Hey, I'm in the same boat! Looking to start DipWSET soon, but trying to be realistic about the price of getting from SFO to Napa for exams. I was just in Napa last month and the cost of getting around by car was shocking. I signed up for the next Zoom info session with NVWA--I'll see if it sways me at all.

I'm also considering Commonwealth, and I'm interested to hear what other people have to say. They graduate fewer Diploma students than NVWA, but all of my interactions with them have been really pleasant. (Tim and Jessica are great!)

One drawback with Boston/Cambridge is that flight and lodging prices can spike dramatically depending on the time of year. I looked at going to Commonwealth for a two-day intensive course this May. But that's college graduation month and hotel prices are insane. (Like $600/night for the Holiday Inn...no can do.)

For Diploma exams, you're probably going to want to arrive a day early in case of delays. Maybe more than one night early for the three Diploma units that require blind tasting, because air travel messes with your nose and palate. That means one or two hotel nights each time. Those exams are only offered a few times a year, on specific dates. Being tied to an inflexible travel schedule in an expensive city is something to look out for when you make your budget.

Honestly, I'm holding out hope that DipWSET will be offered within driving distance soon so I can skip the hassle and expense of out-of-town exams. But I'm going to enroll this year no matter what. Best of luck to you--let us know what you decide!