Expansion Brings WSET Level 4 Access to North Bay Odyssey Wine Academy of Healdsburg has merged with Commonwealth Wine School, a provider of wine, spirits, sake, beer, and beverage education with locations in New England, San Francisco, and now Healdsburg. The partnership expands educational resources and qualification pathways for students throughout Sonoma County and beyond. Odyssey, which launched in 2022, has offered WSET programs and wine-tasting classes in Healdsburg. The merger grants students access to Commonwealth's digital study tools—recorded lectures, flashcards, quizzes, and exam preparation resources—plus access to Wine with Jimmy study materials for Level 3 and Level 4 coursework. A key draw for Odyssey students: the addition of WSET's Level 4 Diploma in Wines, the credential's highest qualification tier. Until now, Odyssey students had no pathway to pursue Level 4 locally.

New Classroom Location Beginning fall 2026, classes will move to Maison Wine Bar in downtown Healdsburg.

Enrollment is open at commonwealthwineschool.com for September 2026 courses. "From the start, we believed wine education is a journey, and all are welcome to come and explore," said Julie Rothberg, founder of Odyssey Wine Academy. "We've focused on creating a strong in-person experience. By becoming part of the Commonwealth network, we can now give our students access to online tools and a national team of educators that build on what's learned in the classroom." Commonwealth founder Jessica Sculley added: "San Francisco has become an important part of Commonwealth's West Coast presence, building on the work of longtime wine educator Adam Chase, who ran Grape Experience Wine & Spirit School. Healdsburg allows us to extend that community into Sonoma County and partner with an organization that shares our passion for wine education that is thorough, engaging, and accessible."

Why It Matters

For hospitality professionals and wine enthusiasts across the North Bay, the merger creates a local pathway through WSET's full credential ladder—from introductory awards through the Level 4 Diploma—while adding digital study support that classroom instruction alone cannot provide. Commonwealth's online courses also make advanced wine education accessible to remote learners regardless of geography.

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Written by FBM Publications Editors