The Italian Wine Scholar™ program is the industry's most respected certification course on the wines of Italy.
The Italian Wine Scholar™ education program is the most advanced, comprehensive, and up-to-date Italian wine course available. The syllabus takes a regional approach and discusses all italian 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 with the support of the Italian wine DOC/G consortia.
The Italian Trade Commission (ITA) endorsed the program in recognition of its exceptional level of depth, accuracy, detail, and academic rigor.
The Italian Wine Scholar study and certification program confers a post-nominal to wine professionals and enthusiasts who successfully pass the certification exams (Ex: John Smith, IWS). With a school network encompassing 30 countries on 5 continents, the IWS credential has true international recognition.
The Italian Wine Scholar course is composed of two separate units:
- Unit 1: The Wines of Northern Italy
- Unit 2: The Wines of Central & Southern Italy
ONLINE LEARNING CLASSROOM LEARNING COURSE STRUCTURE
IWS STUDY MATERIALS FAQ
STUDY OPTION 1 | ONLINE LEARNING
Earn the Italian Wine Scholar™ (IWS) post-nominal via the online, independent study format or enroll in the 10-week, instructor-led online format including live review webinars.
The Italian Wine Scholar™ online learning format includes for each unit:
PLUS:
- A suggested schedule of study with learning objectives for each region
- Live review webinars with acclaimed wine educators (*instructor-led format only)
- Online quizzes and learning games for self-evaluation
- Downloadable maps of all Italian 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:
On-demand, start anytime
Price: $595 per unit
UNIT 1 REGISTRATION UNIT 2 REGISTRATION
10-week instructor-led format:
Unit 1: Next session starts June 8, 2021
Unit 2: Next session starts September 14, 2021
Price: $695 per unit
UNIT 1 REGISTRATION UNIT 2 REGISTRATION
Note: Unit 1 & 2 can be taken in any order
Student Testimonials:
Yoko Itoon Apr 20, 2021"As an Italian wine lover, it meant a lot for me to go in depth of all the regions in Italy and its history at the same time. The books are very well-written and can be repeatedly used as reference in the future, too. "- Thomas Braymanon Apr 1, 2021"The Italian Wine Scholar program was thorough and well written. Given the amount of Italian wine material, it is no wonder they require 2 units to cover all 20 regions."
- Thomas Braymanon Apr 1, 2021"The Italian Wine Scholar program was thorough and well written. Given the amount of Italian wine material, it is no wonder they require 2 units to cover all 20 regions."
- Thomas Braymanon Apr 1, 2021"The Italian Wine Scholar program was thorough and well written. Given the amount of Italian wine material, it is no wonder they require 2 units to cover all 20 regions."
- Timothy Ouelletteon Mar 13, 2021"The Wine Scholars material for learning is second to none. It offers in-depth learning in a very user friendly package. "
- Mark Rodriguezon Feb 3, 2021" Italy is a confusing and complex area to study. For advanced students of wine, this is a deeply rewarding and surprising program to take!"
- Joe Lutrarioon Dec 11, 2020"Fantastic program of study. Just the right amount of detail. Would thoroughly recommend. "
- 0on Dec 6, 2020"I have finished the French and Spanish wine scholar programs and it is amazing how WSG keeps improving it's way of teaching. The Italian program is so good, interesting and enlightening. "
- João Meloon Dec 1, 2020"I remember completing my degree in Viticulture and Enology in Italy and not understanding its wine regions, traditions, and styles. The Italian Wine Scholar program changed that for me, it gave me this depth of knowledge I was seeking and provided this bigger picture of the industry."
- Emiko Sekion Nov 7, 2020"It is very very worth to learn about Italian wines and its culture. It was very very hard to study within limited lead time but I am glad that I ecome to choose Italian wines that I want to drink by just reading the label. Thank you to everyone who is involved in this program, I appreciate it very much!"
- Yoko Itoon Nov 4, 2020"If necessary yes. I’m grateful for all the instructive materials and kind assistance toward the exams. It is quite fun to study with you here. So excited to learn more about Italian wines. Thank you! "
- Susan Ritceyon Oct 29, 2020"I love the wine scholar program. They’ve thought of everything. Written explanations, maps, side notes, pronunciation as well as quizzes. You learn about more than just grapes and wine. The history is fascinating. "
- Gino Pilatoon Oct 25, 2020"After being in the wine industry for over a decade, I feel that the Italian Wine Scholar program enhanced my previous knowledge while also providing new information with an easy and logical way to grasp and retain for the future. "
- Jae Joon Namon Oct 22, 2020"It helps to understand Italian wine in greater detail and depth."
