French Wine Scholar® Study & Certification Program

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

Student Testimonials:

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."
Daniel Meijles
on Apr 17, 2023
"A great way to deep-dive in all things French wine related: from understanding the basics of the wines from each corner of l'hexagon and the reasons why certain styles are made, to why AOC labelled wines don't always mean the best. The FWS program has something for all..."
Brian McAteer
on Apr 15, 2023
"The course is very thorough with interesting details about each region."
Carlos Reis
on Apr 12, 2023
"Taming the FWS was, above all, fun! There is an vast and detailed content for each French region. Initially, it may even seem scary, but with time everything fits together like a big puzzle and the result is beautiful! Knowledge for life! The goal now is to be able to visit all these beautiful regions in loco. Santé!"
Carlos Reis
on Apr 12, 2023
"attending the FWS was, above all, fun! There is very broad and detailed content for each French region. Initially, it may even seem scary, but with time everything fits together like a big puzzle and the result is beautiful! Knowledge for life! The goal now is to be able to visit all these beautiful regions in loco. Santé!"
Jeff Campbell
on Apr 9, 2023
"The French Wine Scholar program is the second Wine Scholar Guild program i've taken after passing the Spanish Wine Scholar exam earlier this year. I highly recommend these programs to expand your wine knowledge. They are very well written and the supplemental materials that are included on-line make for a very enjoyable learning experience. Jeff Campbell, SWS"
Jeff Campbell
on Apr 9, 2023
"The French Wine Scholar program is the second Wine Scholar Guild program i've taken after passing the Spanish Wine Scholar exam earlier this year. I highly recommend these programs to expand your wine knowledge. They are very well written and the supplemental materials that are included on-line make for a very enjoyable learning experience."
Patrick McDowell
on Mar 26, 2023
"A brilliant course for enthusiasts of French wine and France, which comes through in the relevant history, geography and winemaking that integrate into a program that's much more of a full terroir than a simple tutored tasting . I rediscovered a passion for France and a much greater understanding of its wines."
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."
Kwok Hin Chan
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. "

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.

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.

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® program is available in distance-learning format and through a global network of Approved Program Providers that offer classroom instruction coupled with tutored tastings.

STUDY OPTION 1 | ONLINE LEARNING

STUDY WHEN YOU WANT, AT YOUR OWN PACE, AT HOME, AT THE OFFICE OR WHILE TRAVELING

Earn the French Wine Scholar® (FWS) post-nominal via the online, independent study format or enroll in the self-paced on-demand instructor-led online format which includes 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 modules, pronunciation exercises, quizzes and flashcards
15 on-demand webinars with acclaimed wine educators (instructor-led format only)
Monthly Meet-Ups with your instructors on themes pertaining to your FWS studies (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).

"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

STUDY OPTION 2 | CLASSROOM LEARNING

AVAILABLE AROUND THE GLOBE!

The French Wine Scholar® program is offered by WSG Approved Program Providers in over 30 countries and 5 continents.

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 for class prep & review
In-classroom exam sit

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

FWS 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 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 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

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