SVH ACCREDITED | 98% OF OUR STUDENTS RECOMMEND US

FOOD | WINE | HOSPITALITY

SVH Vinologist/Sommelier Online

Become a wine professional of the highest calibre. Explore wine regions, grape varieties, winemaking and food and wine pairings online, and combine flexible learning with live online lessons and practical sessions centred on wine tasting.

20% discount

via De Horecabond

€1895,-

rVS® registration

4 days

400–425 hrs self-study

E-learning

Dutch or English

What you'll learn at the SVH Vinologist Online Course?

During the course, you will develop in-depth knowledge of wine as well as the skills to taste, evaluate and advise on wine professionally. The course combines theory, tasting techniques and food and wine pairings.

Assessing wine objectively

Learn how to assess wine professionally in terms of colour, aroma, flavour, texture, balance and quality.

Truly understanding taste

Explore how taste works and learn to recognise how different elements in wine and food influence one another.

Pairing wine with food

Learn how to create well-considered wine and food pairings and select the right wine to accompany a variety of dishes.

Cooking with wine

Turn the process on its head and discover how you can adapt a dish to suit the character and flavour profile of a specific wine.

Advising and surprising guests

Learn how to turn your knowledge into professional advice and combinations that will allow your guests or customers to experience something truly new.

Expert-level knowledge of wine

Gain an in-depth understanding of wine regions, grape varieties, terroir, winemaking techniques, quality and different styles of wine from around the world.

Innovative learning

More wine knowledge, flexible and online

The online Vinologist/Sommelier course combines self-directed learning with live guidance and practical experience. You’ll study the theory via e-learning at times that suit your schedule, whilst also attending online lessons via the Digital Classroom.

As you can’t learn about wine from a book alone, the course also includes four days of practical training.

4 days of practical training

During each practical session, you will taste and discuss around 25 wines. You will practise your tasting technique, learn to assess wine objectively and explore specific topics in greater depth during each practical session.

10 live online lessons

During the Digital Classroom, you’ll take part in live online lessons in which teachers explore the course material in greater depth and you further develop your knowledge.

E-learning

Study the comprehensive theory independently and at your own pace. This way, you can decide for yourself when and where you work on the course.

Whom is SVH Vinologist Online aimed at?

This course is designed for people with serious ambitions in the world of wine who wish to train as wine experts or sommeliers, but who want to combine their studies flexibly with work and other commitments.

The Vinologist/Sommelier course is a Level 4 qualification and builds on advanced knowledge of wine. To enrol on the course, you must hold the SVH Wine 3 certificate.

The course prepares you for the official SVH examination. Once you have passed this, you will be entitled to use the registered title ‘SVH Registered Vinologist/Sommelier (rVS®)’. The rVS title is registered for a period of five years. This demonstrates that your knowledge and professional competence are verifiably at a professional level.

SVH-ACCREDITED | 92% PASS RATE

Make wine knowledge your area of expertise

Would you like to learn how to understand, taste and recommend wine at a professional level? With SVH Vinoloog / Sommelier Online, you can combine flexible study with live lessons and practical sessions, and work towards the highest professional level in wine.

20% discount

via De Horecabond

€1895,-

rVS® registration

4 days

400–425 hrs self-study

E-learning

Dutch or English

SVH-ACCREDITED | 92% PASS RATE

Make wine knowledge your area of expertise

20% discount

via De Horecabond

€1895,-

rVS® registration

4 days

400–425 hrs self-study

E-learning

Dutch or English

Would you like to learn how to understand, taste and recommend wine at a professional level? With SVH Vinoloog / Sommelier Online, you can combine flexible study with live lessons and practical sessions, and work towards the highest professional level in wine.

SVH-ACCREDITED | 92% PASS RATE

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about the SVH Vinoloog/Sommelier online course at WTOL Academy.

What does SVH mean?

