French Wine Scholar ™ online | 15-week Instructor-Led Format

15-week Instructor-Led Format

French Wine Scholar ™ online | 15-week Instructor-Led Format

Earn the French Wine Scholar™ (FWS) post-nominal through 15 weeks of self-study fully supported by a comprehensive study manual, interactive e-learning modules for each region, and 8 live review webinars.

This format provides the convenience and flexibility of an online study program with interactive live “classroom” instruction delivered to a global student network via computer or tablet.

We provide true tech support, stellar instruction from world renowned instructors, a flexible schedule of study designed for busy professionals and all the necessary tools to master French wines.

Preview of the Program:

The program launches on December 2nd 2019.
Get a head start! Gain instant access to online study materials... followed shortly by your study manual!

The French Wine Scholar™ education program is a French wine course designed to provide committed students of wine with the most advanced and comprehensive specialization study program on French wine bar none! After completion of this program, an educator, sommelier or wine enthusiast can teach, sell or enjoy French wines with poise and confidence.

How it works Why this format? Schedule of study FWS STUDY TOOLS

The French Wine Scholar ™ online | 15-week Instructor-Led Format includes:

Plus:

A schedule of study with learning objectives for each region
The French Wine Scholar™ online exam*
Access to repeat-after-me pronunciation exercise
Online quizzes and learning games for self-evaluation
Downloadable maps
A list of recommended wines to sample on your own or in a tasting group organized by students enrolled in the online program
A comprehensive series of webinars on regional wine styles with suggested wine list presented by Jay Youmans, Master of Wine

Price: $790

The program launches on December 2nd 2019.
Get a head start! Gain instant access to online study materials... followed shortly by your study manual!

How it works Why this format? Schedule of study FWS STUDY TOOLS

Endorsed by:

Meet your instructors:

Sharon McLean, CS, DipWSET, FWS, IWS

Certified Sommelier through the International Sommelier Guild Senior
Authorized instructor of Wine Scholar Guild and WSET courses on Vancouver Island
WSET Diploma with the highest marks in Canada
An accredited Bordeaux instructor

Lisa M. Airey, CWE, FWS

Director of Education for the Wine Scholar Guild since 2009
24 years of experience in the wine industry
Knighted by the French government for the FWS program’s significant contribution to the French wine industry.
Creator of the French Wine Scholar™ program

You can see Sharon's and Lisa’s detailed bio here.

How it works:

You receive the full-color, 274-page French Wine Scholar study manual for independent reading and study. Work through the material when you have time in your schedule.
You are provided access to on-line study modules and review quizzes corresponding to the course content found in the manual. These are available to you 24/7!
Attend 8 live webinars for 15 weeks via webinar accessible from computer or tablet. An opportunity to exchange freely with your instructor and fellow students. We always love to hear from you! Can’t make a webinar live? No problem. All are recorded for on demand replay in webinar or podcast formats…perfect on your way to work!
Have a question after watching a recorded webinar? Contact your instructors via and Instructor Q & A forum or email her directly. The choice is yours.
Track your progress through the course curriculum via our online tracking system.
You have one year from your registration date to take your final exam. When you are ready, please contact one month in advance, WSG Office Manager Celine Camus at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to check on availability and schedule your online exam. The test consists of 100 multiple choice questions. There is no tasting component. All you need is a laptop equipped with microphone and webcam and an internet connection.
We have structured the curriculum into a three-month program to keep you focused and disciplined in your study. But you have a full year to sit the exam…just in case life gets in the way.

How it works Why this format? Schedule of study FWS STUDY TOOLS

The program launches on December 2nd 2019.
Get a head start! Gain instant access to online study materials... followed shortly by your study manual!

Why this format?

1. It is manageable.

The program is designed to keep you on track…but it is also flexible enough to enable you to catch up should your schedule get interrupted…or even to suspend it should you get derailed. It is designed to accommodate the needs of a busy professional.

2. You have real human support.

Lisa and Sharon are available for questions via chat box during webinars, via the Q&A forum and via direct email/phone. There is also a student forum should you wish to create a study group/tasting group in your area or just interact with your fellow students. You can be as interactive or as independent as you want to be.

3. You are part of a global student community.

Your classmates will hail from every segment of the wine industry from all over the globe and offer very different insights and points of view. The intellectual ferment adds to the depth of your learning.

4. Your classroom is mobile.

If you have a computer, cell phone or tablet, you have a classroom.

