Congratulations to Jess Hedrick, FWS for passing the French Wine Scholar with the highest honors with our program provider Napa Valley Wine Academy in CA.
About Jess:
''I became involved in the wine industry after graduating college and landing a job at a local winery in Northeast Ohio. Because I knew almost nothing about wine when I started, I began educating myself; researching, reading, tasting. The more I learned, the more I fell in love with wine and this continues to remain true today each time I discover something new. Because of my French grandmother, I have always been intrigued by the French language, culture, and not surprising, the wines, hence my success with the FWS program. Since my first winery job, I have worked in management at another local Ohio winery and have some experience in viticulture. I am in the process of moving to a different location to experience what the industry has to offer outside of Ohio. I aspire to work in wine education as I enjoy sharing my knowledge and wine experiences with others.
I have passed WSET Levels 2 and 3. These courses jump started my wine education by offering insight into wines from all over the world, France included. FWS took it up a notch by delving into France’s background, history, terroir, helping me gain a full understanding and appreciation for why French wines are so delicious and highly sought after.
I am enrolled in the Intensive Sommelier program at the International Culinary Center and will begin classes in July. The wines of France unit should be a great refresher course and a breeze after successfully completing the FWS program!
The FWS program has helped tremendously. While the entire class was focused on France, many of the things I have learned can be applied to other regions- the importance of terroir, vintage, location, etc., for example. Overall, it has given me a better understanding of wine and the industry as a whole.
The knowledge gained from this course has also given me confidence when purchasing French wines and offering wine suggestions to friends.''
