10-week Instructor-Led Format

Spanish Wine Scholar ™ online | 10-week Instructor-Led Format

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.

10-week instructor-led format

Next session starts October 18, 2022

Price: $790

Preview of the program:

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

10-week instructor-led format

Next session starts October 18, 2022

Price: $790

Meet your instructors:

Rick Fisher, SWS, DipWSET, Spanish Programs Director

Rick Fisher, DipWSET, is Spanish Programs Director for the Wine Scholar Guild (WSG). He wrote, researched, and developed the Wine Scholar Guild’s Spanish Wine Scholar™ study and certification program which launched in 2019.
Rick’s passion for Spain and his Spanish heritage guides his desire to educate students about Spanish wine. Prior to joining WSG, he had created and maintained a blog titled “Bodega: Eat. Drink. Explore. ESPAÑA!” for over a decade.

He is a wine judge, educator, and writer with a Master of Business Administration (MBA). Rick is also a Certified Sherry Educator and a Certified Rioja Educator.

Sasha DeJaynes, CS, FWS, SWS, DipWSET

Sasha is CEO and founder of Vinolust, an organization based in Orange County, California, specializing in online wine education and boutique wine travel adventures. She is also the Administrator and SWS instructor for Neptune School of Wine.

How does it work?

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!
Recorded webinars: can’t make a webinar live? No problem. All are recorded for on demand replay in webinar or podcast formats…perfect for your trip 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, you can contact us to 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.

What's Included Instructors Details Study Materials

About 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:

Week 1	Welcome webinar (30 mins) · 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) · Check-in on progress · Review of The Fundamentals & Green Spain Self-study: The Duero River Valley
Week 3	Live webinar (1 hr) · 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) · Check-in on progress · Review of La Rioja & The Ebro River Valley Self-study: Cataluña
Week 5	Live webinar (1 hr) · Check-in on progress · Review of Cataluña Self-study: The Central Mediterranean Coast
Week 6	Live webinar (1 hr) · Check-in on progress · Review of The Central Mediterranean Coast Self-study: The Meseta
Week 7	Live webinar (1 hr) · Check-in on progress · Review of The Meseta Self-study: Andalucía
Week 8	Live webinar (1 hr) · Check-in on progress · Review of Andalucía Self-study: The Islands
Week 9	Live webinar (1 hr) · Check-in on progress · Review of The Islands Revision week
Week 10	Final live review webinar (1 hr 15 mins) · Cross-regional review & recap · Sample test questions & exam protocols

10-week instructor-led format

Next session starts October 18, 2022

Price: $790

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

ABOUT THE SPANISH WINE SCHOLAR

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.

Student Testimonials:

