- Hands-on activity
Supported by trusted hospitality organizations
This course is supported by leading hospitality organizations, reflecting recognized industry best practice.
Skills you will gain
Course details
Wine is one of our oldest inventions, dating back as early as 7000BC. This wonderful drink has played an important role throughout human history, not just because of its delicious taste or alcohol content, but as part of religious and cultural practices too.
With such a rich history steeped in ancient traditions, not to mention the number of laws relating to its production, wine can seem a pretty daunting topic for a beginner – which is why we’ve got the experts here to help!
This beloved ancient beverage is such a prominent part of everyday life. Sharpening up your wine knowledge is incredibly rewarding as a way to add a little background to the liquid in your glass, and particularly helpful as a way to boost your customer service game in the hospitality industry.
Learn how to make great wine recommendations, pair different varieties with food, and understand the processes that turn crushed grapes into something truly special with this online course led by sommelier Kristine King Thrall.
What you'll learn in the Wine knowledge essentials course
- How wine is made
- How the wine fermentation process works
- The role of oak in winemaking
- Old world vs new world wine
- The effect of climate on wine production
- What tannins are and why they matter
- What phylloxera is and how it impacts winemaking
- How sparkling wine is made
- The most common red, white and sparkling wines
- The most helpful wine apps, books and podcasts to help you excel
Who the Wine knowledge essentials course is for
Servers and bartenders, it’s time to release your inner somm! Sharpen up your service skills and up your wine game with help from the world’s best.
Course content
12 lessons · 45m 36s total · 1 hands-on activity
Course instructor

Kristene King Thrall is a highly experienced sommelier and Chief Strategy Officer at Va Bene Italian Eatery. With over 30 years in the restaurant industry, Kristene has built a successful career focused on wine education and restaurant strategy,...
View full profileInstitute of Hospitality
This course is globally recognized by the Institute of Hospitality and is worth one (1) CPD point.
Find out more →Why learn on Typsy?
Practical training designed for real hospitality moments.
Learn from industry professionals who understand real service.
Short, flexible lessons that work around shifts, not against them.
Give individuals clarity and teams a shared standard to follow.








