About
Learn the story behind Virtual Beer School
Natalya’s vision for Virtual Beer School has always been to give people an opportunity to learn more about beer and show what they know
- which is why both courses follow syllabi from the Cicerone Certification Program
- and upon completion of the course, interested attendees can sit an exam to gain a qualification.
Why aim for a qualification? As a Beer Sommelier and Advanced Cicerone®, Natalya understands the value of these certifications in building confidence and credibility and is happy to support others at any stage in their journey.
(That said though, attendees are more than welcome to sign up for Virtual Beer School to build up their beer knowledge without an interest in taking an exam.)
Please note: The cost of the exam is not included in the cost of the course. Virtual Beer School is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Cicerone Certification Program.
May 2020
During lockdown, Natalya began hosting free weekly online beer education sessions on a variety of topics crowd-sourced from attendees.
September 2020
The idea for Virtual Beer School developed from there, as a more formal paid-for offering to help prepare interested attendees for the Certified Beer Server exam…
February 2021
… and later the Certified Cicerone exam (as requested by students), so attendees could learn more about beer and show what they know.
Natalya designed Virtual Beer School to be approachable and accessible, to build confidence, and to create community.
As of late 2022, more than 300 students have completed Natalya’s courses and she was recently named “Training Professional of the Year” at the British Institute of Innkeeping’s National Innovation in Training Awards.
Brought to you by Natalya Watson
Virtual Beer School is brought to you by Natalya Watson, an award-winning beer educator, Beer Sommelier and Advanced Cicerone®.
Natalya is passionate about sharing her knowledge of beer with others because she believes that beer is simply too delicious to remain undiscovered. Find out more about her book, podcast, and upcoming events on beerwithnat.com.
Virtual Beer School gives everyone the opportunity to learn more about beer and show what they know.
Online beer education brought to you by Natalya Watson, award-winning beer educator, Beer Sommelier & Advanced Cicerone®.
Virtual Beer School is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Cicerone Certification Program.
Virtual Beer School 