Schedule of study:

Week 1 (Dec 2-8)	Welcome webinar (30 mins) with Sharon Monday, Dec. 2nd 2019 @ NOON EST · Meet your instructor and other students · General orientation · How to access online program and log-in to live webinars · How to use the discussion forum Self-study: Foundation Chapters and Alsace
Week 2 (Dec 9-15)	Self-study: Jura and Savoie
Week 3 (Dec 16-22)	Live webinar (1 hr 15 mins) with Sharon Monday, Dec. 16th 2019 @ NOON EST · Check-in on progress · Review of Alsace, Jura and Savoie Self-study: Champagne
(Dec 23-Jan 5)	Holiday Break - Self-study: Champagne
Week 4 (Jan 6-12)	Live webinar (1 hr 15 mins) with Sharon Monday, Jan 6th 2020 @ NOON EST · Check-in on progress · Review of Champagne Self-study: Loire
Week 5 (Jan 13-19)	Self-study: Loire
Week 6 (Jan 20-26)	Live webinar (1 hr 15 mins) with Sharon Monday Jan 20th 2020 @ NOON EST · Check-in on progress · Review of Loire Self-study: Bourgogne
Week 7 (Jan 27-Feb 2)	Self-study: Beaujolais
Week 8 (Feb 3-9)	Live webinar (1 hr 15 mins) with Lisa Monday Feb 3rd 2020 @ NOON EST · Check-in on progress · Review of Bourgogne, Beaujolais Self-study: Bordeaux
Week 9 (Feb 10-16)	Self-study: South-West France
Week 10 (Feb 17-23)	Live webinar (1 hr 15 mins) with Lisa Monday Feb 17th 2020 @ NOON EST · Check-in on progress · Review of Bordeaux, South-West France Self-study: Rhône
Week 11 (Feb 24-Mar1	Self-study: Provence
Week 12 (Mar 2-8)	Live webinar (1 hr 15 mins) with Lisa Monday Mar 2nd 2020 @ NOON EST · Check-in on progress · Review of Rhône Valley, Provence Self-study: Languedoc-Roussillon
Week 13 (Mar 9-15)	Self-study: Corsica
Week 14 (Mar 16-22)	Live webinar (1 hr 15 mins) with Sharon Monday Mar 16th 2020 @ NOON EST · Check-in on progress · Review of Languedoc-Roussillon & Corsica
Week 15 (Mar 23-29)	Revision Week
Mar 30	Live webinar (1 hr 15 mins) with Sharon Monday Mar 30th 2019 @ NOON EST · Overall review with sample test questions & exam Protocols

How it works Why this format? Schedule of study FWS STUDY TOOLS

The program launches on December 2nd 2019.
Get a head start! Gain instant access to online study materials... followed shortly by your study manual!

Don’t let the technology side of the program be a roadblock to your success.

If you’re not tech savvy, we can help. We will walk you through every step of logging on to your virtual classroom with both written and online instruction and orientation. We will take you from technophobe to tech savvy in less than an hour! Promise!

"FWS program has very sufficient online study support. Online program has been a tremendous help in my preparation for the final exam and allowed me to go over maps and quizzes for self evaluation in a very satisfying way." Dominika Zielinska FWS, Sommelier at Hynes Restaurant Group

We offer all the necessary tools & SUPPORT TO master the wines of France:

#1 FWS Study Manual (updated in 2018):

The 270-page, full-color study manual (6th Edition) provides all the information from which the test questions are derived. You do not need to research you own study materials; everything you need to know is in the manual.

Comprehensive coverage of France’s 14 distinct wine regions is presented in the following manner:

Viticultural history, wine culture and traditions
Location and climate and their effects on viticulture and wine style
Topography, geography and soils and their impact on the vine
Grape varieties and their organoleptic profiles
Viticulture and winemaking practices
Wine industry trends and economics
All AOCs with their regulations, wine styles and specificities

Regions covered: Alsace, Champagne, Bourgogne, Beaujolais, Jura, Savoie, Loire, Bordeaux, Southwest, Languedoc, Roussillon, Rhône, Provence, Corsica

Plus: A Foundation Unit covering: French wine law, grape varieties, viticulture, viniculture and a discussion of Old World vs. New World wine styles

French Wine Scholar™ study manual features:

"The manual is very well laid out with pertinent information that goes beautifully hand-in-hand with the online program. Highly recommended for both newcomers and well-seasoned wine students alike." BRIAN CHRIST, FWS

#2 FWS Online Study Modules (updated in 2018):

The FWS online study modules offer interactive presentations that are put into a measurable, meaningful format designed for maximum retention of content and ease of use. Each region of France is covered and dovetails nicely with the French Wine Scholar study manual. Study materials are available 24/7. If you’ve got a laptop and an internet connection, you’ve got a classroom!

