French Wine Scholar™ Study & Certification Program

Program Overview

French Wine Scholar™ Study & Certification Program

The French Wine Scholar™ Study and Certification program provides current, accurate and in-depth information on the wines and wine regions of France.

Developed and administrated by the Wine Scholar Guild with the support of the French Ministry of Agriculture, this specialization program is designed for advanced students of wine, whether professionals or serious wine hobbyists.

Students who follow this in-depth curriculum and pass the exam will earn the French Wine Scholar™ (FWS) post-nominal (e.g. John Smith, FWS).

There are two paths to the FWS post-nominal: in classroom or online via instructor-led or independent study formats.

Endorsed by:

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 online via the independent study format or enroll in the 15-week instructor-led format with 8 live webinars.

"If you are a professional in the wine business looking to enhance your career, this is the program for you. Great instructors, easy-to-follow study guide and 24-hour internet access." Ronald Plunkett, FWS, Sommelier at Hakkasan in San Francisco

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 Lisa M. Airey, CWE, FWS*
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
A comprehensive series of webinars on regional wine styles with suggested wine list presented by Jay Youmans, Master of Wine

*Instructor-led format only

Pricing for the online study formats:

Independent study format

On-demand, start anytime

Price: $595

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15-week instructor-led format

Next session starts Dec. 2nd 2019

Price: $790

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Click here to see the difference between instructor-led vs independent study format.

STUDY OPTION 2 | CLASSROOM LEARNING:

French Wine Scholar™ classes will be offered by approved program providers. This study format includes:

Classroom instruction with tutored tastings
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 Powerpoint 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.

There are over 60+ WSG program providers in 25 countries on 5 continents.

FIND A PROVIDER NEAR YOU

"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, MW, MS, Best Sommelier in the World 2010

Who teaches for the Wine Scholar Guild? Master Sommeliers, Masters of Wine and masterful instructors!

Masters of Wine including: Jay Youmans MW, Matthew Stubbs MW, Mark Pygott MW
Master Sommeliers including: David Glancy MS, Peter Neptune MS
Highly regarded industry professionals and educators including: Sheral Schowe M.Ed., Sharon Mclean DipWSET, Mark Shipway DipWSET, Fanny Darrieussecq, Monica Marin DipWSET, FWS


Jay Youmans MW, FWS	Mark Pygott MW, FWS	Sheral Schowe, M.Ed., FWS	David Glancy MS, CWE, FWS

Sharon Mclean, DIPWSET, FWS	Mark Shipway DipWSET, FWS	Peter Neptune MS	Matthew Stubbs MW, FWS

ONLINE LEARNING CLASSROOM LEARNING FWS STUDY MANUAL

FWS ONLINE STUDY MODULES INSTRUCTOR SUPPORT

WE OFFER ALL THE NECESSARY TOOLS & SUPPORT TO MASTER THE WINES OF FRANCE:

#1 FWS Study Manual (updated in 2017):

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 2017):

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 instructors Sharon McLean and Lisa M. Airey
In classroom: via a local, certified instructor

"I feel that the Court of Master Sommeliers and Wine Scholar Guild work hand in hand. I am confident that with the preparation on French theory with FWS it will prepare me for the Court of Masters level 3 and 4" Matt Coleman, General Manager & Sommelier @ Crossings Restaurant in South Passadena.
Full Interview

ONLINE LEARNING CLASSROOM LEARNING FWS STUDY MANUAL

FWS ONLINE STUDY MODULES INSTRUCTOR SUPPORT

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

FWS-Student-Testimonials

Congratulations to Jessica Hammer, FWS, for passing the French Wine Scholar exam with highest honors with Bordeaux Wine Campus. About Jessica: My passion for wine, and in particular French wine, was born during a French wine and cheese pairing workshop on a trip to Paris in 2015. The passion, the craftsmanship, the concept of terroir - that Chardonnay wasn’t just Chardonnay, it could be Chablis - was a revelation. Since then, I left my job in marketing, spent a year working as a cheesemonger and wine seller in Chicago’s finest wine, cheese, and specialty foods shop, and am now living in Toulouse, in SW France, where I will be launching a food tour company this fall.  I passed the WSET level 2 course with merit in the summer of 2017. Because my goal is to help people discover French wines through my tours, the French Wine Scholar certification was the next logical step. It allowed me to dig deeply into the major winegrowing regions of France while providing a solid base of technical knowledge of winemaking processes, geography and soil science, insight into the wine industry, and even the continuing role of climate change in winemaking. FWS gave me an organized and methodical way of fitting all of these pieces together to allow me to explore both the big picture of French wine, and also what is happening on a regional level.In 2019, I plan to enroll in the WSET level 3 to zoom back out to a global level, and then complete some of the French regional Master-level courses, particularly those for my area of France - like the Sud de France Master for Languedoc-Roussillon. Hopefully there will also be a SW France Master course in the future!With FWS, I’ll be using all that I’ve learned every day as a food and wine tour guide in Toulouse. The confidence and knowledge I gained through the FWS program will allow me to help people connect to French wine by cutting through the confusion and mystery and highlighting what is truly special and inspiring.
Jessica Hammer, FWS

Founder of Taste of Toulouse

With FWS, I’ll be using all that I’ve learned every day as a food and wine tour guide in Toulouse.

