Earn the Spanish Wine Scholar™ (SWS) post-nominal through 10 weeks of self-study fully supported by a comprehensive study manual, interactive e-learning modules for each region, and 10 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 Spanish wines.
REGISTER What's Included Instructors
How it works Why this format? Schedule of study SWS STUDY TOOLS
Preview of the program:
The syllabus takes a regional approach and discusses all Spanish wine appellations and the factors that shape their identities. It provides committed students of wine with an unparalleled set of study tools that are designed to maximize learning and boost knowledge retention.
The program was created by Spanish wine specialist Rick Fisher, Spanish Wine Scholar™ Education Director.
Wines from Spain (ICEX - Spain's Trade & Investment Government Agency) has endorsed the program in recognition of its exceptional level of depth, accuracy, detail, and academic rigor.
The Spanish Wine Scholar study and certification program confers a post-nominal to wine professionals and enthusiasts who successfully pass the certification exam (Ex: John Smith, SWS). With a school network encompassing 30 countries on 5 continents, the SWS credential has true international recognition.
The Spanish Wine Scholar™ online | 10-week Instructor-Led Format includes:

PLUS:
- The Spanish 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 Spanish 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: $790
Get your SWS certification in 10 weeks! Next online instructor-led session starts May 18, 2021. Registration is now open!
Get a head start! Gain instant access to online study materials... followed shortly by your study manual!
REGISTER What's Included Instructors
How it works Why this format? Schedule of study SWS STUDY TOOLS
Meet your instructor:

Rick Fisher, Spanish Wine Scholar™ Education Director
• Awarded Certified Sherry Educator through the Consejo Regulador of Jerez-Xérès-Sherry
• Creator of Bodega: Adventures in Spanish Food & Wine, a venue for the promotion and education of Spanish food, wine, and culture
• Provided education content for Rias Baixas and Drink Ribera consumer campaigns in the USA
• Traveled extensively throughout Spain
How it works:
- You receive the full-color, 315-page Spanish 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 10 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 instructor via and Instructor Q&A forum.
- 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 Céline 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 What's Included Instructors
How it works Why this format? Schedule of study SWS STUDY TOOLS
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.
Rick is available for questions via chat box during webinars and via the Q&A forum. 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:
Get your SWS certification in 10 weeks! Next online instructor-led session starts May 18, 2021. Registration is now open!
Get a head start! Gain instant access to online study materials... followed shortly by your study manual!
Week 1 |
Welcome webinar (30 mins) Tuesday, May 18, 2021 @ 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: Fundamentals & Green Spain |
Week 2 |
Live webinar (1 hr 30 mins) Tuesday, May 25, 2021 @ 12:00 noon ET · Check-in on progress · Review of The Fundamentals & Green Spain Self-study: The Duero River Valley |
Week 3 |
Live webinar (1 hr) Tuesday, June 1, 2021 @ 12:00 noon ET · Check-in on progress · Review of The Duero River Valley Self-study: La Rioja & The Ebro River Valley |
Week 4 |
Live webinar (1 hr 30 mins) Tuesday, June 8, 2021 @ 12:00 noon ET · Check-in on progress · Review of La Rioja & The Ebro River Valley Self-study: Cataluña |
Week 5 |
Live webinar (1 hr) Tuesday, June 15, 2021 @ 12:00 noon ET · Check-in on progress · Review of Cataluña Self-study: The Central Mediterranean Coast |
Week 6 |
Live webinar (1 hr) Tuesday, June 22, 2021 @ 12:00 noon ET · Check-in on progress · Review of The Central Mediterranean Coast Self-study: The Meseta |
Week 7 |
Live webinar (1 hr) Tuesday, June 29, 2021 @ 12:00 noon ET · Check-in on progress · Review of The Meseta Self-study: Andalucía |
Week 8 |
Live webinar (1 hr) Tuesday, July 6, 2021 @ 12:00 noon ET · Check-in on progress · Review of Andalucía Self-study: The Islands |
Week 9 |
Live webinar (1 hr) Tuesday, July 13, 2021 @ 12:00 noon ET · Check-in on progress · Review of The Islands Revision week |
Week 10 |
Final live review webinar (1 hr 15 mins) Tuesday, July 20, 2021 @ 12:00 noon ET · Cross-regional review & recap · Sample test questions & exam protocols |
REGISTER What's Included Instructors
How it works Why this format? Schedule of study SWS STUDY TOOLS
Study Materials:
EMPOWERING STUDENTS TO SUCCEED
Modeled after the French Wine Scholar™ program, Spanish Wine Scholar™ students will receive the same complete set of study materials.
#1 THE SWS STUDY MANUAL:
The Spanish Wine Scholar™ manual is the most comprehensive and current coverage on the wines of Spain and follows 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 wine regions of Spain.
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 Spanish wine appellation is discussed (vs. just mentioned) and triaged by "need-to-know" icons. Emphasis is given to the flavor and structure profiles of the wines.
A Fundamentals Chapter provides an overview which puts all of Spain and its wines into perspective.
#2 SWS Online Study Program:
The SWS online study program offers interactive e-learning modules that are put into a measurable, meaningful format designed for maximum retention of content and ease of use.
Each region of Spain is covered and dovetails nicely with the Spanish 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!
Spanish Wine Scholar™ online study modules features:
- E-learning modules loaded with videos and learning games to keep you engaged
- Your place is automatically bookmarked/saved to resume where you left off
- Quizzes and learning games for self-evaluation
- Hundreds of online flashcards
- Pronunciation exercises
- You earn badges to track your accomplishments
#3 Detailed Spanish Wine Maps:
Your study manual will be packed with beautiful wine maps which have been designed for this program by Quentin Sadler. Electronic versions of these maps, in addition to blank practice maps are also available for download on the online course page.
#4 Professional Instructor Support:
- Online Independent Study: via the Q&A forum answered by Rick Fisher, SWS Education Director
- Online Instructor-led Format: via the Q&A forum plus email and live chat with instructors
- In Classroom: via a local, certified instructor