- 0on Oct 22, 2020"The course was great fun and I look forward to future travels to Italia, when I can visit wineries with a new outlook and taste many of those varietals which I had never heard of. Thank you for the cohesive wine education. "
STUDY OPTION 2 | CLASSROOM LEARNING
Each unit of the Italian Wine Scholar™ is offered by licensed program providers and delivered by an approved IWS instructor. This study format includes:
- Classroom instruction with tutored tastings
- A copy of the IWS study manual
- Access to the IWS online study modules & quizzes for class prep & review
- In-classroom exam sit
All IWS 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.
ONLINE LEARNING CLASSROOM LEARNING COURSE STRUCTURE
IWS STUDY MATERIALS FAQ
COURSE STRUCTURE
MAKING SPECIALIZATION IN ITALIAN WINE ACHIEVABLE:
While the sheer volume of information necessary to master Italian wine is extraordinary, we have broken down our course material and Italian wine regions into two manageable chunks:
UNIT 1: WINES OF NORTHERN ITALY
• Lombardia
• Piemonte
• Trentino
• Alto Adige
• Friuli-Venezia Giulia
• Liguria
• Emilia-Romagna
UNIT 2: WINES OF CENTRAL & SOUTHERN ITALY
• Marche
• Lazio
• Umbria, Abruzzo & Molise
• Campania
• Puglia & Basilicata
• Sicilia
• Sardegna
There will be two separate study manuals and two separate exams. The Italian Wine Scholar™ credential/pin is based on the final composite score (Unit 1&2).
This format makes it much easier to retain information and to pass the exam.
Students register for each Unit separately. We highly recommend that students complete one Unit before moving on to the next.
Note: Unit 1 & 2 can be taken in any order
FAQ: Why is advanced Italian Wine Study so complex?
ONLINE LEARNING CLASSROOM LEARNING COURSE STRUCTURE
IWS STUDY MATERIALS FAQ
STUDY MATERIALS
#1 ITALIAN WINE SCHOLAR STUDY MANUALS:
The Italian Wine Scholar manuals follow a regional approach with strong tie-ins to terroir.
Each chapter is designed for maximum content retention and utilizes a systematic approach, allowing the student to compare and contrast each of the Italian wine regions.
Manuals are current and discuss the most recent trends. They are printed in full-color, are rich in imagery and peppered with the iconic wine labels of each region.
Every Italian wine DOC/G is discussed (vs. just mentioned) and triaged by need-to-know icons. Emphasis is given to the flavor and structure profiles of DOC/G wines
FAQ: What information is covered in the program/study manuals?
ITALIAN WINE SCHOLAR™ STUDY MANUAL FEATURES:
+A FOUNDATION UNIT:
A Foundation Unit provides an overview which pulls all of Italy and its wines into perspective.
#2 IWS ONLINE STUDY MODULES:
The IWS 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 Italy are covered and dovetails nicely with the Italian 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!
ITALIAN 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 Italian Programs Director Andrea Eby
- Online Instructor-led Format: via the Q&A forum plus email and live chat with acclaimed wine educators
- In Classroom: via a local, certified instructor
ONLINE LEARNING CLASSROOM LEARNING COURSE STRUCTURE
IWS STUDY MATERIALS FAQ
CERTIFICATION EXAM & POST-NOMINAL
SET YOURSELF APART FROM YOUR PEERS. SPECIALIZE IN THE WINES OF ITALY!
Individuals who follow this in-depth Italian wine education program and pass the exam, earn the Italian Wine Scholar post-nominal which may be incorporated into a professional signature (e.g. John Smith, IWS).
The exam for each unit is composed of 100 multiple-choice questions. Candidates need a composite score of 75% to receive the credential, i.e. the scores from both exams are added together and averaged for final assessment.
Students with a composite score of 85-90.5 pass with HONORS. Candidates scoring 91-100 pass with HIGHEST HONORS.
More information about the exam
Student Testimonials:
- Yoko Itoon Apr 20, 2021"As an Italian wine lover, it meant a lot for me to go in depth of all the regions in Italy and its history at the same time. The books are very well-written and can be repeatedly used as reference in the future, too. "
- Thomas Braymanon Apr 1, 2021"The Italian Wine Scholar program was thorough and well written. Given the amount of Italian wine material, it is no wonder they require 2 units to cover all 20 regions."
- Thomas Braymanon Apr 1, 2021"The Italian Wine Scholar program was thorough and well written. Given the amount of Italian wine material, it is no wonder they require 2 units to cover all 20 regions."
- Thomas Braymanon Apr 1, 2021"The Italian Wine Scholar program was thorough and well written. Given the amount of Italian wine material, it is no wonder they require 2 units to cover all 20 regions."