SVH stands for: Stichting Vakbekwaamheid Hospitality.
SVH’s core objective is to enhance professional competence in the hospitality sector. Together with partners from hospitality education and the business community, SVH develops (digital) learning resources and teaching methods for vocational education (MBO), trainers and business owners. SVH ensures standards of knowledge by setting examinations and provides insight into the range of training programmes available for the hospitality sector. In this way, they help to ensure that hospitality education is aligned with the needs of the business world; we contribute to innovation and enhance professional competence within the sector. www.svh.nl

Which level is most suitable for me?

The demand for education is increasing rapidly as people seek more knowledge. In addition to our practical training courses, we use modern digital learning methods such as E-learning, Game-learning and Mobile learning.
Below is an overview of the different knowledge levels:
– Level 1 (Basic)
– Level 2 (Intermediate)
– Level 3 (Advanced)
– Level 4 (Expert)

Why should I take an SVH Training?

SVH is an independent organisation and places great value on transparency and reliability. That’s why they have asked the Foundation Examination Board to provide external supervision of all SVH exams.

The Foundation Examination Board is an independent institution that supervises professional qualifying and/or function-oriented exams. The Examination Board has conducted various audits and found that the SVH exams meet the requirements.

This way we ensure that the quality of your SVH certificates and diplomas is additionally guaranteed.

What does E-learning | Game learning involve?

Game learning, that’s learning through entertainment. By offering information and/or skills in game form, we make learning, discovering and experiencing fun. You stay motivated and the knowledge you gain sticks better and is available in your own time. The E-learning│Game Learning contains a unique learning method. The program is built on knowledge, insight and application. It can, therefore, be quite challenging to answer the questions. We do strongly recommend that you first go through the lessons thoroughly before answering the questions.

What is the difference between SVH, SDEN and WSET?

SVH, SDEN and WSET are not training courses but exam levels from three independent organisations. To obtain the right diploma, you must find a recognised trainer who meets your requirements. Because WSET is the largest organisation for wine education worldwide, it is often mistakenly seen as an internationally recognised training. In terms of content, the training lags behind SVH and SDEN, which both have industry recognition and international appeal.

Theoretical and experimental frameworks.
Theoretical and experimental frameworks apply to both SVH and SDEN exams. For SVH exams, a plus applies, meaning extra content on practical applicability. This additional content relates to everything a hospitality employee needs to know about giving good advice to guests and hobbyists at home about wine and food.

I'm Taking a Training Course, Do I Have to Take an Exam?

No, that’s not mandatory! But… a successful course/training or education should be crowned with a meaningful diploma, the irrefutable proof that you have a certain level of knowledge. Under the exams section in the main menu, you’ll find the various dates for the official SVH exam. For more information about exams, also see SVH.nl

Theoretical and experimental frameworks.
Theoretical and experimental frameworks apply to both the SVH and SDEN exams. A plus applies to the SVH exams, which means extra content on practical applicability. This extra content relates to everything an employee in the hospitality industry needs to know within certain functions in order to be able to give good advice to the guest. But also the hobbyist at home, who wants to know more about wine and food.

I'm an entrepreneur. Are the costs for training tax deductible?

Check the current rules regarding deduction of study costs at www.belastingdienst.nl

I'm an employee. Are the costs for training tax deductible?

Study costs are tax-deductible, but there are some conditions attached. The main conditions are:
1) The study costs you incur must be related to earning your income.
2) You can acquire a better position within the company where you work with this wine study.
Check the current rules regarding deduction of study costs at www.belastingdienst.nl

I have a complaint. What should I do?

Do you have a complaint?
If you have a complaint about our services, you can submit it to the management of WTOL Academy BV. We will do our utmost to resolve your complaint to your satisfaction. See also our general terms and conditions.
Description of your complaint
Clearly state in the letter or email what the complaint is and/or why you are not satisfied with the solution. Always include your personal details and account number. You can send your letter to: Click here
Response within 6 weeks
The management of WTOL Academy BV strives to respond in writing as quickly as possible. You will receive a response within 6 weeks at the latest.
Disagree with management’s response
Do you disagree with the management’s response? Then you can turn to the court. In certain cases you can turn to the disputes committee.
Binding decision
The decision of the Disputes Committee is binding for both you and WTOL Academy BV. The Disputes Committee charges fees for handling a dispute. For more information, please contact the Disputes Committee.

