Italian Wine Scholar® Study & Certification Program

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THE ITALIAN WINE SCHOLAR® PROGRAM IS THE INDUSTRY'S MOST RESPECTED CERTIFICATION COURSE
ON THE WINES OF ITALY.

"The Wine Scholar Guild has created an impressive and comprehensive curriculum in the ever-changing and always complicated world of Italian wine."
Alfonso Cevola, Corporate Director for Italian Wines for Southern Glazers. Author of the award-winning blog “On the Wine Trail in Italy”

About the Italian Wine Scholar® program:

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 over 30 countries on 5 continents, the IWS credential has true international recognition.

The course is composed of two separate units:

Unit 1: The Wines of Northern Italy
Unit 2: The Wines of Central & Southern Italy

Student Testimonials:

Petar Velickovic
on Jun 2, 2023
"The book and the whole program is really amazing. This program revealed how magical Italian wines really are."
Sylvain Lambert
on May 31, 2023
"This program is an incredible source of information. Overall the work put into building this course is nothing short of impressive. You get great support from the WSG team for any question or problem. Lots of resources on the site also to help you study and integrate the infos... quizz, powerpoints, etc...Can't wait to dive into the second unit! "
Gareth Pulham
on May 16, 2023
"Very enjoyable course that helps to demystify Italian wine. I tasted some fantastic wines, learned a lot and met fantastic people. Highly recommended."
Paul Chapman
on May 16, 2023
"Excellent in all respects!"
Steven Bonfield
on May 16, 2023
"Now that I have completed all four WSG offerings , France, Spain , Italy 1 and Italy 2, I am feeling totally lost . Please WSG, give us some more ! As an enthusiastic amateur I found the whole experience suited my current level of knowledge and my desire for more I would recommend these courses to anyone who is interested in improving their knowledge and enjoyment of wine "
Steven Bonfield
on May 16, 2023
"Now that I have completed all four WSG offerings , France, Spain , Italy 1 and Italy 2, I am feeling totally lost . Please WSG, give us some more ! As an enthusiastic amateur I found the whole experience suited my current level of knowledge and my desire for more I would recommend these courses to anyone who is interested in improving their knowledge and enjoyment of wine "
Clifford C. Raisbeck III
on May 9, 2023
"Superb energy and interactive communication from instructors Tanya Morning Star and Alberto Interiano. A fun and fulfilling educational course, overall."
Thiago Borne
on May 3, 2023
"IWS provides a powerful knowledge, with an excellent program of study that will transform you into a specialist in the subject. If you are interested in being an expert in Italian wines, IWS is the best way to get there! "
Thomas Schramm
on May 3, 2023
"It is an incredible program. There is no other that has this much depth "
Andrew Macleod
on Apr 26, 2023
"The Italian Wine Scholar program is a great option for anyone wanted to delve into the fascinating world of Italian wine. Whether you're a person with years of experience or are just getting interested in wine, the depth of information this course offers will surely prove invaluable."
John Smith
on Apr 20, 2023
"Looking forward to the next Scholar programme, whichever country you choose !"
Mark Rodriguez
on Apr 7, 2023
"I am happy to have taken the course and look forward to further exploring the wine-regions of the land of vines. Cin cin."
Darren Cooper
on Mar 24, 2023
"An excellent study program for anyone interested in the fascinating subject of Italian Wine"
Claudia Hussain
on Mar 24, 2023
"I really enjoyed the course and am looking forward to doing more. I did feel that the exam was a bit too tough and stressful but maybe that was just my revision!"
Marlene Chan
on Mar 22, 2023
"Loved this course! "

STUDY OPTION 1 | ONLINE LEARNING

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

Earn the Italian Wine Scholar® (IWS) post-nominal via the online, independent study format or enroll in the instructor-led online format including on-demand review webinars.

The online learning format includes:

The IWS Study Roadmap: A Checklist For Success, providing a suggested schedule of study
On-demand webinars with Italian Programs Director Andrea Eby (instructor-led format only)
Live, thematic online Monthly Meet-ups with your instructor and fellow classmates (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

"I have devoured the Italian Wine Scholar manual and found it incredibly well written, precise and comprehensive"
Ciro Pirone, Italian Wines Director at Horizon Beverage Group

STUDY OPTION 2 | CLASSROOM LEARNING

AVAILABLE AROUND THE GLOBE!

