The French Wine Scholar™ program is the industry's most respected certification course on the wines of France.
The French Wine Scholar™ education program is the most advanced, comprehensive, and up-to-date French wine course available.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 that are designed to maximize learning and boost knowledge retention.
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.
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). With a school network encompassing 30 countries on 5 continents, the FWS credential has true international recognition.
ONLINE LEARNING CLASSROOM LEARNING FWS STUDY MANUAL
FWS ONLINE STUDY MODULES INSTRUCTOR SUPPORT
STUDY OPTION 1 | ONLINE LEARNING
Earn the French Wine Scholar™ (FWS) post-nominal via the online, independent study format or enroll in the 15-week, instructor-led online format including 8 live review webinars.
The French Wine scholar™ online learning format includes:
Plus:
- A suggested schedule of study with learning objectives for each region
- Live review webinars with acclaimed wine educators Sharon Mclean, DipWSET, FWS and WSG Education Director Lisa M. Airey, CWE, FWS (*instructor-led format only)
- Online quizzes and learning games for self-evaluation
- Downloadable maps of all French wine regions
- Pronunciation exercises to boosts your credibility
- A list of recommended wines to sample on your own or in a tasting group hosted by students enrolled in the online program
Pricing for the online study formats:
Click here to see the difference between instructor-led vs independent study format.
Student Testimonials:
Jul 4, 2020Yvonne OU"Instructor-led course online was comprehensive and boosted my knowledge on areas of France that I found tricky. Most importantly it was delivered in an interesting way by a friendly instructor! Thank you!"- Jun 27, 2020John Lord"I found the FWS program excellent and at the conclusion considered I had achieved everything I wished from enrolment. I also participated in a short 5 week instructor led version of the program which also gave an overview of France and its wine industries that brought the independent learning together in an understandable framework."
- Jun 27, 2020Rich Vanderheiden"I found the the FWS course to be excellent. The wine learning experience is better than courses I have taken with the Society of Wine Educators and the Court of Master Sommeliers. It is important not to do the FWS course just to pass the exam, but to find value in immersing yourself in the wine regions of France. "
- Jun 27, 2020Eve Vuillemainroy"I was quite informative and hope I passed. "
- Jun 25, 2020Joseph"The French Wine Scholar program is a must for anyone wishing to go deeper into understanding the world of French wine. The level of detail in the study material is exceptional."
- Jun 25, 2020Andres Alexander Medrano-Brenes"Fantastic program. Loved every bit of it. The teachers are very knowledgeable with tons of education experience. The book is a great reference, easy to read and study. Love WSG from Paris to the Moon! ;-) "
- Jun 22, 2020Lindsay Schwietz"I really enjoyed taking the French Wine Scholar program. The information is arranged logically with interesting historical and regional stories that I look forward to using while selling wine in my job as a server. I can't wait to dive into the other Wine Scholar courses!"
- Jun 19, 2020Lela Sherdon"The French Wine Scholar program is a comprehensive course that is both challenging and very rewarding. It is truly amazing how much information is required in the preparation and learning of the material. This is not a superficial wine course, rather it is a program the has depth and meaning and beauty. It is a course that teaches about the famed wines of such diverse regions, from climates to the soil types, to the expression of the different grapes themselves under different influences. This course also adds to that, the rich history and development of the wine legacy that runs so deep within the terroir itself. The instructors were very passionate and put a lot of heart into the material for every class. It is one of the most profound courses I have had the fortunate opportunity to experience and I have personally expanded from the knowledge. "
- Jun 18, 2020Rosa Lyn Joy Way Bueno"What I liked the most about FWS was to learn about French wine regions in a very comprehensive way and not only the most famous or commercial ones. Moreover, the strong focus on history was interesting as well."
- Jun 18, 2020Rosa Lyn Joy Way Bueno"What I liked the most about FWS was to learn about French wine regions in a very comprehensive way and not only the most famous or commercial ones. Moreover, the strong focus on history was interesting as well."
- Jun 18, 2020T. Negeen Pegahi"The instruction in this program was first-rate. I'd highly recommend the instructor-led version of the course to anyone looking to seriously deepen their understanding of the various wine regions of France."
- Jun 14, 2020Christopher Assise"Great class. As an enthusiast rather than a professional, I found the content challenging but learnable, and the explanations clear and not jargon laden."
- Jun 11, 2020Shu Tong Tan"A thorough and in-depth look into the world of French wines. Definitely require a substantial amount of wine knowledge before attempting this course, else it can be an uphill task of memory work with the vast amount of information involved. The course is the de facto holy grail necessary to understand the history, the hype, and the happenings of wines for all wine students as it is where the trinity of fame, glory, and luxury for the wine industry comes together."
- Jun 8, 2020Sebastian Gamboggi"The full course and test, reach my expectation. i´m looking further to make a Master level. Thank you all the team."
- Jun 7, 2020Caitlin Ferguson"The French Wine Scholar was the deep dive into France that I needed! It was challenging, and very informative, and I feel that it gave me a solid understanding of French wine. I will definitely be considering the master classes on Burgundy or Champagne, which were the most challenging regions for me while studying FWS. "
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, the wine selection will vary by market, the class length and class structure (weekly, biweekly, weekends etc.) will vary from location to location, but the content will be the same no matter where you take the class. For many, the classroom experience helps to hammer home the theory; a tutored tasting component brings each region to life. Many students find the set “schedule” helpful in keeping on top of their studies.
Student Testimonials:
- Jul 4, 2020Yvonne OU"Instructor-led course online was comprehensive and boosted my knowledge on areas of France that I found tricky. Most importantly it was delivered in an interesting way by a friendly instructor! Thank you!"
