Across the world, the coronavirus pandemic has temporarily closed classrooms and required students to learn their course material entirely from home. At the Wine Scholar Guild, many new enrollments have shifted to the online wine study option for the foreseeable future. In fact, many students now find themselves with more time on their hands as they are required to stay home and adopt “social distancing” to their daily routine.
It is important to note that at-home learning can require very different skills not applied in a classroom setting. Whether you are new to distance learning or eager for ideas on how to improve your studying practice, we’ve compiled 12 helpful study tips to help you make the most of your at-home wine education.
Are you ready to dive into one of the world’s greatest wine-producing countries? If so, our next Spanish Wine Scholar Instructor-Led course is about to start, and we would love to have you join us! If you still aren’t sure, then take a look at these ten reasons why you should be studying Spanish wine.
Master the wines of Northern Italy through self-study fully supported by a comprehensive study manual, interactive e-learning modules for each region, and 14 on-demand webinars. The Italian Wine Scholar™ Unit 1 curriculum via online learning offers an interactive program that is put into a measurable, meaningful format designed for maximum retention of content and ease of use.
Students who pass the exam for Unit 1 and Unit 2 will earn the Italian Wine Scholar™ (IWS) post-nominal.
We provide stellar instruction from an acclaimed instructor, a flexible schedule of study designed for busy professionals and all the necessary tools to master the wines of Central & Southern Italy.
The Italian Wine Scholar course is composed of two separate units:
Instructor-Led Format
Join the class anytime
Price: $790
Note: Unit 1 & 2 can be taken in any order.
Instructor-Led Format
Join the class anytime
Price: $790
Note: Unit 1 & 2 can be taken in any order.
• WSG Italian Programs Director
• DipWSET holder with Distinction and awarded the ProWein Scholarship in recognition of her accomplishments
• Worked for more than a decade in the wine world; as a wine buyer, in retail sales, and as a drinks educator at one of Canada’s top wine stores
• Member of the expert judging panels at the Decanter World Wine Awards, International Wine Challenge, and Vinitaly 5 Star Wines
• Student of the Institute of Masters of Wine
Instructor-Led Format
Join the class anytime
Price: $790
Note: Unit 1 & 2 can be taken in any order.
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.
Andrea is available for questions via the Q&A forum and via direct email. 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.
Onboarding |
Welcome & Introduction to Unit 1 Meet your instructor General orientation (online forums, course navigation, study assists) How to successfully complete the course Read "Foundations" Watch welcome webinar |
Session 1 |
Valle d'Aosta Read "Valle d'Aosta" Review study assists Watch Valle d'Aosta review webinar |
Session 2 |
Piemonte Part One Read "Piemonte" Watch Piemonte Part One review webinar |
Session 3 |
Piemonte Part Two Read "Piemonte" Review study assists Watch Piemonte Part Two review webinar |
Session 4 |
Piemonte Part Three Read "Piemonte" Review study assists Watch Piemonte Part Three review webinar |
Session 5 |
Liguria Read "Liguria" Review study assists Watch Liguria review webinar |
Session 6 |
Lombardia Read "Lombardia" Review study assists Watch Lombardia review webinar |
Session 7 |
Emilia-Romagna Read "Emilia-Romagna" Review study assists Watch Emilia-Romagna review webinar |
Session 8 |
Trentino Read "Trentino" Review study assists Watch Trentino review webinar |
Session 9 |
Alto Adige Read "Alto Adige" Review study assists Watch Alto Adige review webinar |
Session 10 |
Veneto Part One Read "Veneto" Review study assists Watch Veneto Part One review webinar |
Session 11 |
Veneto Part Two Read "Veneto" Review study assists Watch Veneto Part Two review webinar |
Session 12 |
Friuli Venezia Giulia Read "Friuli Venezia Giulia" Review study assists Watch Friuli Venezia Giulia review webinar |
Session 13 |
Final Review Review study assists Watch Review & Exam Prep Take Practice exam |
The 260-page, full-color study manual 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.
Regions covered: Valle d’Aosta, Lombardia, Piemonte, Trentino, Alto Adige, Veneto, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Liguria, Emilia-Romagna
Plus: A Foundation Unit covering Italian wine law, history, geography, topography, climate, viticulture and wine styles
The IWS 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 Northern Italy are covered and dovetails nicely with the Italian Wine Scholar study manual Unit 1. Study materials are available 24/7. If you’ve got a laptop and an internet connection, you’ve got a classroom!
The Italian Wine Scholar™ education program is the most advanced, comprehensive, and up-to-date Italian wine course available. The syllabus takes a regional approach and discusses all Italian 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 with the support of the Italian wine DOC/G consortia.
The Italian Trade Commission (ITA) endorsed the program in recognition of its exceptional level of depth, accuracy, detail, and academic rigor.
The Italian Wine Scholar study and certification program confers a post-nominal to wine professionals and enthusiasts who successfully pass the certification exams (Ex: John Smith, IWS). With a school network encompassing over 30 countries on 5 continents, the IWS credential has true international recognition.
Earn the French Wine Scholar™ (FWS) post-nominal through self-paced study fully supported by a comprehensive study manual, interactive e-learning modules for each region, and 15 on-demand webinars let by your instructors.
This format provides the convenience and flexibility of an online study program with structured and ongoing support you need to get you over the finish line. Join the 15 on-demand webinars from any location with an internet connection, at any time that suits your busy schedule. Connect with your instructors and fellow classmates during the live online Monthly Meet-Ups and anytime via the online classroom forums.