My question hasn't been answered. What can I do?

Leave your details here and we’ll contact you within one business day.
You can also contact us directly. We are available by phone on weekdays between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. We’re happy to help you.

FOOD | WINE | HOSPITALITY

SVH Vinoloog / Sommelier Online

PROGRAM

Throughout the course, your senses will be trained to recognise the complex flavours and aromas of wine. You will learn how to distinguish the colour, bouquet and structure of wines from all over the world. Using professional techniques, you will become a true expert in wine tasting. In the complete SVH Registered Vinologist/Sommelier program, you will taste approximately 400 wines, specifically selected to help you master an excellent tasting technique.

Answers to the 10 most frequently asked questions about the SVH Vinologist/Sommelier course.

Food and wine pairings
A skilled vinologist/sommelier can do more than assess the flavours of a wine; they are also a professional adviser in wine and food pairing. You will learn how to select wines that perfectly combine with all the ingredients served on a dish.

√ Learn to assess wine objectively
√ Gain deeper insight into flavours in both wine and food
√ Learn how to find the right wine for any dish
√ Learn how to adapt a dish to complement a specific wine
√ Explore the fundamental principles of what flavour actually is
√ Learn how to challenge and surprise guests with wine and food pairings
√ Master everything about wine regions, grape varieties, and vinification techniques

Course Schedule
Approximately 25 wines will be tasted and discussed during the practical day. The morning session will focus on tasting techniques and the objective assessment of wine. In the afternoon, we will cover a specific theme.

Download the course schedule here:
Practical Saturday [Download course schedule 2025 – 2026]
Digital Classroom [Download course schedule 2025 – 2026]
Practical Monday [Download course schedule 2025 – 2026]

Learning with like-minded professionals

In addition to the four practical lessons of your choice, the Online SVH Vinologist/Sommelier course offers plenty of opportunities to gain practical experience. Together with your fellow students, you will engage in tastings, visit wineries and participate in masterclasses led by renowned wine experts.

Digital Classroom: In addition to the various practical lessons and the e-learning program, we are introducing the Digital Classroom. This new feature enables you to attend LIVE online lessons.

rVS: a recognised and registered SVH title
After passing the exam, you can continuously acquire knowledge as a qualified SVH Vinologist/Sommelier and demonstrate that your professional expertise remains up to date. You will be entitled to use the title ‘SVH Registered Vinologist/Sommelier’ (rVS) for a period of five years. This title provides you with an outstanding status and professional recognition within the industry.

For whom?

Do you have serious wine ambitions? You have come to the right place with the SVH Vinologist/Sommelier course! Unconventional, with a unique online learning method. The SVH Vinologist/Sommelier course is a wine program designed for both enthusiasts who wish to pursue a serious wine course as a hobby and those pursuing wine education for professional reasons. The perfect wine course for anyone with serious wine ambitions!”

Start whenever it suits you! Choose between self-study or the full program. You can start with us at any time. We ensure a seamless transition into the various practical sessions and tasting groups.

E-Learning
With this state-of-the-art e-learning program, you can learn at your own pace and at a time that suits you best. You have the freedom to study whenever and wherever you want, regardless of your busy schedule. This flexibility allows you to tailor your studies to your personal needs and commitments.

Take the knowledge test and receive advice

Introduction to E-learning

VAT exempt 0.0%

Good to know: all our courses are exempt from VAT, so you do not pay VAT on the course fee.

Member discount The Horecabond 20%

A member of The Horecabond? Enjoy a 20% discount on our courses.

50% discount on Entree Magazine

Sign up for the course and receive a subscription to Entree Magazine at a 50% discount.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What does SVH mean?

SVH staat voor: Stichting Vakbekwaamheid Hospitality.
SVH heeft als kerndoel het vergroten van de vakbekwaamheid in de horeca. Samen met partners uit het horecaonderwijs en bedrijfsleven ontwikkelt SVH (digitale) leermiddelen en lesmethodes voor het (mbo-)onderwijs, opleiders en ondernemers. SVH waarborgt kennis door het afnemen van examens en geeft inzicht in het opleidingsaanbod voor de horeca. In this way, they help to ensure that hospitality education is aligned with the needs of the business world; we contribute to innovation and enhance professional competence within the sector. www.svh.nl

Which level is most suitable for me?

