Industry-Leading Online Course Empowers Retail and Restaurant Professionals

NEW YORK, Aug. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- AFicioNAdo™, the world's first professional training and certification program dedicated to alcohol-free and non-alcoholic adult beverages, is proud to announce the launch of AFNA Wine Certified™, debuting on August 15, 2025. Co–founded and authored by Rachel Martin, a 20+ year wine producer, industry expert, and pioneer of luxury non-alcoholic wine, the certification equips beverage professionals with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills to master the AFNA wine segment.

Why it Matters

AFicioNAdo™, the first professional training and certification program dedicated to alcohol-free and non-alcoholic adult beverages, will launch AFNA Wine Certified™ on August 1, 2025. The program was co-founded and authored by Rachel Martin, a veteran wine producer with over 20 years of experience and a recognized leader in the emerging category of luxury non-alcoholic wine. The certification aims to equip beverage professionals with the knowledge and practical skills needed to master the growing AFNA (alcohol-free and non-alcoholic) wine segment.

As consumer interest in mindful drinking and premium non-alcoholic options continues to grow, according to Nielsen–IQ, annual sales of non–alcoholic beer, wine, and spirits in U.S. off–premise outlets have reached $740 million, up roughly 31% year–over–year, yet still only ~0.7% of all alcohol–category sales. With $1 billion in non–alcoholic beverage sales expected by 2026, and volume growth in non–alcoholic wine running at about 7% globally, AFNA Wine Certified™ offers beverage professionals a timely opportunity to lead in a rapidly expanding—and premiumizing—segment. The program offers beverage professionals a competitive edge. AFNA Wine Certified™ is designed to enhance professional credibility while helping individuals and businesses meet evolving market demands and tap into new revenue opportunities. 

About AFicioNAdo™ & AFNA Wine Certified™
AFicioNAdo™ has set a new standard in beverage education, offering certifications like AFNA Beer Certified™ and Cannabis Beverage Certified™. Now, with AFNA Wine Certified™, the program expands to include foundational and advanced training in non-alcoholic and alcohol-removed wines by covering production, sensory evaluation, market trends, labeling, and service.

"When Rachel first approached me about developing this certification, it was immediately clear she was the right person to lead the charge," said Meagen Coester (Anderson), founder of AFicioNAdo™. "Her vision and deep expertise made her a natural fit to co-found and author this important new vertical for our platform. At AFicioNAdo™, we build each certification alongside industry leaders and pair it with powerful learning technology—allowing us to deliver world-class training at a fraction of the time and cost of traditional in-person programs."

Meet Rachel Martin
Rachel Martin brings over two decades of winemaking experience, holding a viticulture, enology and sensory background from Napa Valley College and the University of Bordeaux. She founded Oceano Wines and its luxury non-alcoholic line, Oceano Zero—praised for its terroir-forward sophistication and recognized by industry press. Rachel also authored the successful petition that established the Middleburg Virginia AVA, contributing to the region's recognition for its viticultural quality. She and her wines have been featured in Forbes, Bloomberg, Food & Wine, and more. 

"I'm honored to co-create AFNA Wine Certified™ to bring rigor, confidence, and credibility to this expanding field," said Rachel Martin. "This certification empowers professionals to blend tradition and innovation—developing the knowledge and skills to thrive across the full spectrum of the category and meet the evolving expectations of today's wine consumer."

Program Highlights

• Comprehensive Curriculum: From AFNA wine styles and production to marketing, labeling, and service excellence.
  
  
• Final Exam: Certified candidates must pass an assessment with at least 80% to ensure they have retained the knowledge and can use it to improve the customer experience and unlock new revenue opportunities.
  
  
• Certification requires a minimum score of 80% on a final assessment, designed to ensure candidates can apply their knowledge to enhance the customer experience and support revenue growth.
  
  
• Global Standards: Teaches U.S., EU, UK, and Canadian regulations, labeling, and service expectations.
  
  
• Near-immediate ROI. Using technology through their partners at Nitecapp™, learners see an ROI within one week of achieving the certification, accelerating their confidence and credibility in the category.
  
  
• Professional Recognition: Earners receive the title, "AFNA Wine Certified™," a digital certificate, and a lapel pin.

Why It Matters
As consumer demand for mindful drinking and premium non-alcoholic options accelerates, beverage professionals must rise to the occasion. This certification positions individuals and businesses as knowledgeable leaders, strengthening professional credibility and unlocking new revenue streams.

Enrollment & Availability
AFNA Wine Certified™ opens for registration in August 2025. Registration and program details are available via AFicioNAdo™ at alcoholfreeaficionados.com.

About AFicioNAdo™
AFicioNAdo™ offers the only global certification suite for alcohol-free adult beverages. Founded by Meagen Coester, the organization provides credentialing for professionals in AFNA beer, wine, spirits, and cannabis beverage—setting the benchmark for excellence in mindful drinking education.

Contact
Name: Meagen Coester
Title: Founder and CEO, AFicioNAdo™ Certification Program
Email: 399323@email4pr.com
Phone: 972.821.6983
Website: alcoholfreeaficionados.com

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SOURCE AFicioNAdo™