- Jun 27, 2020John Lord"I found the FWS program excellent and at the conclusion considered I had achieved everything I wished from enrolment. I also participated in a short 5 week instructor led version of the program which also gave an overview of France and its wine industries that brought the independent learning together in an understandable framework."
- Jun 27, 2020Rich Vanderheiden"I found the the FWS course to be excellent. The wine learning experience is better than courses I have taken with the Society of Wine Educators and the Court of Master Sommeliers. It is important not to do the FWS course just to pass the exam, but to find value in immersing yourself in the wine regions of France. "
- Jun 27, 2020Eve Vuillemainroy"I was quite informative and hope I passed. "
- Jun 25, 2020Joseph"The French Wine Scholar program is a must for anyone wishing to go deeper into understanding the world of French wine. The level of detail in the study material is exceptional."
- Jun 25, 2020Andres Alexander Medrano-Brenes"Fantastic program. Loved every bit of it. The teachers are very knowledgeable with tons of education experience. The book is a great reference, easy to read and study. Love WSG from Paris to the Moon! ;-) "
- Jun 22, 2020Lindsay Schwietz"I really enjoyed taking the French Wine Scholar program. The information is arranged logically with interesting historical and regional stories that I look forward to using while selling wine in my job as a server. I can't wait to dive into the other Wine Scholar courses!"
- Jun 19, 2020Lela Sherdon"The French Wine Scholar program is a comprehensive course that is both challenging and very rewarding. It is truly amazing how much information is required in the preparation and learning of the material. This is not a superficial wine course, rather it is a program the has depth and meaning and beauty. It is a course that teaches about the famed wines of such diverse regions, from climates to the soil types, to the expression of the different grapes themselves under different influences. This course also adds to that, the rich history and development of the wine legacy that runs so deep within the terroir itself. The instructors were very passionate and put a lot of heart into the material for every class. It is one of the most profound courses I have had the fortunate opportunity to experience and I have personally expanded from the knowledge. "
- Jun 18, 2020Rosa Lyn Joy Way Bueno"What I liked the most about FWS was to learn about French wine regions in a very comprehensive way and not only the most famous or commercial ones. Moreover, the strong focus on history was interesting as well."
- Jun 18, 2020Rosa Lyn Joy Way Bueno"What I liked the most about FWS was to learn about French wine regions in a very comprehensive way and not only the most famous or commercial ones. Moreover, the strong focus on history was interesting as well."
- Jun 18, 2020T. Negeen Pegahi"The instruction in this program was first-rate. I'd highly recommend the instructor-led version of the course to anyone looking to seriously deepen their understanding of the various wine regions of France."
- Jun 14, 2020Christopher Assise"Great class. As an enthusiast rather than a professional, I found the content challenging but learnable, and the explanations clear and not jargon laden."
- Jun 11, 2020Shu Tong Tan"A thorough and in-depth look into the world of French wines. Definitely require a substantial amount of wine knowledge before attempting this course, else it can be an uphill task of memory work with the vast amount of information involved. The course is the de facto holy grail necessary to understand the history, the hype, and the happenings of wines for all wine students as it is where the trinity of fame, glory, and luxury for the wine industry comes together."
- Jun 8, 2020Sebastian Gamboggi"The full course and test, reach my expectation. i´m looking further to make a Master level. Thank you all the team."
- Jun 7, 2020Caitlin Ferguson"The French Wine Scholar was the deep dive into France that I needed! It was challenging, and very informative, and I feel that it gave me a solid understanding of French wine. I will definitely be considering the master classes on Burgundy or Champagne, which were the most challenging regions for me while studying FWS. "
ONLINE LEARNING CLASSROOM LEARNING FWS STUDY MANUAL
FWS ONLINE STUDY MODULES INSTRUCTOR SUPPORT
STUDY MATERIALS
WE OFFER ALL THE NECESSARY TOOLS & SUPPORT TO MASTER THE WINES OF FRANCE:
#1 FWS Study Manual:
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:
#2 FWS Online Study Modules:
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
#3 Professional Instructor Support
- Online Independent Study: via the Q&A forum answered by Lisa M. Airey, WSG Education Director
- Online Instructor-led Format: via the Q&A forum plus email and live chat with acclaimed wine educators Sharon Mclean, DipWSET, FWS and WSG Education Director Lisa M. Airey, CWE, FWS
- In Classroom: via a local, certified instructor
ONLINE LEARNING CLASSROOM LEARNING FWS STUDY MANUAL
FWS ONLINE STUDY MODULES INSTRUCTOR SUPPORT
Industry Testimonials
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"The French Wine Scholar manual has once again proven why the Wine Scholar Guild is one of the best wine…
Nicholas PolettoDirector of Education at Kobrand Corporation"Indispensable for any wine trade professional who works with French wine. Bravo!”
Martin SinkoffVP and Director of Marketing, Frederick Wildman And Sons- 1
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FWS-Student-Testimonials
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With FWS, I’ll be using all that I’ve learned every day as a food and wine tour guide in Toulouse.
Jessica Hammer, FWSFounder of Taste of ToulouseWSET Level 2FWS, and the whole Wine Scholar Guild, will keep me updated…..and being updated is just the best thing you can do in the wine world if you want to succeed!!
José Luiz Ferrazzo Neto, FWSCommercial Manager at Portus Importer - Wine Educator with OenoculturaWSET DiplomaI use what I’ve learned in the FWS on a daily basis, and I would highly recommend the FWS to those of whom want a comprehensive knowledge of the most important region in the world.
Kathy Phillips, FWSServer at Pappas Bros. SteakhouseIntroductory Sommelier Certificate (CMS)I would be interested in becoming a certified FWS wine educator to further pursue my wine passion.
Zhiyong Zhou, FWSWine EnthusiastWSET Level 3Where to Study
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.