Program Overview

French Wine Scholar™ Study & Certification Program

THE FRENCH WINE SCHOLAR™ PROGRAM IS THE INDUSTRY'S MOST RESPECTED CERTIFICATION COURSE ON THE WINES OF FRANCE.

The French Wine Scholar™ program is the most advanced, comprehensive, and up-to-date French wine course. The syllabus takes a regional approach and discusses all French wine appellations and the factors that shape their identities.

The program provides committed students of wine with an unparalleled set of study tools designed to maximize learning and boost knowledge retention.

SEE WHAT THE FRENCH WINE SCHOLAR IS ALL ABOUT!

 

ONLINE LEARNING   CLASSROOM LEARNING

 

STUDY OPTION 1 | ONLINE LEARNING

Earn the French Wine Scholar™ (FWS) post-nominal via the online, independent study format OR enroll in the instructor-led online format, including 15 on-demand webinars and live online Monthly Meet-Ups with your instructors.

The French Wine Scholar™ Online Learning Format Includes:

  • A comprehensive 330-page study manual with illustrations, maps, and graphics, available in print + e-book formats
  • 1-year access to our interactive and user-friendly e-learning platform, including online learning modulespronunciation exercisesquizzes, and flashcards
  • 15 on-demand webinars with acclaimed wine educators (instructor-led format only)
  • Monthly thematic online Meet-Ups with your instructors to reinforce the course materials (instructor-led format only)
  • The FWS Study Roadmap: A Checklist For Success, providing a suggested schedule of study
  • A list of recommended wines to sample on your own or in a tasting group 
  • An online exam sit (100 multiple choice questions)

Choose your format:

Independent Study Format

Start anytime

Price: $750 

LEARN MORE

Instructor-Led Format

Next session starts April 20

Price: $950

LEARN MORE
 



STUDY OPTION 2 | CLASSROOM LEARNING

French Wine Scholar™ classes are offered by licensed program providers and delivered by an approved FWS instructor. This study format includes:

All FWS program providers teach from the same Wine Scholar Guild-developed presentations and are supplied with uniform teaching materials.

Naturally, each instructor has a unique teaching style. As a result, the wine selection will vary by market, and the class length, class structure (weekly, biweekly, weekends, etc.), and price will vary from location to location. Still, the content will be the same no matter where you take the class. For many, the classroom experience helps hammer home the theory; a tutored tasting component brings each region to life. In addition, many students find the set schedule helpful in keeping up with their studies.

FIND A PROVIDER NEAR YOU

 

 

STUDY MATERIALS

We offer all the necessary tools and support to master the wines of France!

FWS study manual in print + e-book formats

The 330-page study manual provides all the information derived from the test questions. You do not need to research your study materials; everything you need to know is in the manual.

Comprehensive coverage of France's 14 distinct wine regions:

  • 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
  • Fundamental Unit covers the history of France, its political geography, physical geography, climate, soils, grapes, training systems, and viticultural & vinicultural practices, plus an essential piece on how AOCs are counted and why different sources quote different figures.
  • Particular focus on current regional trends and challenges
  • Pie charts of pertinent AOC production numbers and area under vine by wine region
  • Learning objectives that provide detailed assessment criteria for mastery

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

FWS Online Study Modules

French Wine Scholar™ online study modules feature:

The FWS online study modules offer interactive presentations in a measurable, meaningful format designed for maximum content retention 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. So if you've got a laptop and an internet connection, you've got a classroom!

  • Quizzes and learning games for self-evaluation
  • Educational graphics, videos, and pronunciation exercises to offer new insight and keep you engaged
  • Auto save function for resuming where you left off 
  • A progress bar tracks your accomplishments

 

About the French Wine Scholar:

The French Wine Scholar study and certification program confers a post-nominal to wine professionals and enthusiasts who successfully pass the certification exam (Ex: John Smith, FWS). In addition, the FWS credential has true international recognition with a school network encompassing 30 countries on five continents.