The demand for education is increasing rapidly as people seek more knowledge. In addition to our practical training courses, we use modern digital learning methods such as E-learning, Game-learning and Mobile learning.
Below is an overview of the different knowledge levels:
– Level 1 (Basic)
– Level 2 (Intermediate)
– Level 3 (Advanced)
– Level 4 (Expert)

Why should I take an SVH Training?

SVH is an independent organisation and places great value on transparency and reliability. That’s why they have asked the Foundation Examination Board to provide external supervision of all SVH exams.

The Foundation Examination Board is an independent institution that supervises professional qualifying and/or function-oriented exams. The Examination Board has conducted various audits and found that the SVH exams meet the requirements.

This way we ensure that the quality of your SVH certificates and diplomas is additionally guaranteed.

What does E-learning | Game learning involve?

Game learning, that’s learning through entertainment. By offering information and/or skills in game form, we make learning, discovering and experiencing fun. You stay motivated and the knowledge you gain sticks better and is available in your own time. The E-learning│Game Learning contains a unique learning method. The program is built on knowledge, insight and application. It can, therefore, be quite challenging to answer the questions. We do strongly recommend that you first go through the lessons thoroughly before answering the questions.

What is the difference between SVH, SDEN and WSET?

SVH, SDEN and WSET are not training courses but exam levels from three independent organisations. To obtain the right diploma, you must find a recognised trainer who meets your requirements. Because WSET is the largest organisation for wine education worldwide, it is often mistakenly seen as an internationally recognised training. In terms of content, the training lags behind SVH and SDEN, which both have industry recognition and international appeal.

Theoretical and experimental frameworks.
Theoretical and experimental frameworks apply to both SVH and SDEN exams. For SVH exams, a plus applies, meaning extra content on practical applicability. This additional content relates to everything a hospitality employee needs to know about giving good advice to guests and hobbyists at home about wine and food.

I'm Taking a Training Course, Do I Have to Take an Exam?

No, that’s not mandatory! But… a successful course/training or education should be crowned with a meaningful diploma, the irrefutable proof that you have a certain level of knowledge. Under the exams section in the main menu, you’ll find the various dates for the official SVH exam. For more information about exams, also see SVH.nl

Theoretical and experimental frameworks.
Theoretical and experimental frameworks apply to both the SVH and SDEN exams. A plus applies to the SVH exams, which means extra content on practical applicability. This additional content covers everything an hospitality employee needs to know about giving good advice to the guests and hobbyist at home about wine and food.

I'm an entrepreneur. Are the costs for training tax deductible?

Check the current rules regarding deduction of study costs at www.belastingdienst.nl

I'm an employee. Are the costs for training tax deductible?

Study costs are tax-deductible, but there are some conditions attached. The main conditions are:
1) The study costs you incur must be related to earning your income.
2) You can acquire a better position within the company where you work with this wine study.
Check the current rules regarding deduction of study costs at www.belastingdienst.nl

I have a complaint. What should I do?

Do you have a complaint?
If you have a complaint about our services, you can submit it to the management of WTOL Academy BV. We will do our utmost to resolve your complaint to your satisfaction. See also our general terms and conditions.
Description of your complaint
Clearly state in the letter or email what the complaint is and/or why you are not satisfied with the solution. Always include your personal details and account number. You can send your letter to: Click here
Response within 6 weeks
The management of WTOL Academy BV strives to respond in writing as quickly as possible. You will receive a response within 6 weeks at the latest.
Disagree with management’s response
Do you disagree with the management’s response? Then you can turn to the court. In certain cases you can turn to the disputes committee.
Binding decision
The decision of the Disputes Committee is binding for both you and WTOL Academy BV. The Disputes Committee charges fees for handling a dispute. For more information, please contact the Disputes Committee.

My question hasn't been answered. What can I do?

Leave your details here and we’ll contact you within one business day.
You can also contact us directly. We are available by phone on weekdays between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. We’re happy to help you.

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