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 January 17, 2023

Price: $950

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 January 17, 2023

Price: $950

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) January 17, 2023 · 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) January 24, 2023 · Check-in on progress · Review of The Fundamentals & Green Spain Self-study: The Duero River Valley
Week 3	Live webinar (1 hr) January 31, 2023 · 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) February 7, 2023 · Check-in on progress · Review of La Rioja & The Ebro River Valley Self-study: Cataluña
Week 5	Live webinar (1 hr) February 14, 2023 · Check-in on progress · Review of Cataluña Self-study: The Central Mediterranean Coast
Week 6	Live webinar (1 hr) February 21, 2023 · Check-in on progress · Review of The Central Mediterranean Coast Self-study: The Meseta
Week 7	Live webinar (1 hr) February 28, 2023 · Check-in on progress · Review of The Meseta Self-study: Andalucía
Week 8	Live webinar (1 hr) March 7, 2023 · Check-in on progress · Review of Andalucía Self-study: The Islands
Week 9	Live webinar (1 hr) March 14, 2023 · Check-in on progress · Review of The Islands Revision week
Week 10	Final live review webinar (1 hr 15 mins) March 21, 2023 · Cross-regional review & recap · Sample test questions & exam protocols

10-week instructor-led format

Next session starts January 17, 2023

Price: $950

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.

Endorsed by

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:

Jonathan Emery
on Nov 22, 2022
"I have thoroughly enjoyed the Spanish Wine Scholar program. The instruction and study materials were excellent. I had a lot of fun and now feel like I have a much greater understanding of Spain, It's wines and why they are so unique."
Konstantinos Lazarakis
on Nov 10, 2022
"An excellent in approach educational program, providing deep yet not absurd level of knowledge. It covers all the essential elements, from history to culture to wine styles and recent developments. A must-do for every serious wine lover, NOT just every serious Spanish wine lover! Konstantinos Lazarakis MW "
Konstantinos Lazarakis
on Nov 10, 2022
"An excellent in approach educational program, providing deep yet not absurd level of knowledge. It covers all the essential elements, from history to culture to wine styles and recent developments. A must-do for every serious wine lover, NOT just every serious Spanish wine lover! Konstantinos Lazarakis MW "
Thomas Branco Rossmark Schramm
on Nov 9, 2022
"The SWS is a great program. It helped me expand my knowledge and showed a lot of new things. I never though there was so much history and diversity to Spanish Wine. I'm now eager to visit Spain and see all these regions I read about."
Eilen Ravn
on Nov 2, 2022
"I really enjoyed this course. I thought it was really interesting and Nika is a great teacher. I've learned so much!"
David Lane
on Oct 19, 2022
"I have now studied both the French and Spanish Wine Scholar programmes. I didn’t know how much I didn’t know before taking them. Both were as pleasurable as they were informative. I’ve now signed up for Italy!"
Marion Miles
on Oct 18, 2022
"Fantastic programme for those interested in expanding their Spanish wine knowledge. Great online resources to help with studying, as well as great teachers and wine to taste. "
Chun Lim Tse
on Oct 12, 2022
"Its an amazing course, suitable for everyone who wants to study further and really understand the whole picture of Spanish wine culture and industry. Enjoyable, funny, and stunning. Keeps me thirsty for Spanish wine, and knowledge!"
Mario Roma
on Sep 16, 2022
"A fabulous journey through Spain vineyards and history what's a real privilege. SWS brought me the smells and flavours of the same wines which a thirsty Don Quijote has drunk celebrating his victories besides Sancho; the deep ruby that hipnotyzed Pablo Picasso or Salvador Dalí; the life and death of vines as centuries of war and conquest pass by. Finally, a lovely kind of no wayback intimacy with the next glass. Thank you for all."
Franco Cirelli
on Sep 15, 2022
"The Spanish Wine Scholar program encourages students to not only learn about Spanish wines but relish the experience of tasting them. It leaves students wanting to sample more Spanish wines and travel to the areas where they are produced. Students who complete this course gain a fantastic appreciation for Spanish wines, culture, history and many individual communities and regions. "
Zhenqi Han
on Aug 29, 2022
"A detailed explanation of Wines from Spain, with very interesting points of history and wine cultures. "
Ying Ying Chen
on Aug 24, 2022
"Before SWS, I didn't know there are so many interesting wines and cultural high lights in Spain. Makes me want to visit Spain again. I did an online program, and didn't find all the wines mentioned in the program, but I'll keep referring to it and will expand my wine tasting experience as I go."
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."

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