THE FRENCH WINE SCHOLAR™ PROGRAM IS THE INDUSTRY'S MOST RESPECTED CERTIFICATION COURSE ON THE WINES OF FRANCE.
Earn the French Wine Scholar™ (FWS) post-nominal through 10 weeks of self-study fully supported by a comprehensive study manual, interactive e-learning modules for each region, and 8 live review webinars.
This format provides the convenience and flexibility of an online study program with interactive live “classroom” instruction delivered to a global student network via computer or tablet.
We provide true tech support, stellar instruction from world renowned instructors, a flexible schedule of study designed for busy professionals and all the necessary tools to master French wines.
Preview of the Program:
Stay tuned... next FWS online instructor-led session starting soon...
Register now with the FWS independent study format
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.
Register Now What's Included Instructors
How it works Why this format? Schedule of study FWS STUDY TOOLS
The French Wine Scholar ™ online | 10-week Instructor-Led Format includes:
Plus:
- A schedule of study with learning objectives for each region
- The French Wine Scholar™ online exam*
- Access to repeat-after-me pronunciation exercise
- Online quizzes and learning games for self-evaluation
- Downloadable maps
- A list of recommended wines to sample on your own or in a tasting group organized by students enrolled in the online program
Price: $790
Student Testimonials:
Shreen Ahmadon Aug 12, 2020"A comprehensive and well-structured programme. The instructors (Sharon and Lisa) were very knowledgeable, responsive, approachable and encouraging. "- Yvonne OUon Jul 4, 2020"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!"
- Rich Vanderheidenon Jun 27, 2020"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. "
- Andres Alexander Medrano-Breneson Jun 25, 2020"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! ;-) "
- Lela Sherdonon Jun 20, 2020"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. "
- Rosa Lyn Joy Way Buenoon Jun 18, 2020"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."
- Rosa Lyn Joy Way Buenoon Jun 18, 2020"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."
- T. Negeen Pegahion Jun 18, 2020"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."
- Christopher Assiseon Jun 14, 2020"Great class. As an enthusiast rather than a professional, I found the content challenging but learnable, and the explanations clear and not jargon laden."
- Sebastian Gamboggion Jun 8, 2020"The full course and test, reach my expectation. i´m looking further to make a Master level. Thank you all the team."
- Tahnee Fournieron May 31, 2020"Having taken an instructor lead format in person previous to Covid, I can attest the online instructor program is excellent and I retained so much information and knowledge. I feel rather accomplished with this process. The only downside is not being able to taste as many great wines when in a classroom together! I highly recommend the program. "
- Marc S Werneron May 7, 2020"I found the program to be informative and very worthwhile. It was a great foundation for an understanding of French wine and a great stepping stone for future study. I would recommend it. "
- Woodie Stephensonon Apr 20, 2020"I was most impressed by the course material, it’s organizations and the thoroughness of information. Never had there been a source as accurate and complete on all things French wines. The instructors led the course with a respect for the material that was evident of their passion for French wines. The distant learning format was very smoothly broadcast with an interactive format that did not take away from the organization of the lesson; with many online courses there is too much feedback, racket and interruption due to technical issues but that was never the case with the Wine Scholar Guild. "
- Clifford Burron Sep 23, 2019"I enjoyed the program mainly as it covered more history, location and also food of the area. I have not got my exam results back but think the exam could have been more challenging - I hope I pass after stating that! Thanks"
- Denise Clarkeon Sep 1, 2019"Very thorough, professional and accurate information about French wine regions. Highly recommend the instructor-led course to keep you focused and accountable for meeting study deadlines."
Stay tuned... next FWS online instructor-led session starting soon...
Register now with the FWS independent study format
Register Now What's Included Instructors
How it works Why this format? Schedule of study FWS STUDY TOOLS
Meet your instructors
Sharon McLean, CS, DipWSET, FWS, IWS
- Certified Sommelier through the International Sommelier Guild Senior
- Authorized instructor of Wine Scholar Guild and WSET courses on Vancouver Island
- WSET Diploma with the highest marks in Canada
- An accredited Bordeaux instructor
Lisa M. Airey, CWE, FWS
- Director of Education for the Wine Scholar Guild since 2009
- 24 years of experience in the wine industry
- Knighted by the French government for the FWS program’s significant contribution to the French wine industry.