It was created by WSG Education Director Lisa M. Airey CWE, with the support of the French Ministry of Agriculture, which knighted her in recognition of the program's exceptional level of depth, accuracy, detail, and academic rigor as well as its impact on the global wine industry.

 

Student Testimonials:

  • Sujay
    on Mar 25, 2023
    "This course provided extensive knowledge about wines coming from France. The history, culture, climate, grapes and method of production is given in so much detail that you want to know everything about this country. I loved this program."
  • Chan Kwok Hin
    on Mar 22, 2023
    "The comprehensive online module which is very good for the Wine Scholar Guild learning. "
  • Bingjie Chen
    on Mar 17, 2023
    "The programme does offer me a deeper understanding of French wine history. The knowledge of topology, climate and their impacts on viticulture helps to comprehend Terroir. "
  • David Nelson
    on Mar 10, 2023
    "The FWS course did an excellent job of weaving together the history, geology, climate and the particulars of viticulture and winemaking for the various wine districts and did leave me with a good and basic understanding of wines of France. The instructors were extremely knowledgeable, responsive and attentive. The materials were extensive and plentiful, if a bit overwhelming. "
  • Trish Nunan
    on Mar 7, 2023
    "Overall an excellent programs that gives the student a broad base for study including subjects of geography, geology, history, viticulture, biology and chemistry. I would feel quite confident discussing French wine and advising others based on my understanding of grape varieties, regions, production methods and quality levels. Highly recommended. "
  • Rana El Masri
    on Mar 5, 2023
    "Going into the French Wine Scholar Program is a journey of extensive detailed information of everything French wine. From up to date background information of the regions to the videos in the online resources... this program looks to be executed by professionals of obvious passion to that country and its wines. "
  • Rana El Masri
    on Mar 5, 2023
    "Going into the French Wine Scholar Program is a journey of extensive detailed information of everything French wine. From up to date background information of the regions to the videos in the online resources... this program looks to be executed by professionals of obvious passion to that country and its wines. Studying the program was definitely a journey for me, and I feel much more confident and knowledgeable in the wine world in general having taking it. "
  • Rusk Elatassi
    on Mar 2, 2023
    "Loved the course . Soaked up a lot of useful information. Definitely recommend! "
  • Tim Patrick
    on Jan 29, 2023
    "The combination of instructor-led sessions, an excellent study manual and top-notch e-learning modules made this a great experience. My comprehension of wine articles and my confidence when selecting French wines have both improved enormously."
  • Vince Truong
    on Jan 21, 2023
    "As someone who has sat multiple wine exams now, I believe the WSG content is the best that I have seen in the wine education world, especially with regards to their use of technology (for online modules, practice exams, flashcards) and multiple formats and styles of learning. Because of that, they help you learn more deeply no matter what your learning style is. They're also simply more interesting to study and the information is more current and relevant."
  • Doug Homoky
    on Jan 7, 2023
    "Loved the course. I thought I had a pretty good understanding of French wine, but I learned so much! I would recommend for any wine lover. "
  • Doug Homoky
    on Jan 7, 2023
    "Loved the course. I thought I had a pretty good understanding of French wine, but I learned so much! I would recommend for any wine lover. "
  • Reynald NICOLAS
    on Jan 6, 2023
    "Not usually a fan of online training, I have to admit that I really enjoyed the instructor-led program format, combined with an outstanding study manual. I would definitely recommend this course to anyone wishing to deepen his knowledge of French wines. "
  • Faraz T Doan
    on Dec 21, 2022
    "Anyone who has the slightest curiosity about France and French wines will be amazed as how vast and different are French wines from other parts of the world and from each other. "
  • Clifford C Raisbeck III
    on Dec 21, 2022
    "Just a brief Shout Out that Tanya Morningstar and Regina D were Superb Instructors with High Energy and Depth of Knowledge."

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.

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