- Timothy Ouelletteon Mar 13, 2021"The Wine Scholars material for learning is second to none. It offers in-depth learning in a very user friendly package. "
- Mark Rodriguezon Feb 3, 2021" Italy is a confusing and complex area to study. For advanced students of wine, this is a deeply rewarding and surprising program to take!"
- Joe Lutrarioon Dec 11, 2020"Fantastic program of study. Just the right amount of detail. Would thoroughly recommend. "
- 0on Dec 6, 2020"I have finished the French and Spanish wine scholar programs and it is amazing how WSG keeps improving it's way of teaching. The Italian program is so good, interesting and enlightening. "
- João Meloon Dec 1, 2020"I remember completing my degree in Viticulture and Enology in Italy and not understanding its wine regions, traditions, and styles. The Italian Wine Scholar program changed that for me, it gave me this depth of knowledge I was seeking and provided this bigger picture of the industry."
- Emiko Sekion Nov 7, 2020"It is very very worth to learn about Italian wines and its culture. It was very very hard to study within limited lead time but I am glad that I ecome to choose Italian wines that I want to drink by just reading the label. Thank you to everyone who is involved in this program, I appreciate it very much!"
- Yoko Itoon Nov 4, 2020"If necessary yes. I’m grateful for all the instructive materials and kind assistance toward the exams. It is quite fun to study with you here. So excited to learn more about Italian wines. Thank you! "
- Susan Ritceyon Oct 29, 2020"I love the wine scholar program. They’ve thought of everything. Written explanations, maps, side notes, pronunciation as well as quizzes. You learn about more than just grapes and wine. The history is fascinating. "
- Gino Pilatoon Oct 25, 2020"After being in the wine industry for over a decade, I feel that the Italian Wine Scholar program enhanced my previous knowledge while also providing new information with an easy and logical way to grasp and retain for the future. "
- Jae Joon Namon Oct 22, 2020"It helps to understand Italian wine in greater detail and depth."
- 0on Oct 22, 2020"The course was great fun and I look forward to future travels to Italia, when I can visit wineries with a new outlook and taste many of those varietals which I had never heard of. Thank you for the cohesive wine education. "
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why study Italian wine with us?
- The IWS study manual has already received many words of praise by wine professionals including Nicolas Belfrage MW, Ciro Pirone, Jeannie Cho Lee MW, Craig Locascio, Paul Wagner, Peter Marks MW.
- Wine Scholar Guild (WSG) study programs have been taught internationally to over 10,000 of students of wine!
- WSG student evaluations have been very positive; students love learning with our innovative and multi-faceted educational tools.
How does this program complement other, more general wine study program?
The Italian Wine Scholar program is a great resource and supplement for students of wine moving toward advanced general wine study programs such as WSET Diploma (level 4), Master of Wine, Court of Master Sommeliers’ Advanced Sommelier (level 3 and up) or Society of Wine Educator’s Certified Wine Educator (CWE).
Many of these programs ask their students to do extensive independent research in order to study for their exam. To this end, the Italian Wine Scholar program serves as an advanced and comprehensive study supplement to help them master the complex wines of Italy.
Are there any pre-requisites to enter this program?
While not a pre-requisite, we recommend that students have successfully completed, at a minimum, one of the following programs before enrolling in the Italian Wine Scholar program: WSET level 2, Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) or Court of Master Sommelier’s Introductory Sommelier Certificate (Level 1).
Why is advanced Italian Wine Study so complex?
Although an Old World country, Italy is younger than the United States. Unification of the Italian peninsula occurred in 1861. In the centuries prior to Italian unification, Italy was divided into a plethora of small kingdoms and city-states. Each of these political entities shaped the history, people and culture of their region; for this reason, studying Italy is akin to studying the wine production of 20 different countries--each one with its own grapes, wines, food and traditions.
What information is covered in the course/study manuals?
The manuals structure the study of each of Italy’s 20 distinct wine regions in the following manner:
- History, culture and traditions
- Location and climate with their effects on viticulture and wines
- Topography, geography and soils
- Grape varieties and their organoleptic profiles
- Viticulture and winemaking
- Wine industry trends and economics
- All DOCs and DOCGs with their regulations, wine styles and specificities
Why invest in certification?
The era of self-professed wine experts is long over. Professionals need credentials.
Certification is resume-building, validates competency and serves as a point of distinction midst trade and peers alike.
Questions about the exam?
More information about the exam
ONLINE LEARNING CLASSROOM LEARNING COURSE STRUCTURE
IWS STUDY MATERIALS FAQ