Graham Walter SWS
on Jul 2, 2022
"The SWS program had everything I was looking for. The content, structure, and practical approach were all fantastic and it was presented in an easy to understand and logical way. Outside of the world of wine, I am a practicing physician with a schedule that made the online independent study format perfect. I would highly recommend this course to anyone with a general interest in wine or an interest in Spain in particular. Hopefully, Spanish master classes are coming to the scholar guild soon!"
Rusk Elatassi
on Jun 29, 2022
"Truly enjoyed the course . The material , overall was coherent , easy to follow and just enough information without going too in depth. The wines tasted were specific to the regions as expected . "
Amr Elnashai
on Jun 10, 2022
"The program is very well structured and provides exceptionally interesting and useful wine knowledge that would satisfy the professional and the hobbyist alike."
Yiu Keung Man
on Jun 1, 2022
"The material on the online class room and pronunciation are great and help me a lot of mastering Spanish wine."
Maria Jose Paez
on May 24, 2022
"Absolutely fantastic! Loved the way the study manual is disposed, its organization made my study considerably easy! Besides, the software reinforced and perfectly summarized all chapters. Can’t wait to enroll in the French wine course!!!!"
Annie Davis
on May 23, 2022
"I love the WSG! I just completed FWS and SWS and am extremely pleased with the quality of the learning material, from the books, to the maps, to the learning objectives, and the online modules. It's very well organized and comprehensive and I've discovered so many things about wine regions that I didn't learn in other certification courses. Great job - super excited to be moving on to IWS next! "
Juan Carlos Gallegos
on May 23, 2022
"Spanish Wine Scholar is a comprehensive course covering all wine producing regions of Spain. Study material is precise and easy to understand. Very recommended for wine professionals as well as for wine aficionados."
Santiago
on May 22, 2022
"I liked a lot the program and I’m looking forward to study the French program."
Ducreux
on May 11, 2022
"A good and complete panorama of the Spanish wine industry"
Jim Harden
on May 6, 2022
"Coming into the SWS program I had some basic knowledge of Spanish wine from certifications with the International Sommelier Guild and Wine and Spirits Eduction Trust, but now that I have completed the program and am a SWS, I am amazed and pleased with the in-depth knowledge I have not just about Spain wine, but about the relevant history, geography, climate, and wine laws. I cannot recommend this program highly enough...Thank You!!!"
Ulrik Ljungberg
on Apr 27, 2022
"Super course and I had so much fun and learnt so much. I would recommend to anyone who wants to learn more about Spanish wine!"
JOSE MARIA MARTIN
on Apr 26, 2022
"excellent training about Spanish wines. Very complete course to have a global vision of wines in Spain. "
Jessica Jeffrey
on Apr 14, 2022
"I thoroughly enjoyed studying the Spanish Wine Scholar via the independent learning online format. The textbook was very informative and separated into easy-to-follow chapters and sections with the 'need to know' exam content highlighted. Having studied Spanish and Italian at university and previously having completed my WSET Level 2 and 3, this was the perfect course to marry together my two passions of languages and wine studies. A pairing as good as Pulpo a la Gallega and a glass of DO Rías Baixas Albariño! "
on Mar 29, 2022
"I loved it! I’ve taken the IWS, FWS, SWS, and Sherry Wine Scholar. All self directed. All the materials and information has been amazing!!!! Thank you! Hope to see more wine regions in the future. "
Janice Robinson
on Mar 27, 2022
"Spanish Wine Scholar provided in-depth information on the history of Spain and the history of wine in Spain. The regional focus gave me extensive content to get 'up close' to Spain's provinces. I now have a few more must visit wine regions to add to my growing list. Thanks for helping me gain expertise in Spanish Wine!!"

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.

"Wines from Spain is pleased to have had the opportunity to witness and consult on the development of this much needed and important Spanish Wine Scholar program since its inception. The program showcases the richness of Spanish wines - their authenticity, huge diversity and premium quality - combined with the rich culture and history that gave rise to their origins. The program offers a great opportunity for those who want to widen their knowledge of the wines from Spain."

Alfonso Janeiro Diez

Head of Wines From Spain in Madrid

"Wines from Spain is pleased to have had the opportunity to witness and consult on the development of this much needed and important Spanish Wine Scholar program since its inception.…

Alfonso Janeiro Diez

Head of Wines From Spain in Madrid
"If you want to learn everything there is to know about Spanish wine – whether you are a professional or just a lover of good wine – this course will take you there. It is valuable for anyone who wants an in-depth but approachable lesson on the grapes, regions, and producers of Spain … which to me is the greatest wine country in the world!"

José Andrés

Chef and Owner of ThinkFoodGroup

"If you want to learn everything there is to know about Spanish wine [...] this course will take you there."

José Andrés

Chef and Owner of ThinkFoodGroup
"SWS is the only real complete study program on the wines of Spain. It not only covers all winemaking regions of Spain, but it also gives an in-depth understanding of the history and culture of this extremely exciting wine country.”

