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Champagne Masters

The most updated and comprehensive certification program on the wines of Champagne.

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240 global graduates

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Starts April 2

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150 hours of study

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Online study

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$875

Program Overview

The pinnacle in wine education, the Wine Scholar Guild presents the Champagne Masters Program.

The most in-depth and up-to-date certificate program on the wines of Champagne, Wine Scholar Guild's Champagne Masters Program is led by industry-recognized experts, including Peter Liem (author of award-winning ChampagneGuide.net; author, Champagne); Essi Avellan MW (chair of Decanter World Wine Awards’ Champagne panel); Steve Charters MW (Professor of Wine Marketing at the School of Wine & Spirits Business at Burgundy School of Business), Charles Curtis MW (Founder of WineAlpha). 

Formulated for the most passionate wine professionals and connoisseurs, this wine course offers the most comprehensive deep dive into an exquisite landscape and an extraordinary winemaking process, with regular interviews and lectures from those who found a way to capture the bubble in the bottle. 

The program culminates with a final exam and WSG Champagne Masters designation, elevating your expertise while catapulting you to the forefront of Champagne wine mastery. 

What's Included

From an in-depth study manual, live classes and on-demand videos, every aspect is thoughtfully designed for a flexible and comprehensive learning experience. 

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Study Manual

A printed and digital copy of the newly updated Champagne Masters study manual, revised by Peter Liem.

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Recorded Sessions

60 recorded lectures on Champagne's history, geology, viticulture and winemaking practices, including terroir, vintages and wine law.

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Live Webinars and Q&A Forum with Your Instructors

Four live monthly review webinars plus one welcome webinar and one exam prep webinar, always recorded for on-demand viewing.

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Video Interviews

A series of video interviews, conducted by Andrew Jefford, with some of the most admired experts of the region: Dr. Yves Tesson, Cédric Moussé, and Jean-Baptiste Lecaillon.

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Final Exam

Online, proctored exam sit to be scheduled within one year of your registration.

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Certificate

Upon passing, receive your coveted Champagne Masters certificate. Add this reputed credential to your LinkedIn profile and résumé or CV.

Why People Choose Champagne Masters

Detailed Schedule

We seamlessly blend the flexibility of on-demand lectures with the dynamic engagement of live online sessions. Can't join live? All sessions are available on demand after they air live.

All live classes start at 12:00 noon EST/6 pm CET and are recorded for on-demand replay. 
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Topic
Date

1

Welcome Webinar

On-demand video

2

Review Webinar 1: Regional/Context

April 2, 2024

3

Review Webinar 2: Montagne de Reims

May 7, 2024

4

Review Webinar 3: Vallée de la Marne

June 4, 2024

5

Review Webinar 4: Côte des Blancs & Côte de Bar

July 2, 2024

6

Review Webinar 5 & Preparing for the Exam

August 6, 2024

Your Instructors

Study under true Champagne experts and masterful instructors

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Lead Instructor: Sharon McLean

• Sharon McLean, FWS, IWS, is a Certified Sommelier through the International Sommelier Guild. She teaches Wine Scholar Guild and WSET courses on Vancouver Island and is a freelance wine writer and wine judge. At WSG, Sharon coordinates the Master-Level programs and teaches the French Wine Scholar online, instructor-led sessions.

• Sharon completed the Diploma from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET)® with the highest marks in Canada in 2009.

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Peter Liem

• Author of the award-winning book Champagne
• Author of ChampagneGuide.net, an award-winning online guide to the wines and wine producers of Champagne
• Former senior editor, critic and tasting director for Wine & Spirits magazine
• Contributor to The World of Fine Wine, Decanter, The Art of Eating, and The San Francisco Chronicle

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Essi Avellan MW

• Author of Matka Champagneen and Parhaat samppanjat
• Revising editor of the 3rd edition of Christie’s World Encyclopedia of Champagne and Sparkling Wine by Tom Stevenson
• Chair of Decanter World Wine Awards’ Champagne panel
• Knighted as Chevalier l’Ordre du Mérite Agricole by the French Minister of Agriculture

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Steve Charters MW

• Professor of Wine Marketing at the School of Wine & Spirits Business at Burgundy School of Business
• Former Professor of Champagne Management at Reims Management School (Neoma)
• Winner of the Australian Vin de Champagne Award (professional section)
• Author of Wine and society: The social and cultural context of a drink

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Charles Curtis MW

• Founder of WineAlpha, a full-service wine consultancy
• Regular columnist for the Chinese version of La Revue du Vin de France
• Author of The Original Grand Crus of Burgundy
• Regular teacher and speaker at Master of Wine courses, numerous universities, and dozens of wine and food festivals

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Nick Blampied-Lane

• Head winemaker at Defined Wine in the UK
• Former winemaker for Dom Pérignon
• Former Director of Oenology Projects at Moët and Chandon
• Former winemaker at Veuve Clicquot
• Former winemaker at Cloudy Bay

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Gaylord Legras

  • 5th generation vintner in Chouilly, Côte des Blancs
  • Diploma in Wine Estate Management with a certification in hand-grafting
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Your Interview Host: Andrew Jefford

• Wine writer since 1988
• Author of   The New France, Whisky Island, Andrew Jefford's Wine Course
• Wine Scholar Guild Academic Advisor 
• Contributing Editor and columnist for   Decanter   and   World of Fine Wine
• Winner of eight Glenfiddich Awards and eight Roederer Awards

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Wine professionals, including sommeliers, food & beverage directors, servers, wine educators, distributor representatives, and importers, looking to enhance their expertise in Champagne's appellations, both sparkling and still. 
  • Enthusiasts of Champagne seeking a comprehensive education in viticulture, winemaking, history, and the unique people behind this renowned wine region. 
  • Individuals desiring the ability to confidently discuss and provide exceptional service and guidance about Champagne, encompassing both its regional and wine aspects. 

Have a different question? Feel free to contact us.

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Elevate your expertise.

Starts April 2