Program Overview

French Wine Scholar® 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.

ONLINE LEARNING CLASSROOM LEARNING

STUDY OPTION 1 | ONLINE FORMAT

Earn the French Wine Scholar® (FWS) post-nominal via the online format, including 15 on-demand webinars and live monthly program kick-offs and Q&A sessions 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 modules, pronunciation exercises, quizzes, and flashcards
15 on-demand webinars with acclaimed wine educators
Live monthly program kick-off and Q&A sessions with your instructors
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)

Online Format

Program Kick Off:

October 19

Price: $875

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:

Classroom instruction with tutored tastings
A copy of the FWS study manual
Access to the FWS online study modules & quizzes
In-classroom exam sit

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:

Claire Henry
on Aug 30, 2023
"Fantastic program including a lot of history which essential to understand choices made by winemakers some business trends and very detailled chapter on each regions. Loved it !"
Wai Man Raymond WONG
on Aug 9, 2023
"Excellent Program! A must for all French wine lovers! Highly recommended!"
Mario Kruschinski
on Aug 8, 2023
"The FWS program material and online program was very well structured. It supported greatly the understanding an learning process."
Rebecca Stahley
on Jul 21, 2023
"I really liked the online learning modules and this enhanced the learning experience."
Michelle Ziino-Eck
on Jul 18, 2023
"The French Wine Scholar program provides a detailed overview in a concise yet detailed format. It motivates further desire to advance a person's knowledge of wini."
Lena Jörgensen
on Jul 13, 2023
"The FWS program is very educational and inspiring. The teachers are more than great and helpful in any ways. Even for me, who don´t have english as a motherlanguage, the program was perfect. I wouldn´t have it another way and I´m more than pleased with everything. I have learned more than I thought I would and I have more understanding about France and their winedistricts now. "
Brittney Johnson
on Jul 7, 2023
"This course contained a wealth of information but presents it in a way of answering the how’s and why’s of French wine. Overall I feel more confident knowing what to expect from a bottle coming from different regions and AOCs in France. "
Brittney Johnson
on Jul 7, 2023
"This course contained a wealth of information but presents it in a way of answering the how’s and why’s of French wine. Overall I feel more confident knowing what to expect from a bottle coming from different regions and AOCs in France. "
Amie King
on Jun 23, 2023
"This was an exceptional program! I learned so much about French wines, terroir, and history. It is very challenging to remember all of the necessary information, but this was one of the best learning experiences I've ever had!"
Nicolas Fouilleroux
on Jun 22, 2023
"The French Wine Scholar is a perfect way to dive into the intricacies of French wine laws and styles. It gives a great overview of historical backgrounds for each region. It also opens windows on rarer grape varieties and wines that are rarely put under the spotlights, which is a great addition to this wine journey."
Peter Swijsen
on Jun 8, 2023
"You get a really good view of everything France has to offer. The online environment is a fantastic surplus to the book. "
Laura Gutierrez
on May 8, 2023
"The French Wine Schola has meant to me a great opportunity to widen my knowledege of the wines of France. It not only dives into all the winemaking regions of this country, but it also makes you enjoy by discovering other fascinating facets of its culture."
gracematala
on May 2, 2023
"Best course you can ask for if you need to get in top wine as professional. Great Material and best course provide as well. ."
Juan Carlos Gallegos
on May 1, 2023
"FWS is the basis of all wine studies as it comprises the cornerstone and benchmark of winemaking and wine styles worldwide. It was a challenging course, but very rewarding."
Vanessa
on Apr 26, 2023
"The FWS program provides very detailed information about the French wine industry and culture. It’s very enjoyable to dig into the program."

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 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 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 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
"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
"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 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
"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 truly enjoyed studying and preparing the French Wine Scholar course. I found a lot of new facts and fascinating detail about French wine regions we do not cover in WSET programs. After every regional chapter, I took a nice trip to my local wine shop in Saint Louis, Alsace to buy and taste the many discoveries. There are no hidden corners any more in the vast French wine landscape for me and this is a value that I am really looking forward to passing on to many curious Swiss wine drinkers."

Juan Lo Bello

Wine Educator at Wein-Werkstatt

"I truly enjoyed studying and preparing the French Wine Scholar course. I found a lot of new facts and fascinating detail about French wine regions we do not cover in…

Juan Lo Bello

Wine Educator at Wein-Werkstatt