Certification Opportunities 2026
Bonus education is an opportunity to start a path with WSET in their hybrid wine level course, and for more advanced students learn how to navigate a journey to Master of Wine. Wine Scholar Guild returns with a workshop on tasting. For those not pursuing these specific paths we also have a more casual meet-up on the schedule with GuildSomm International. In summary TEXSOM has coordinated with a wide variety of education providers to bring a myriad of education opportunities under one roof, all in a lead up to official conference activities that start at 5pm on Sunday, August 23rd.
Bonus education is not exclusive to conference attendees. Anyone interested in participating in these opportunities is most welcome to do so, whether you are attending the conference or not. Each provider has its own reservation link with details specific to their offerings and courses, and some of the certifications require study well in advance of arrival.
GuildSomm International
3:00PM – 4:30PM Sunday, August 23, 2026
Gather with GuildSomm alongside fellow beverage professionals. Join us for community and conversation before TEXSOM officially kicks off.
Hill Country Wine Academy: Advanced Texas Wine Ambassador Course
9:00AM – 4:00PM Saturday, August 22, 2026
9:00AM – 4:00PM Sunday, August 23, 2026
Only at the 2026 TexSom Conference, skip straight from Texas Wine Ambassador to the Advanced Certification Course that moves rapidly beyond the patterns and inspiring messages of Texas wine into a celebration of Texas terroir and the practices that bring the land’s expression to shine in the glass. In this two-day intensive, dive into comparative tastings of Texas-grown wine which will guide an in-depth consideration of the unique style, history, environment, and audience of six distinctive regions in the state. Learn how to identify Texas regionally by taste and texture, pair food and make service decisions that highlight the wines’ intended balance, and discuss the trends that are leading consumers to look at Texas wine in a new light. Lunch will be provided on both days, and a lapel pin and physical certificate will be awarded on Sunday to commemorate the effort given to the skills and theoretical understanding that impact Texas-grown wine.
Institute of Masters of Wine: Introduction to the IMW
3:00PM – 4:30PM Sunday, August 23, 2026
Join Masters of Wine Sheri Morano and Dilek Caner, to learn more about the Institute of Masters of Wine and the MW study programme. Topics covered will include entrance requirements, study programme structure, information on the exam and the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the programme and the pathway to becoming a Master of Wine.
Wine Scholar Guild: From Autopilot to Awareness: a New Toolkit for Tasting
3:00PM – 4:30PM Sunday, August 23, 2026
Led by WSG’s very own Chris Martin MW, Director of Education, and Kristina Sazama, Associate Director of Tasting Programs, this session offers an exclusive glimpse into the philosophy, tools and methods behind the WSG Tasting Diploma and its innovative approach to perceptive communication. Participants will taste six wines, engage in practical tasting exercises and discover tools that can sharpen observation improve communication. Along the way, they will receive feedback from a Master of Wine and experience selected exercises used in WSG’s flagship tasting program.
WSET Level 2 Wines Online Course and Exam
Level 2 Wines Online Course with In-Person Tasting
10:00AM – 12:00PM Sunday, August 23, 2026
Presented by Dallas Wine Education Center. The Level 2 Wines Online course starts on July 20, 2026. The course concludes with an optional tasting session with Dilek Caner, Master of Wine on August 23rd, followed by the exam at the TEXSOM Conference, providing a unique opportunity for personalized guidance.