WSG provides stellar instruction from world renowned instructors, a flexible schedule of study designed for busy professionals, and all the necessary tools to master French wines.
Instructor-Led Format
Start today and gain immediate access to all course materials
Price: $950
We've recently released a brand new and fully updated version of the French Wine Scholar program (the 7th edition)! Register today to get your FWS certification!
Start today and gain instant access to all the study materials. You can join a class anytime. Registration is now open!
Sharon McLean, CS, DipWSET, FWS, IWS
Lisa M. Airey, CWE, FWS
Instructor-Led Format
Start today and gain immediate access to all course materials
Price: $950
What's Included How it works Why this format? Study Materials
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.
Sharon and Lisa are available for questions via the Q&A forum and via direct email. 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.
Enjoy the energy of the live classroom during the monthly thematic Monthly Meet-Ups with your instructor and fellow students! A pre-defined theme pertaining to your course material will be shared in advance and you're welcome to come with wine in hand! These are informal occasions to ask questions and gain additional help reviewing for your exam.
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.
If you have a computer, cell phone or tablet, you have a classroom.
We offer all the necessary tools & support to master the wines of France!
The 330-page study manual (NEW 7th 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.
Regions covered: Alsace, Champagne, Bourgogne, Beaujolais, Jura, Savoie, Loire, Bordeaux, South-West, Languedoc, Roussillon, Rhône, Provence, Corsica
Each month, we give you two distinct times to connect with your instructors during our themed Monthly Meet-Ups! This is an informal time to round-table a specific theme as it pertains to your FWS studies. Here's an idea of past and future topics that will be covered. Wine is optional, but recommended!
1. Thinking Pink
The world of French rosé is a study in pink and partridge eye. This roundtable will discuss why there is such diversity within this wine category and what color can tell you.
2. Champagne: From Flaw to Fantastic
Bubbles in wine were not always well-received. This roundtable will discuss the serendipitous set of circumstances that gave rise to one of the world’s most popular luxury goods.
3. Vines of the 21st Century: Hot and Bothered!
This roundtable discussion will tackle the extremely unpredictable weather events challenging the vignerons of France. Climate change is impacting vit/vini practices from Alsace to Rhône. How does this affect the wine in our glass?
4. Chenin Blanc: Flying High Under the Radar
Chenin Blanc has a cult following among the wine cognoscenti. This roundtable will discuss Chenin in terms of extract and aromatics.
5. The Evolution of the Red Bordeaux Blend
The red Bordeaux blend has changed enormously over the past 200 years. Join the roundtable to discuss the underpinnings of its success. Is it the grapes or is it the terroir?
6. France in your Glass
Join a philosophical discussion on what constitutes the quintessential French wine region! What wine is most closely associated with France, French history, and French culture.
7. Riesling: Straddling the Border
Historically, Alsace Riesling has been structurally different from its German counterpart. Are those differences beginning to blur? Join the discussion as we look at this grape on both sides of the border.
8. There’s Something in the Cellar
What happens when a wine ages? Are these changes always positive? This roundtable will discuss the pros and cons of starting a wine cellar.
9. Books and Beyond
Have you read a French wine book has taken you beyond the printed word to change your thought processes, wine buying habits, or vacation destination? This roundtable will discuss those terrific tomes…so bring a title to share.
10. The Many Facets of Pinot
Pinot Noir is an unstable grape that is prone to mutation, yet it has turned out to be a very reliable “barometer of the soil.” This roundtable will discuss the many facets of the grape, particularly as it expresses itself in Bourgogne.
11. Late Harvest, Botrytis, Passerillage, Vin Doux Naturel
Consumer preferences are changing. How do sweet wines fit in? This roundtable will discuss sweet wine styles and the ways to showcase them to best advantage.
12. Off the Beaten Track
Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to find a wine from an off-the-beaten-track French appellation and tell us about it! Let’s go “off-road” and find some hidden treasure.
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!
Instructor-Led Format
Start today and gain immediate access to all course materials
Price: $950
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.
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.
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™ 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.
The FWS program is also 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. Many students find that this format gives the extra support and motivation to get to the finish line.
We offer all the necessary tools & support to master the wines of France!
The 330-page, full-color study manual (NEW 7th 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.
Regions covered: Alsace, Champagne, Bourgogne, Beaujolais, Jura, Savoie, Loire, Bordeaux, South-West, Languedoc, Roussillon, Rhône, Provence, Corsica
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!
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.
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.
French Wine Scholar™ classes are offered by licensed program providers and delivered by an approved FWS instructor. This study format includes:
All FWS program providers teach from the same Wine Scholar Guild-developed presentations and are supplied with uniform teaching materials.
Naturally, each instructor has a unique teaching style, the wine selection will vary by market, the class length and class structure (weekly, biweekly, weekends etc.) will vary from location to location, but the content will be the same no matter where you take the class. For many, the classroom experience helps to hammer home the theory; a tutored tasting component brings each region to life. Many students find the set “schedule” helpful in keeping on top of their studies.
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Jay Youmans MW, FWS | Mark Pygott MW, FWS | Sheral Schowe, M.Ed., FWS |
David Glancy MS, CWE, FWS
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Sharon Mclean, DipWSET, FWS |
Jimmy Smith, DipWSET, FWS, IWS, SWS | Peter Neptune MS | Julien Boulard MW, FWS |
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