Congratulations to Dennis Fraley, FWS, for passing the French Wine Scholar exam with highest honors!
About Dennis:
I lead a dual life with one leg in the industry and the other in health care. By day I am a Nurse Anesthetist and by evening my role switches to that of a wine writer, educator, and consultant. I write an article under the title ‘Bottle Talk’ that has been running for 5 years and have taught wine appreciation classes for 4 years. Currently, I am contemplating applying for study through the Institute of Masters of Wine and would someday like to teach about, write about and consult on wine full time.
Completing the Diploma level of the WSET (Wine and Spirits Education Trust) and Certified Specialist of Wine left me wanting more wine education. I was intrigued when I became acquainted with the Wine Scholar Guild and their program offerings. I was delighted to find a wealth of online references and felt the guided lectures and study material intuitive and easy to follow. The instructors were not only extremely knowledgeable but approachable and presented the material in a logical fashion. Even though I studied a bit about French wine before, I learned a good deal. I truly believe that a program such as this is beneficial for not only the beginner but also for the more educated wine student. Although not currently enrolled in another program, I will most certainly be working my way through more Wine Scholar Guild programs.
Although post nominals are readily acknowledged in the industry, I feel the education provided by the program goes beyond that. From the ‘potted history’ to the geology elements, this program offers a broad prospective on the region / country of study. Not only has it sold me on future courses, I believe it changes the way many wine students will approach their further studies. Rather than just memorizing facts and elements about an area, there is an appreciation gained by looking at the whole picture.