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

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.

IWS Testimonials

"I have devoured the Italian Wine Scholar manual and found it incredibly well written, precise and comprehensive.

I think it will be a useful and great tool in the hands of many Italian wine lovers and wine professionals across the country that want to learn and understand more about Italy, and its geography, history, culture and definitely wines."

Learn more about the Italian Wine Scholar program

Ciro Pirone

Director Italian Wines at Horizon Beverage Group (Boston, MA)

"I have devoured the Italian Wine Scholar manual and found it incredibly well written"

Ciro Pirone

Director Italian Wines at Horizon Beverage Group (Boston, MA)
"I am very impressed with the first edition of the Italian Wine Scholar Unit 1 study manual which is well researched and thoughtfully laid out.

The dense information is well organized and includes graphs, color photographs and wine labels, making it both visually appealing as well as informative.

Given the sheer amount of information, it is a great idea to divide the course material into regions.

I would recommend the Italian Wine Scholar study program for anyone who really wants to learn about the complex and fascinating wine regions of Italy."

Learn more about the Italian Wine Scholar program

Jeannie Cho Lee MW

First Asian Master of Wine and award-winning author, wine critic and educator. Contributing Editor for Decanter

"I am very impressed with the first edition of the Italian Wine Scholar Unit 1 study manual."

Jeannie Cho Lee MW

First Asian Master of Wine and award-winning author, wine critic and educator. Contributing Editor for Decanter
"Committed students of wine will love the Italian Wine Scholar manual.

It’s exhaustive coverage of Italy’s regions, grape varieties and wine styles will only make you thirsty.

Plus, extensive use of images, labels and detailed maps helps bring everything to life."

Learn more about the Italian Wine Scholar program

Peter Marks MW

Vice President of Education at Constellation Academy of Wine

"Committed students of wine will love the Italian Wine Scholar manual..."

Peter Marks MW

Vice President of Education at Constellation Academy of Wine
"In one word, the first edition of Italian Wine Scholar Unit 1 study manual is …..“Exceptional”!

It is the most comprehensive study guide I have seen on Northern Italy.

With the impeccable detail that is provided within each region it allows the student to truly master Italian wines.

From an educators perspective, separating the program into two units allows the student to fully embrace comprehend Italy. Bravo!"

Learn more about the Italian Wine Scholar program

Pam Kindel Connors

Human Resources Business Partner Director, Glazer's Louisiana

"In one word, the first edition of Italian Wine Scholar Unit 1 study manual is “Exceptional”!"

Pam Kindel Connors

Human Resources Business Partner Director, Glazer's Louisiana
"The information is comprehensive, the writing is engaging and the format is easy to follow. Congratulations!"

Learn more about the Italian Wine Scholar program

Craig Locascio

South Atlantic Director of Education and Sales Training, Breakthru Beverage Group

"The information is comprehensive, the writing is engaging and the format is easy to follow. Congratulations!"

Craig Locascio

South Atlantic Director of Education and Sales Training, Breakthru Beverage Group
"The Italian Wine Scholar study manual is a comprehensive compilation of information for those who are truly interested in mastering Italian wines.

It is tightly edited and focused, with a great collection of maps and other graphics as well."

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Paul Wagner

Balzac Communication & Italian Wine Marketing specialist

"It is tightly edited and focused, with a great collection of maps and other graphics as well.”

Paul Wagner

Balzac Communication & Italian Wine Marketing specialist
"Thanks so much for sending Unit 1: The Wines of Northern Italy.

I’ve had the chance to look over it, and I have to say I really like it.

It’s well-organized, well-written and very informative. It’s a superb resource to study and dig deep into the wines of Northern Italy.

I’m looking forward to your release of Unit 2!"

Learn more about the Italian Wine Scholar program

Gregory Doody

President & CEO at Vineyard Brands

"It’s a superb resource to study and dig deep into the wines of Northern Italy"

Gregory Doody

President & CEO at Vineyard Brands
"For the student of wine no country is more challenging to learn than Italy.

The scale of regions, grapes, and styles of wine is overwhelming.

A thoughtful and concise manual like the Wine Scholar Guild’s “Italian Wine Scholar Unit 1” can be an invaluable tool vital to a student’s success in learning about the world’s most diverse wine country."

