The Society of Wine Educators was founded in 1977. We are a non-profit educational organization (501c3) whose mission is to set the standard for quality and responsible wine and spirits education and professional certification. In many professions, a successful career is marked by an appropriate education verified by a credible certification program that is recognized both by the public and one’s peers. These credentials are a valuable and widely respected mark of a wine professional’s commitment to personal career development and ultimately to the wine industry as a whole. Individuals that receive professional certification raise the standard of proficiency in the wine arena and assist the industry by elevating the knowledge base of everyone with whom they come in contact. Professional certification encourages an industry to build upon itself by fostering an environment where individuals can pursue excellence and achieve subject mastery. Our CSS, CSW, CWE, and CSE programs confer certifications not certificates or diplomas–and we encourage our members to use their post-nominals as part of their professional signatures. We are the first and only wine and spirits education organization to offer digital badges. Our seminars, conferences, tutored tastings and other wine events are designed to educate the student and train the trainer. The Society’s goal is to foster and promote the professional education and development of the individual in particular, and the professional education and development of the wine and spirits industry as a whole.