Why The Academy of Wine and Spirits Is Better Than WSET & CMS
1. Internationally Certified and Recognized
Unlike WSET and CMS, whose certificates often come with long delays and rigid structures, AWS courses are:
- Certified through CPD (UK) – giving you internationally valid, professional-level qualifications.
- Accepted across hospitality institutions, cruise lines, resorts, and global beverage companies.
- Delivered with full transparency, clear learning outcomes, and certification turnaround in under 2 weeks.
2. Created by a Real Industry Titan
Let’s talk credibility. AWS was founded by Christian Esser, a global force in beverage education:
- Trained over 20,000+ professionals in 28 countries
- Ex-WSET educator (2009–2024) who knows the system—and built something better
- Founder of the world’s first certified Rum Education program with WIRSPA
- Certified educator in over a dozen specialist areas—from Sherry and Sake to Cognac and Cheese
- Deep real-world experience: From Michelin-level wine lists to running award-winning bar programs
3. More Than Wine – It’s the Full Spectrum
WSET and CMS? Mostly wine-focused, sometimes with outdated spirits modules. AWS delivers:
- Wine, Spirits, Sake, Rum, Cognac, Whisky, Armagnac, Barolo, Beer, and Mixology – each with dedicated certified educator pathways.
- Built-in modules on culinary pairing, service excellence, and sales – because knowing your Richebourg means nothing if you can’t sell it.
- Options for custom programs for hotels, resorts, and cruise lines to train whole teams.
4. Real-Life Usefulness. No Cloaks, No Daggers
- CMS is legendary for gatekeeping and an elitist tone. AWS is for professionals, not for people trying to impress themselves with pins and secret handshakes.
- WSET is rigid and pricey. AWS is faster, sharper, and 25–30% more cost-effective, while being far more relevant to modern F&B.
- Our programs are also service-driven, with culinary integration, something WSET completely ignore.
5. Better Teaching. Faster Results. More Fun.
- Online, hybrid, and in-person delivery—flexible for your schedule and location.
- Results and certifications within 2 weeks, not 3–5 months.
- Designed with hospitality DNA: This isn’t just classroom theory—it’s made for people behind the bar, in the kitchen, or on the floor.
6. Unmatched Educator Credentials
Christian Esser and AWS’s educator network boast certifications from:
- Capstone California
- Consejo Regulador de Jerez
- BNIC (Cognac)
- Armagnac Bureau
- Rioja DOCa
- Sake Sommelier Academy
- Whisky Ambassador
- Sherry Educator Program
- Academy of Cheese
…and a laundry list more. WSET and CMS can’t compete with that breadth or depth.
Why AWS Wins
Feature
|
Academy of Wine & Spirits
|
WSET
|
Court of Master Sommeliers
|
| Certification Speed |
< 2 weeks |
3–5 months |
Varies, often long |
| Course Flexibility |
Online / Hybrid / In-Person |
Mostly in-person |
In-person, invitation only |
| Curriculum Breadth |
Wine, Spirits, Sake, Cheese, Beer, Rum, Pairing, Service |
Wine & Spirits |
Mostly Wine & Service |
| Educator Access |
Global network with top accreditations |
Limited access |
Invitation-only elite circle |
| Cost-Effectiveness |
25–30% more value for money |
High |
Very high |
| Innovation |
Culinary & service integration, AI tools |
Traditional |
Ultra-traditional |
| Industry Relevance |
Up-to-date and practical |
Often academic |
Heavily hierarchical |
Final Word
The Academy of Wine and Spirits is built for today’s professionals—nimble, multidisciplinary, global-minded. If you're looking to actually do something with your beverage education (instead of just hanging a pin on your blazer), you're in the right place.
Learn more or join the revolution: academyofwineandspirits.org
Let WSET and CMS cling to their dusty glory. At AWS, we’re pouring the future.