Jessica Hammer, FWS

Founder of Taste of Toulouse

WSET Level 2
Congratulations to José Luiz Ferrazzo Neto, FWS, for passing the French Wine Scholar exam with highest honors! About José:At the beginning I was just a wine drinker, as my whole family, to honor our Italian descendance. In 2005 I went to Spain to walk the “Camino de Santiago” or “Way to St. James”, and wine became my true passion. Dozens of wine courses and eno-trips introduced me to WSET. Level 1, 2, 3 and 4…...finally DIP WSET. I´ve sold my company and totally changed my life. Started working for British Berkmann Wine Cellars in Brasil, become wine educator in Enocultura and after a year in wine business Im totally happy working as a general manager for Portus Importer, one of the greatest and oldest importers in Brasil. My passion for French wine leads me to FWS and what a great pleasure studying and having such a great grade. Italy and Spain will be next steps for sure.I did many small wine courses in ABS (brasilian somm association) but my biggest tittle is WSET level 4 that I finished this year. Now that I finished my FWS I realized that would have been great to have this graduation before my WSET exams (would have helped a lot). As my plan is to be accepted to the MW program, my next step will be IWS and SWS.FWS will not just “open doors” for me as a French wine educator. FWS, 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, FWS

Commercial Manager at Portus Importer - Wine Educator with Oenocultura

FWS, 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, FWS

Commercial Manager at Portus Importer - Wine Educator with Oenocultura

WSET Diploma
Congratulations to Kathy Phillips, FWS, for passing the French Wine Scholar exam with highest honors!About Kathy:I’m a lifelong hospitality professional. I got my start 30 years ago working for a Michelin Star chef who served classic French cuisine. Time and space doesn’t permit a full recounting of all my F&B experience; however, I must report that working for over a decade on Maui for The Four Seasons was a highlight of my career. I’ve passed The Court of Master Sommeliers level 1, and I’m preparing to take the level 2 sometime in 2019. I think the FWS course is in and by itself a fabulous stand-alone course that is in a class all by itself. And, of course, the FWS helped me tremendously in preparing for not only the Court of Master Sommeliers examination, but also the Hospitality Beverage Specialist (a program through the Society of Wine Educators) that I just recently completed. I’m also currently enrolled and studying for the WSET 2. So the FWS is a very big help in that regard. France is the most important wine growing region in the world. French history, viticulture, innovation, tradition and the terroir is second to none. It is paramount for any wine professional or oenophile to have an in depth understanding and a firm grasp on France. I 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, FWS

Server at Pappas Bros. Steakhouse

I 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, FWS

Server at Pappas Bros. Steakhouse

Introductory Sommelier Certificate (CMS)
Congratulations to Zhiyong Zhou, FWS, for passing the French Wine Scholar exam with highest honors with the Sydney Wine Academy!About Zhiyong: I am a wine enthusiast. I believe that the wine is an integral part of my life. I have a strong interest in understanding, trying, and exploring different wine, which gives me opportunity to experience the nature, history, culture, people and life as a whole.   I got my WSET Level 3 certificate in 2017 from Sydney Wine Academy. I think that the FWS provided me with in-depth knowledge of French wine, detailed wine regions, wine industry, history, and characters.   I also passed Italian Wine Scholar Unit 2 in 2017, and plan to enroll the Italian Wine Scholar Unit 1. I think the FWS program is very helpful to provide systematically learning experience for those key wine countries such as France, Italy, and Spain. I plan to study those programs step by step.  After working as senior executive in multi-national corporation for 25 years, I decided to take early retirement 2 years ago to pursue my own interests, wine is on the top of my interest list. With FWS program, I plan to make use of my knowledge to be a wine educator to share with other people, particularly to bring the knowledge to China market, which is becoming the world's largest wine market in the near future. I would be interested in becoming a certified FWS wine educator to further pursue my wine passion.
Zhiyong Zhou, FWS

Wine Enthusiast

I would be interested in becoming a certified FWS wine educator to further pursue my wine passion.

Zhiyong Zhou, FWS

Wine Enthusiast

WSET Level 3

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