Independent Study Format

French Wine Scholar ™ online | Independent Study Format

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

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.

The French Wine Scholar ™ online | Independent Study Format includes:

Plus:

The French Wine Scholar™ online exam*
A suggested schedule of study with learning objectives for each region
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

Price: $595

Student Testimonials:

Angelina Cheuk
on Oct 12, 2020
"FWS is the in depth wine course that offers the most interesting and concise information you cannot get anywhere else "
Kyle Paton
on Sep 30, 2020
"The French Wine Scholar distance learning program was one of the best choices I could have made for my career. It's incredibly intuitive, structured, and guided even with independent studying. It really helped me to have focus on areas and topics that I have breezed over in the past, which have made me a much more well rounded sommelier. I enrolled in the Spanish Wine Scholar program the second I finished my FWS exam, it was that good! "
Rijul Mohil
on Sep 16, 2020
"The overall program was very informative and i quiet easy to understand. The course material provided was very good along with the maps for each region and short quizzes after chapter was very helpful. I would suggest this course to all individual who are hoping to learn more about french wines"
Antonio Bueno
on Aug 27, 2020
"The most pleasurable and comprehensive way I have found to deepen in my knowledge of French wines. A must that is fully enjoyable. "
Jinhyuck Yang
on Jul 30, 2020
" The study material covers history, topography, geology, grape varieties, wines, terminologies, and even food tradition. I was hugely impressed by the interesting links among them that have created the excellent wine culture of France. Having a broad and in-depth knowledge of unique terroirs within France boosted my level of appreciation of the wines of France! "
Nicolas
on Jul 27, 2020
"The program is well done. All the tools are very useful for the exam."
John Ospina
on Jul 13, 2020
"WSG is an excellent wine education institution."
John Lord
on Jun 28, 2020
"I found the FWS program excellent and at the conclusion considered I had achieved everything I wished from enrolment. I also participated in a short 5 week instructor led version of the program which also gave an overview of France and its wine industries that brought the independent learning together in an understandable framework."
Eve Vuillemainroy
on Jun 27, 2020
"I was quite informative and hope I passed. "
Joseph
on Jun 25, 2020
"The French Wine Scholar program is a must for anyone wishing to go deeper into understanding the world of French wine. The level of detail in the study material is exceptional."
Lindsay Schwietz
on Jun 22, 2020
"I really enjoyed taking the French Wine Scholar program. The information is arranged logically with interesting historical and regional stories that I look forward to using while selling wine in my job as a server. I can't wait to dive into the other Wine Scholar courses!"
Shu Tong Tan
on Jun 11, 2020
"A thorough and in-depth look into the world of French wines. Definitely require a substantial amount of wine knowledge before attempting this course, else it can be an uphill task of memory work with the vast amount of information involved. The course is the de facto holy grail necessary to understand the history, the hype, and the happenings of wines for all wine students as it is where the trinity of fame, glory, and luxury for the wine industry comes together."
Caitlin Ferguson
on Jun 7, 2020
"The French Wine Scholar was the deep dive into France that I needed! It was challenging, and very informative, and I feel that it gave me a solid understanding of French wine. I will definitely be considering the master classes on Burgundy or Champagne, which were the most challenging regions for me while studying FWS. "
Bart Crols
on May 13, 2020
"Very informative, comprehensive and interesting material to learn about the French wine scene in a fun way. "
Emily Spruce
on May 11, 2020
"The French Wine Scholar has provided me with knowledge and confidence with French Wines; covering a range of topics including regional history, geology, and lesser known varieties. I learnt online and at my own pace, which gave me much needed flexibility. Thanks to the FWS, I've even found some new favourite wines. "

*FWS online exam: You have one year from your registration date to take your exam (extension possible for a nominal fee). If you are registered for an online exam-sit and ready to schedule it, you may contact the WSG office This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Online exam candidates shall be equipped with a PC or Mac Desktop or laptop computer with working microphone, speakers and webcam and possess a good internet connection. The exam cannot be taken from a tablet, nor a mobile phone or Chromebook.

