The Odyssey Wine Academy, renowned for being Sonoma County’s first in-person Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) certification school, has officially merged with the Commonwealth Wine School, a Massachusetts-based institution specializing in wine, spirits, sake, and beer education. Founded in 2022 by Julie Rothberg, the academy has quickly become a destination for wine enthusiasts and aspiring professionals, offering WSET’s recognized certification programs across four levels of increasing complexity.

Rothberg emphasized that the merger was partly motivated by a desire to balance work and family life. She intends to focus on enhancing marketing efforts and expanding course offerings as she remains actively involved with the academy. Previously hosted at Bacchus Landing in Healdsburg, Odyssey’s classes will now transition to "The Friend" room at Maison Wine Bar near the Healdsburg Plaza starting this fall.

Maison co-owner Evan Hufford, a certified sommelier and veteran instructor from the San Francisco Wine School, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, viewing it as an opportunity to promote wine education and collaboration in a space designed for industry networking. The new venue is expected to continue offering classes, including WSET Level 1 sake courses. Enrollment is currently open for the upcoming courses slated to begin this September.

For more information, visit Odyssey Wine Academy and Commonwealth Wine School.