Learn more about the Italian Wine Scholar program

Tim Gaiser MS

Renowned wine expert and Master Sommelier

"...an invaluable tool vital to a student’s success in learning about the world’s most diverse wine country"

Tim Gaiser MS

Renowned wine expert and Master Sommelier
"This book is a must have for anyone seriously interested in getting to grips with Northern Italian wine regions, the main DOCs/DOCGs and most importantly the rich wealth of native grape varieties.

The book is very clearly set out, making this complex subject accessible and easy to read. The layout is simple to follow with brief paragraphs covering each region, its history, climate, soils and sub-zones as well as wine styles, key grape varieties and DOC/DOCGs.

I particularly like the beautifully illustrated regional maps with demarcated DOC/DOCGs at the beginning of each section. Plus the addition of lots of well-chosen photographs of vineyards, landscapes and wine labels helps bring to life the huge depth of technical and factual information this book contains. This is one of the most useful and accessible sources of reference material on Italian wines to be published recently which makes this invaluable for both the wine professional and dedicated enthusiast alike."

Learn more about the Italian Wine Scholar program

Susan Hulme MW

Wine educator and consultant, judge for Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) and Italian wine expert

"Invaluable for both the wine professional and dedicated enthusiast alike"

Susan Hulme MW

Wine educator and consultant, judge for Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) and Italian wine expert
"This is a scholarly work that is amazingly approachable and accessible, especially considering its comprehensive, encylopedic nature.

It exhibits an exquisite attention and precision to detail that is extraordinary.

Also rich in historical context fleshed out by informative, fun facts and trivia, it presents an enjoyable journey through the intricate, convoluted maze that is Italian wine."

Len Presutti CWE

Corporate Wine Educator at Martignetti Companies

"a scholarly work that is amazingly approachable and accessible, especially considering its comprehensive, encylopedic nature"

Len Presutti CWE

Corporate Wine Educator at Martignetti Companies
"The first edition of the Italian Wine Scholar Unit 1 study manual is rich in details and a great read"

Chris So

Founder of WINELIST.HK, a wine media, education and consultancy company in Hong Kong

"The first edition of the Italian Wine Scholar Unit 1 study manual is rich in details and a great read"

Chris So

Founder of WINELIST.HK, a wine media, education and consultancy company in Hong Kong
"The manual is superb, and has been very helpful to us. Especially the “Foundation Chapter”. We have used it extensively to better understand the Laws, especially recent changes and the EU impact on these changes.

We are extremely proud to be the importers of several important Italian producers, with new ones coming into the fold almost every month! Gaja, Il Poggione, Anselmi, Berlucchi, Nino Franco, Cusumano, Nonino, Simonit & Sirch, and just recently, Feudi San Gregorio. Angelo and Gaia Gaja have elected to change the nomenclature on several of their labels with the most recent releases, so this information from your extensive and well-put together research has been invaluable in understanding these changes.

The maps, photographs and illustrations are very well done, and help keep the material fresh and fun to read. Italian wine is a complicated topic and your fine work cuts through what could be an overwhelming course of study and makes it very approachable.

Cheers to a fantastic job on this. I sincerely hope we get to meet in person someday so I can thank you directly."

Timothy C. Clark

National Wine Educator at Terlato Wines

“Italian wine is a complicated topic and your fine work cuts through what could be an overwhelming course of study and makes it very approachable”

Timothy C. Clark

National Wine Educator at Terlato Wines
"Thanks to its complex orogenesis, topography and climatic variation, Italy boasts a combination of distinct terroirs and the largest number of indigenous grape varieties—some well-known and established, others lesser-known and even endangered.

Through the comprehensive Italian Wine Scholar manuals, the student of Italian wine is able to dive deeply into the diverse world of the wines of Italy and appreciate how the vine is intrinsically part of the Italian landscape and deeply rooted in Italian culture."

Gianmaria Trenti

Winemaker at Edmund Mach Foundation in Trentino

"Through the comprehensive IWS manuals, the student of Italian wine is able to dive deeply into the diverse world of the wines of Italy"

Gianmaria Trenti

Winemaker at Edmund Mach Foundation in Trentino

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Italian Wine Scholar®

Italian Wine Scholar® Study & Certification Program

THE ITALIAN WINE SCHOLAR® PROGRAM IS THE INDUSTRY'S MOST RESPECTED CERTIFICATION COURSE
ON THE WINES OF ITALY.