Alternately, the FWS program is available in a instructor-led online format with professional instructor support from with acclaimed wine educators Sharon Mclean, DipWSET, FWS and WSG Education Director Lisa M. Airey, CWE, FWS

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:

Angelina Cheuk
on Oct 12, 2020
"FWS is the in depth wine course that offers the most interesting and concise information you cannot get anywhere else "
Kyle Paton
on Sep 30, 2020
"The French Wine Scholar distance learning program was one of the best choices I could have made for my career. It's incredibly intuitive, structured, and guided even with independent studying. It really helped me to have focus on areas and topics that I have breezed over in the past, which have made me a much more well rounded sommelier. I enrolled in the Spanish Wine Scholar program the second I finished my FWS exam, it was that good! "
Rijul Mohil
on Sep 16, 2020
"The overall program was very informative and i quiet easy to understand. The course material provided was very good along with the maps for each region and short quizzes after chapter was very helpful. I would suggest this course to all individual who are hoping to learn more about french wines"
Antonio Bueno
on Aug 27, 2020
"The most pleasurable and comprehensive way I have found to deepen in my knowledge of French wines. A must that is fully enjoyable. "
Jinhyuck Yang
on Jul 30, 2020
" The study material covers history, topography, geology, grape varieties, wines, terminologies, and even food tradition. I was hugely impressed by the interesting links among them that have created the excellent wine culture of France. Having a broad and in-depth knowledge of unique terroirs within France boosted my level of appreciation of the wines of France! "
Nicolas
on Jul 27, 2020
"The program is well done. All the tools are very useful for the exam."
John Ospina
on Jul 13, 2020
"WSG is an excellent wine education institution."
John Lord
on Jun 28, 2020
"I found the FWS program excellent and at the conclusion considered I had achieved everything I wished from enrolment. I also participated in a short 5 week instructor led version of the program which also gave an overview of France and its wine industries that brought the independent learning together in an understandable framework."
Eve Vuillemainroy
on Jun 27, 2020
"I was quite informative and hope I passed. "
Joseph
on Jun 25, 2020
"The French Wine Scholar program is a must for anyone wishing to go deeper into understanding the world of French wine. The level of detail in the study material is exceptional."
Lindsay Schwietz
on Jun 22, 2020
"I really enjoyed taking the French Wine Scholar program. The information is arranged logically with interesting historical and regional stories that I look forward to using while selling wine in my job as a server. I can't wait to dive into the other Wine Scholar courses!"
Shu Tong Tan
on Jun 11, 2020
"A thorough and in-depth look into the world of French wines. Definitely require a substantial amount of wine knowledge before attempting this course, else it can be an uphill task of memory work with the vast amount of information involved. The course is the de facto holy grail necessary to understand the history, the hype, and the happenings of wines for all wine students as it is where the trinity of fame, glory, and luxury for the wine industry comes together."
Caitlin Ferguson
on Jun 7, 2020
"The French Wine Scholar was the deep dive into France that I needed! It was challenging, and very informative, and I feel that it gave me a solid understanding of French wine. I will definitely be considering the master classes on Burgundy or Champagne, which were the most challenging regions for me while studying FWS. "
Bart Crols
on May 13, 2020
"Very informative, comprehensive and interesting material to learn about the French wine scene in a fun way. "
Emily Spruce
on May 11, 2020
"The French Wine Scholar has provided me with knowledge and confidence with French Wines; covering a range of topics including regional history, geology, and lesser known varieties. I learnt online and at my own pace, which gave me much needed flexibility. Thanks to the FWS, I've even found some new favourite wines. "

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 the WSG office at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to schedule the exam.

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

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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.

"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
"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
"I truly enjoyed studying and preparing the French Wine Scholar course. I found a lot of new facts and fascinating detail about French wine regions we do not cover in WSET programs. After every regional chapter, I took a nice trip to my local wine shop in Saint Louis, Alsace to buy and taste the many discoveries. There are no hidden corners any more in the vast French wine landscape for me and this is a value that I am really looking forward to passing on to many curious Swiss wine drinkers."

Juan Lo Bello

Wine Educator at Wein-Werkstatt

"I truly enjoyed studying and preparing the French Wine Scholar course. I found a lot of new facts and fascinating detail about French wine regions we do not cover in…

Juan Lo Bello

Wine Educator at Wein-Werkstatt