Florida Wine Academy Partners with FIU for WSET Wine Certification

Florida Wine Academy Partners with FIU for WSET Wine Certification

Florida Wine Academy Partners with FIU for WSET Wine Certification

The world of hospitality is evolving, and in a city like Miami—a global hub for tourism, luxury dining, and entertainment—the demand for specialized knowledge has never been higher. In a move that bridges the gap between academic excellence and industry-standard certification, the Florida Wine Academy (FWA) has officially announced a landmark partnership with Florida International University’s (FIU) Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management.

Beginning this spring, students, alumni, and hospitality professionals in North Miami will have direct access to the globally recognized Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) courses, hosted at one of the top-ranked hospitality schools in the United States.

A Full-Circle Partnership

For Alessandra Esteves, DipWSET, MW Candidate and founder of the Florida Wine Academy, this partnership is more than just a business arrangement; it is a professional homecoming. Esteves’ journey with FIU began nearly a decade ago in 2016, when she first collaborated with the late, legendary FIU Hospitality professor Patrick “Chip” Cassidy.

Cassidy was a titan in the Florida wine scene, and his influence helped shape the Chaplin School into the powerhouse it is today. Seeing the school grow—most notably with the 2023 launch of the Vidal-Duart Wine Studies Program—Esteves felt the timing was perfect to bring WSET’s structured, academic approach to the FIU campus.

“We are so grateful to Alessandra Esteves for leading the way,” said Michael Cheng, dean of the Chaplin School. “This partnership offers our students and alumni an amazing opportunity to expand their wine knowledge and gain a competitive edge in the global market.”

Why WSET Matters

In the hospitality industry, a WSET certification is often viewed as the “gold standard.” Unlike casual wine tastings, WSET courses provide a rigorous, globally consistent framework for understanding wine. For a student at FIU’s Chaplin School—currently ranked No. 4 among U.S. public universities—this certification serves as a powerful endorsement of their expertise.

The collaboration will kick off with the WSET Level 1 Award in Wines on April 25, 2026. This intensive, one-day course is designed for those at the start of their wine journey. It covers:

The primary types and styles of wine.

Common wine grapes and their characteristics.

How to store and serve wine professionally.

The principles of food and wine pairing.

The WSET Level 1 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine® (SAT).

By the end of the day, successful candidates walk away with an internationally recognized certificate and a lapel pin, marking their first step toward becoming a wine expert.

Elevating Miami’s Hospitality Scene

Miami isn’t just a vacation destination; it is a laboratory for the future of hospitality. The Chaplin School, located at FIU’s Biscayne Bay Campus, is the second-largest hospitality school in the U.S., attracting over 1,200 students from around the world. By integrating Florida Wine Academy’s specialized training into the FIU ecosystem, the partnership ensures that the next generation of sommeliers, hotel managers, and restaurateurs are equipped with the sensory and technical skills required by elite establishments.

One of the most exciting aspects of this announcement is the accessibility. Florida Wine Academy has confirmed that special tuition pricing will be available for current FIU students and alumni, ensuring that cost isn’t a barrier to professional growth.

About the Partners

Florida Wine Academy has established itself as Florida’s leading provider of wine, spirit, and sake education since its founding in 2016. With a focus on academic integrity and professional application, FWA has helped thousands of enthusiasts and professionals achieve their certification goals.

FIU’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management is a global leader in the field, ranked in the top 1% of hospitality schools worldwide. Its location in Miami provides students with unparalleled hands-on experience in one of the world’s most vibrant tourism markets.

How to Register

The inaugural WSET Level 1 course at the FIU North Miami campus is expected to fill up quickly. Whether you are a student looking to bolster your resume, an alum seeking to pivot your career, or a local professional wanting to sharpen your palate, this is a rare opportunity to learn from the best in the business within a world-class academic setting.

Registration is currently open via the Florida Wine Academy website.

Course Date: April 25, 2026 Location: FIU Biscayne Bay Campus, North Miami Contact:info@floridawineacademy.com | 305-792-8915

The post Florida Wine Academy Partners with FIU for WSET Wine Certification appeared first on Travel And Tour World.