Where to Learn About Wine in NYC and Beyond
/This article was updated on November 10,2025.
Are you looking to feel more confident navigating a wine list? Thinking of switching careers to become a wine professional? Or do you simply want to geek out on obscure wine facts? No matter your goal, there’s a wine class for you.
Below, you will find some of the best options in NYC for beginners and more advanced students. If you don’t live in or near New York, many of the schools listed offer programs in other cities or online.
Always keep in mind that the best way to learn about wine is by tasting it. The more you taste, the more you’ll learn. Scroll down to the bottom to see Manhattan and Brooklyn wine shops that offer tastings.
Wine Schools and Classes
International Wine Center (IWC)
One of the country’s best-loved wine and spirits educational centers, IWC offers WSET (Wine & Spirits Education Trust) beginner-level courses for those exploring wine, as well as advanced classes for industry professionals. They also offer courses on spirits and sake.
Address: 350 7th Avenue
Institute of Culinary Education (ICE)
ICE offers wine, beer, and spirits classes—from a beginner’s Introduction to Wine to advanced regional courses like Wines of Veneto: Prosecco, Valpolicella, Amarone, and More. The school also offers Court of Master Sommelier courses (available in other cities as well), including the Introductory Sommelier Course & Examination.
Address: 225 Liberty Street, 3rd Floor (Brookfield Place)
Info: (800) 522-4610
Sommelier Society of America
This five-month sommelier certificate course ends with a two-hour exam and is offered twice a year (fall and spring). Classes take place on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, with a remote option available. Ideal for serious wine enthusiasts or those pursuing a career in wine.
Address: 724 5th Avenue
Offers certification programs and study abroad opportunities for professionals and serious enthusiasts. Classes are available worldwide or online. To find out if a class is offered near you, click here.
Astor Center hosts wine classes, whiskey tastings, sake seminars, and cocktail workshops. Adjacent Astor Wines & Spirits offers regular tastings in a spacious retail setting.
Astor Center Address: 23 E. 4th Street
Astor Wines & Spirits Address: 399 Lafayette Street
Kevin Zraly’s Virtual Wine School
Zraly, the founder of the famous Windows on the World Wine School, now offers virtual classes for wine lovers at every level. Expect a fun and educational evening with a master storyteller.
Corkbuzz Restaurant & Wine Bar
Corkbuzz hosts classes for beginners and connoisseurs, covering global wines and blind-tasting techniques. Classes are offered in NYC (two locations), Charlotte, NC, and online.
Addresses: 75 9th Avenue, Chelsea Market, NYC
Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels
Offers a “Wine Bootcamp”—one-hour, sommelier-led tastings featuring four wines and one food pairing.
Address: 249 Centre Street, NYC
Founded by former lawyer Todd Wernstrom, who has over two decades of experience in the wine industry, Urban Pour Tastings offers in-home wine tastings, corporate events, and classes tailored for young professionals. Wernstrom’s approach blends deep knowledge with fun, helping guests learn to taste and talk about wine with confidence. Tastings are available throughout New York City, Long Island, Westchester, Northern New Jersey, and lower Fairfield County, CT.
Visit a Wine Shop
Manhattan
Most wine shops offer in-store tastings or events. Here are some to check out:
67 Wine & Spirits
Tastings every Saturday from noon to 7 PM.
Address: 179 Columbus Avenue (at 68th Street), NYC
Phone: (646) 762-5383
Beaupierre Wines & Spirits
Offers complimentary tastings on Thursdays (5–7 PM). They also provide in-home or corporate tastings, seminars, and wine-pairing dinners.
Address: 664 10th Avenue (at 47th St), NYC
Phone: (929) 244-3096
Flatiron Wines & Spirits
Specializes in small producers, often organic or biodynamic. Hosts regular classes and seminars with winemakers.
Address: 873 Broadway (between 18th and 19th Streets), NYC
Phone: (212) 477-1315
Grape Collective
Focuses on small, eco-conscious, family-owned wineries. Tastings on Saturdays from 4–6 PM. Sign up at grapecollective.com.
Address: 2675 Broadway (at 102nd St), NYC
Phone: (212) 222-3640
Orange Glou
The only wine store dedicated solely to orange wines. Offers in-person and virtual events.
Address: 264 Broome Street, NYC
Phone: (917) 388-2283
Veritas Studio Wines
Hosts invitation-only tasting events in Hell’s Kitchen. Owner Jeremy Kaplan puts together fun, themed events, such as a tasting of the wines of southern Spain, complete with entertainment by “Flamenco in New York.” Request an invite via Instagram: @veritasstudiowinesnyc. Tell him Lisa, The Wine Chef sent you!
Address: 527 West 45th Street, NYC
Brooklyn
Vine Wine
Focuses on small-production wines from producers who respect the Earth. Tastings from 6–8 PM.
Address: 619 Lorimer Street, Williamsburg
Phone: (718) 349-1718
Slope Cellars
Carries artisanal wines, spirits, cider, and sake. In-store tastings take place from 5:30 to 7:30 PM.
Address: 436 7th Ave, Park Slope
Phone: (718) 369-7307