Jonas Tofterup, MW

Owner of Iberian Wine Academy in Málaga, Spain

"SWS is the only real complete study program on the wines of Spain. It not only covers all winemaking regions of Spain, but it also gives an in-depth understanding of…

Jonas Tofterup, MW

Owner of Iberian Wine Academy in Málaga, Spain
"The SWS Manual is probably one of the most comprehensive and educative works ever produced on Spanish wines. The Sherry chapter, in particular, covers every piece of basic knowledge there is to know about these very special wines. Sherry wines are by nature complex, but wine students will find the manual's approach to the region, the processes, and the wines are both rigorous and easy to understand".

César Saldaña

President, Consejos Reguladores de las Denominaciones de Calidad “Jerez-Xérès-Sherry”

"The SWS Manual is probably one of the most comprehensive and educative works ever produced on Spanish wines"

César Saldaña

President, Consejos Reguladores de las Denominaciones de Calidad “Jerez-Xérès-Sherry”
"The Spanish Wine Scholar Program is the industry's most up-to date and in-depth course on the wines of Spain. The level of detail and quality of the materials make this program a mandatory course for any serious student of wine. Viva España !"

Monica Marin, DipWSET

Director of Education Programs , The Wine House – Los Angeles

"The Spanish Wine Scholar Program is the industry's most up-to date and in-depth course on the wines of Spain. The level of detail and quality of the materials make this…

Monica Marin, DipWSET

Director of Education Programs , The Wine House – Los Angeles
"The in-depth SWS programme is a wonderful immersion of study through the history, culture and romance of the vinous nation of Spain.

Expertly crafted by the SWS maestro Rick Fisher, the detailed and comprehensive textbook expertly guides you through all the regions of Spain including lesser-known areas such as the Canary and Balearic Islands. From the Albillo to Zalema grape varieties there is thorough and meticulous information including geological, geographical, topographical and meteorological and how these disciplines combine to shape the mouth-watering wines of Spain.

The SWS course is an absolute must for anyone who wishes to master vinous Spain and sits proudly in its vigour and depth alongside the FWS and IWS."

Jimmy Smith, FWS, IWS, SWS, DipWSET

Owner & Head Tutor at West London Wine School

"The SWS course is an absolute must for anyone who wishes to master vinous Spain and sits proudly in its vigour and depth alongside the FWS and IWS."

Jimmy Smith, FWS, IWS, SWS, DipWSET

Owner & Head Tutor at West London Wine School
"The SWS book is a great piece of deep information, but also a well edited and visual book that will help to understand the what, the why, the how, the who and the when of the Spanish wine scene".

Ferran Centelles

Wine Manager at elBullifoundation, Spanish specialist for Jancisrobinson.com

"The SWS book is a great piece of deep information, but also a well edited and visual book that will help to understand the what, the why, the how, the…

Ferran Centelles

Wine Manager at elBullifoundation, Spanish specialist for Jancisrobinson.com
“It is great to see that with Spanish Wine Scholar, there is a reference study program specifically focused on Spanish wines. This helps to show the amazing amount of regional diversity Spain has to offer with its impressive treasures of different and rare varieties, vineyards and unique spots”

Miguel Torres Maczassek

5th Generation and General Manager Familia Torres

"It is great to see that with Spanish Wine Scholar, there is a reference study program specifically focused on Spanish wines"

Miguel Torres Maczassek

5th Generation and General Manager Familia Torres
"The Spanish Wine Scholar Program is wonderfully comprehensive and a thorough class on Spain. There’s a ton of knowledge packed into 300 pages, having the online modules really solidified the key points in the text book. I highly recommend this course for anyone looking to sharpen their knowledge in Spanish wines!"

Gretchen Thomas

VP of Food & Beverage Innovations, Barcelona Wine Bar

"I highly recommend this course for anyone looking to sharpen their knowledge in Spanish wines!"

Gretchen Thomas

VP of Food & Beverage Innovations, Barcelona Wine Bar