French Wine Scholar™ online study modules features:

Quizzes and learning games for self-evaluation
Full audio narration to offer new insight and keep you engaged
Your place is automatically bookmarked/saved to resume where you left off
A progress bar tracks your accomplishments

*FWS Online Exam:

The exam is composed of 100 multiple-choice questions and must be completed in 60 minutes.
The French Wine Scholar credential will be conferred to those individuals who sit the exam and achieve a score of 75 or higher.
Online exam candidates must have a computer (tablet not compatible), a good internet connection, a webcam and a microphone with speakers for proctoring purposes.
Candidate has one year from registration date to take the exam. When ready, the candidate may contact 1 month in advance, WSG office manager Celine Camus at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to schedule the exam.
Important notice: Candidates cancelling less than 5 business days prior to their scheduled exam date or not showing up the day of will incur a $85 re-scheduling fee.

How it works Why this format? Schedule of study FWS STUDY TOOLS

The program launches on December 2nd 2019.
Get a head start! Gain instant access to online study materials... followed shortly by your study manual!

Industry Testimonials

"The French Wine Scholar manual has once again proven why the Wine Scholar Guild is one of the best wine education programs in the world. What I particularly found helpful was the background information at the beginning of the manual. The detailed information on the vineyard cycle, the effect of temperature and wind, the vineyard pests and plagues, understanding different trellising methods, etc., all helps build a solid foundation permitting a deeper understanding of wine. The manual clearly explains the methods for both vineyard and winery work, which allow the student to fully appreciate the French wine regions.

I have found many students are visual learners, and the quality of maps used by the French Wine Scholar manual are incredible. It really helps in understanding the material more thoroughly.

I found the manual to be very well organized, enjoyable level of detail and a study guide I will continue to recommend. Thank you for sharing this manual with me."

Nicholas Poletto

Director of Education at Kobrand Corporation

"The French Wine Scholar manual has once again proven why the Wine Scholar Guild is one of the best wine…

Nicholas Poletto

Director of Education at Kobrand Corporation
“The Wine Scholar Guild’s French Study Manual is simply the best and most comprehensive guide to French wine available today. Indispensable for any wine trade professional who works with French wine. Bravo!”

Martin Sinkoff

VP and Director of Marketing, Frederick Wildman And Sons

"Indispensable for any wine trade professional who works with French wine. Bravo!”

Martin Sinkoff

VP and Director of Marketing, Frederick Wildman And Sons

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Disclaimer: WSG offers wine study courses that are targeted to both beginners and those more experienced in the wine industry. While WSG has received many accolades, awards, and testimonials, WSG is not an accredited institution or school. WSG does not guarantee or warrant that any employer or school will recognize WSG wine study courses. While WSG knows that it is a well-recognized institution within the multi-national wine community, it cannot guarantee anyone success in their profession or vocation.

"The French Wine Scholar manual has once again proven why the Wine Scholar Guild is one of the best wine education programs in the world. What I particularly found helpful was the background information at the beginning of the manual. The detailed information on the vineyard cycle, the effect of temperature and wind, the vineyard pests and plagues, understanding different trellising methods, etc., all helps build a solid foundation permitting a deeper understanding of wine. The manual clearly explains the methods for both vineyard and winery work, which allow the student to fully appreciate the French wine regions.

I have found many students are visual learners, and the quality of maps used by the French Wine Scholar manual are incredible. It really helps in understanding the material more thoroughly.

I found the manual to be very well organized, enjoyable level of detail and a study guide I will continue to recommend. Thank you for sharing this manual with me."

Nicholas Poletto

Director of Education at Kobrand Corporation

"The French Wine Scholar manual has once again proven why the Wine Scholar Guild is one of the best wine education programs in the world."

Nicholas Poletto

Director of Education at Kobrand Corporation
“The Wine Scholar Guild’s French Study Manual is simply the best and most comprehensive guide to French wine available today. Indispensable for any wine trade professional who works with French wine. Bravo!”

Martin Sinkoff

VP and Director of Marketing, Frederick Wildman And Sons

"Indispensable for any wine trade professional who works with French wine. Bravo!”

Martin Sinkoff

VP and Director of Marketing, Frederick Wildman And Sons
"The French Wine Scholar is a very serious wine program but fun and very enjoyable to follow. The teaching is superb and the quality of the material brilliant."

Gerard Basset MS MW

MW, MS, Best Sommelier in the World 2010

"The teaching is superb and the quality of the material brilliant"

Gerard Basset MS MW

MW, MS, Best Sommelier in the World 2010
"The French Wine Scholar program… is the best, most comprehensive course of study for French wine, bar none. The program is well thought out and presented. Anyone wanting to learn about French wines needs to take this program; there is no better program out there"

Kevin Cleary

Owner/Director at Vermont Wine School

"Anyone wanting to learn about French wines needs to take this program; there is no better program out there"

Kevin Cleary

Owner/Director at Vermont Wine School
"Wine Scholar Guild is the new standard bearer for teaching wine to students of all learning styles.