- Creator of the French Wine Scholar™ program
You can see Sharon's and Lisa’s detailed bio here.
How it works:
- You receive the full-color, 274-page French Wine Scholar study manual for independent reading and study. Work through the material when you have time in your schedule.
- You are provided access to on-line study modules and review quizzes corresponding to the course content found in the manual. These are available to you 24/7!
- Attend 8 live webinars for 10 weeks via webinar accessible from computer or tablet. An opportunity to exchange freely with your instructor and fellow students. We always love to hear from you! Can’t make a webinar live? No problem. All are recorded for on demand replay in webinar or podcast formats…perfect on your way to work!
- Have a question after watching a recorded webinar? Contact your instructors via and Instructor Q & A forum or email her directly. The choice is yours.
- Track your progress through the course curriculum via our online tracking system.
- You have one year from your registration date to take your final exam. When you are ready, please contact one month in advance, WSG Office Manager Celine Camus at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to check on availability and schedule your online exam. The test consists of 100 multiple choice questions. There is no tasting component. All you need is a laptop equipped with microphone and webcam and an internet connection.
- We have structured the curriculum into a three-month program to keep you focused and disciplined in your study. But you have a full year to sit the exam…just in case life gets in the way.
Register Now What's Included Instructors
How it works Why this format? Schedule of study FWS STUDY TOOLS
Stay tuned... next FWS online instructor-led session starting soon...
Register now with the FWS independent study format
Why this format?
1. It is manageable.
The program is designed to keep you on track…but it is also flexible enough to enable you to catch up should your schedule get interrupted…or even to suspend it should you get derailed. It is designed to accommodate the needs of a busy professional.
2. You have real human support.
Lisa and Sharon are available for questions via chat box during webinars, via the Q&A forum and via direct email/phone. There is also a student forum should you wish to create a study group/tasting group in your area or just interact with your fellow students. You can be as interactive or as independent as you want to be.
3. You are part of a global student community.
Your classmates will hail from every segment of the wine industry from all over the globe and offer very different insights and points of view. The intellectual ferment adds to the depth of your learning.
4. Your classroom is mobile.
If you have a computer, cell phone or tablet, you have a classroom.
Schedule of study:
|
Week 1 |
Welcome webinar (30 mins) with Sharon Thursday, October 1, 2020 @ 12:00 noon ET · Meet your instructor and other students · General orientation · How to access online program and log-in to live webinars · How to use the discussion forum Self-study: Foundation Chapters and Alsace, Jura and Savoie |
|
Week 2 |
Live webinar (1 hr 15 mins) with Sharon Thursday, October 8, 2020 @ 12:00 noon ET · Check-in on progress · Review of Alsace, Jura and Savoie Self-study: Champagne |
|
Week 3 |
Live webinar (1 hr 15 mins) with Sharon Thursday, October 15, 2020 @ 12:00 noon ET · Check-in on progress · Review of Champagne Self-study: Loire |
|
Week 4 |
Live webinar (1 hr 15 mins) with Sharon Thursday, October 22, 2020 @ 12:00 noon ET · Check-in on progress · Review of Loire Self-study: Bourgogne, Beaujolais |
|
Week 5 |
Live webinar (1 hr 15 mins) with Lisa Thursday, October 29, 2020 @ 12:00 noon ET · Check-in on progress · Review of Bourgogne, Beaujolais Self-study: Bordeaux, South-West France |
|
Week 6 |
Revision week |
|
Week 7 |
Live webinar (1 hr 15 mins) with Lisa Thursday, November 12, 2020 @ 12:00 noon ET · Check-in on progress · Review of Bordeaux, South-West France Self-study: Rhône Valley, Provence |
|
Week 8 |
Live webinar (1 hr 15 mins) with Lisa Thursday, November 19, 2020 @ 12:00 noon ET · Check-in on progress · Review of Rhône Valley, Provence Self-study: Languedoc-Roussillon, Corsica |
|
Week 9 |
Live webinar (1 hr 15 mins) with Sharon Thursday, December 3, 2020 @ 12:00 noon ET · Check-in on progress · Review of Languedoc-Roussillon & Corsica
|
|
Week 10 |
Live webinar (1 hr 15 mins) with Sharon Thursday, December 10, 2020 @ 12:00 noon ET · Comparative review |
Register Now What's Included Instructors
How it works Why this format? Schedule of study FWS STUDY TOOLS
Stay tuned... next FWS online instructor-led session starting soon...
