Independent Study Format

Spanish Wine Scholar ™ Online | Independent Study Format

THE SPANISH WINE SCHOLAR™ PROGRAM IS THE MOST ADVANCED AND COMPREHENSIVE CERTIFICATION COURSE ON THE WINES OF SPAIN

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 Spanish Wine Scholar™ Online | Independent Study 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: $750

The SWS program is also available in a instructor-led online format including on-demand review webinars with Rick Fisher, SWS Education Director.

STUDY MATERIALS:

EMPOWERING STUDENTS TO SUCCEED

#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 Programs Director at Wine Scholar Guild.

Foods and 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:

Manuel Gonzales
on Feb 3, 2023
"As a long term wine professional, educator, sales person and portfolio manager for a large wholesaler in New England, I love the attention to geologic and human history. The format is user friendly, easy to understand and extremely engaging. "
Antonina
on Jan 21, 2023
"The course was great, even though very detailed. I felt a bit confused with the historical part, especially as to what was required for the exam. I very much appreciate the contact with Rick who sorted out any of my doubts via the I- net platform. Thank you very much!"
Jeff Campbell
on Jan 13, 2023
"The Spanish Wine Scholar course was a great in-depth study of Spanish wine as well as Spanish wine history. The written materials are excellent and the on-line resources that are available really helped with the "need-to-know" aspects of the course. This was the first course I've taken with the Wine Scholar Guild and I look forward to signing up for the next one!"
RAFAEL BRUZAMOLIN
on Dec 20, 2022
"Great program to deep your knowledge about Spanish wine history, geography, climate, viticulture, winemaking techniques, wine styles, wine law, wine labels and different wine regions with their DOPs and IGPs. Thank you very much Mr. Rick Fisher, all of the SWS team and WSG! "
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. "
Tse Chun Lim
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. "

*SWS 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 at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Online exam candidates must 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.

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