The combination of their text book, online learning modules, quizzes and webinars combined with our presentation of their slides and wines of the regions makes in-depth learning great fun.

Their various Master programs are insanely challenging.

I cannot think of a better way to dive in deep on the wines of France to prepare for the Advanced & Master Sommelier exams, WSET Diploma or MW"

David Glancy MS, CWE, FWS

Founder of San Francisco Wine School

"I cannot think of a better way to dive in deep on the wines of France to prepare for the Advanced & Master Sommelier exams, WSET Diploma or MW"

David Glancy MS, CWE, FWS

Founder of San Francisco Wine School
"The French Wine Scholar Program is the most comprehensive approach that I have seen in regards to the wines of France, arguably the most important of all the wine-producing countries in the world. The level of detail and quality of the materials make this program a must-do for any serious student of wine"

Peter Neptune, MS, CWE, FWS

Founder of The Neptune School of Wine

"The level of detail and quality of the materials make this program a must-do for any serious student of wine"

Peter Neptune, MS, CWE, FWS

Founder of The Neptune School of Wine
"The French Wine Scholar Program is the industry's most comprehensive, in-depth course on the wines of France"

Jay Youmans, MW

Founder of Capital Wine School

"The French Wine Scholar Program is the industry's most comprehensive, in-depth course on the wines of France"

Jay Youmans, MW

Founder of Capital Wine School
"French wines are not easy to understand but for those committed to learn the result is uniquely rewarding.

The Wine Scholar Guild’s French Wine Scholar Study Manual provides a 360 guide that will take the student on an unparalleled journey through history, terroirs, winemaking, food paring and much more.

My most sincere appreciation goes to the WSG team for their great work to make French wines so much fun and easy to learn, for wine trade professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Bravo and “merci”!"

Xavier Barlier

Sr. VP, Marketing & Communication at Maisons Marques & Domaines

"My most sincere appreciation goes to the WSG team for their great work to make French wines so much fun and easy to learn"

Xavier Barlier

Sr. VP, Marketing & Communication at Maisons Marques & Domaines
"The 6^th edition of the French Wine Scholar study manual is a magnificent piece of work! It’s beautifully arranged in distinct segments in an easy to read format, with bring-to-life photos and graphics.

The regions are thoroughly presented starting with the history, then moving to climate, geology, grape varieties, wine styles, appellations and culminating with serving suggestions.

Numerous distinguished wine experts contributed to this newest edition with all the latest information. I only wish I had this book when I began studying French wine!"

Peter Marks, MW

VP of Education at Constellation Academy of Wine

"I only wish I had this book when I began studying French wine!"

Peter Marks, MW

VP of Education at Constellation Academy of Wine
"To anyone for whom knowledge of the subject of French wine is important, I would give the French Wine Scholar Study Manual my most complete commendation. It presents clearly, concisely, and accurately the sometimes intricate French viticultural appellations and rules, bringing them into one handy book where a quick reference provides one with the information. Organizing by region is practical and efficient for the reader.

As important as the technical knowledge is, though, I find equally interesting and important the work that has gone into explaining the history of each region--political, religious, social--and the geology and climate of each region. There is no true comprehension of wine without an understanding of the history of how a variety(varieties) came to be planted where they are, the geology of the soil on which these grapes are planted, and the effect of climate--in short to truly understand the term "Terroir" one must have knowledge of all of these aspects. This Manual provides a serious reader with these essentials.

Indeed, there is much to be learned by anyone who reads this book. At least there was for me.

To everyone who worked so diligently to prepare and write this Manual, I thank you."

Peter Weygandt

Founder & owner at Weygandt-Metzler Importing

"To anyone for whom knowledge of the subject of French wine is important, I would give the French Wine Scholar Study Manual my most complete commendation."

Peter Weygandt

Founder & owner at Weygandt-Metzler Importing
"Looking for informative, current and easy to understand materials to support your wine studies? WSG is the answer.

Access to top industry professionals, detailed information and insider-tips will help you achieve your goals".

Christophe Tassan MOF

Maitre Sommelier UDSf and MOF Sommellerie

"Looking for informative, current and easy to understand materials to support your wine studies? WSG is the answer."

Christophe Tassan MOF

Maitre Sommelier UDSf and MOF Sommellerie
"I would recommend the FWS program to any trade member wishing to increase his/her expertise in French wine and validate the same. This is wine education at its best!"

Louis-Fabrice Latour

Chairman at Maison Louis Latour