Register now with the FWS independent study format
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
Student Testimonials:
- Shreen Ahmadon Aug 12, 2020"A comprehensive and well-structured programme. The instructors (Sharon and Lisa) were very knowledgeable, responsive, approachable and encouraging. "
- Yvonne OUon Jul 4, 2020"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!"
- Rich Vanderheidenon Jun 27, 2020"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. "
- Andres Alexander Medrano-Breneson Jun 25, 2020"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! ;-) "
- Lela Sherdonon Jun 20, 2020"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. "
- Rosa Lyn Joy Way Buenoon Jun 18, 2020"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."
- Rosa Lyn Joy Way Buenoon Jun 18, 2020"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."
- T. Negeen Pegahion Jun 18, 2020"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."
- Christopher Assiseon Jun 14, 2020"Great class. As an enthusiast rather than a professional, I found the content challenging but learnable, and the explanations clear and not jargon laden."
- Sebastian Gamboggion Jun 8, 2020"The full course and test, reach my expectation. i´m looking further to make a Master level. Thank you all the team."
- Tahnee Fournieron May 31, 2020"Having taken an instructor lead format in person previous to Covid, I can attest the online instructor program is excellent and I retained so much information and knowledge. I feel rather accomplished with this process. The only downside is not being able to taste as many great wines when in a classroom together! I highly recommend the program. "
- Marc S Werneron May 7, 2020"I found the program to be informative and very worthwhile. It was a great foundation for an understanding of French wine and a great stepping stone for future study. I would recommend it. "
- Woodie Stephensonon Apr 20, 2020"I was most impressed by the course material, it’s organizations and the thoroughness of information. Never had there been a source as accurate and complete on all things French wines. The instructors led the course with a respect for the material that was evident of their passion for French wines. The distant learning format was very smoothly broadcast with an interactive format that did not take away from the organization of the lesson; with many online courses there is too much feedback, racket and interruption due to technical issues but that was never the case with the Wine Scholar Guild. "
- Clifford Burron Sep 23, 2019"I enjoyed the program mainly as it covered more history, location and also food of the area. I have not got my exam results back but think the exam could have been more challenging - I hope I pass after stating that! Thanks"
- Denise Clarkeon Sep 1, 2019"Very thorough, professional and accurate information about French wine regions. Highly recommend the instructor-led course to keep you focused and accountable for meeting study deadlines."
FWS Online Exam:
- The exam is composed of 100 multiple-choice questions and must be completed in 60 minutes.
- The French Wine Scholar credential will be conferred to those individuals who sit the exam and achieve a score of 75 or higher.
- Online exam candidates must have a computer (tablet not compatible), a good internet connection, a webcam and a microphone with speakers for proctoring purposes.
- Candidate has one year from registration date to take the exam. When ready, the candidate may contact 1 month in advance, WSG office manager Celine Camus at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to schedule the exam.
Important notice: Candidates cancelling less than 5 business days prior to their scheduled exam date or not showing up the day of will incur a $85 re-scheduling fee.
Register Now What's Included Instructors
How it works Why this format? Schedule of study FWS STUDY TOOLS
Stay tuned... next FWS online instructor-led session starting soon...
Register now with the FWS independent study format
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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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.