Advanced Level Course

French

Wine Scholar


Advanced Level Course

French

Wine Scholar



The French Wine Scholar program is an official certification course of study designed by the Wine Scholar Guild to provide current, accurate information on the wine regions of France and validate proficiency in the Wines of France. Developed and administrated by the Wine Scholar Guild with the support of the French Ministry of Agriculture, this program is aimed at advanced students of wine whether professionals or serious wine hobbyists. Wine professionals who follow this in-depth curriculum on the wines of France and pass the exam, earn the French Wine Scholar (FWS) post-nominal. 

The French Wine Scholar program is an official certification course of study designed by the Wine Scholar Guild to provide current, accurate information on the wine regions of France and validate proficiency in the Wines of France. Developed and administrated by the Wine Scholar Guild with the support of the French Ministry of Agriculture, this program is aimed at advanced students of wine whether professionals or serious wine hobbyists. Wine professionals who follow this in-depth curriculum on the wines of France and pass the exam, earn the French Wine Scholar (FWS) post-nominal. 

Set yourself apart

Specialize in wines of France


There is no other study and certification program in the world that covers France with such breadth and depth. The material is comprehensive and updated every year. It is a great resource and supplement for students of wine moving toward advanced general wine study programs such as WSET Diploma, Master of Wine, Court of Master Sommeliers’ Advanced Sommelier (and up) or Certified Wine Educator.

  • Learn about every region in France including viticultural and winemaking practices, grape varieties, topography, climate, soils, history and wine laws, as well as local culinary traditions.

  • Classroom experience includes  24 hours of instruction with tutored tastings of wines from the regions

  • Course includes a 280-page, full-color FWS Study Manual & FWS exam registration.

  • Access to the full e-learning program with full audio narration, review quizzes for self-evaluation, hundreds of flashcards, pronunciation exercises, Instructor Q&A forum for personal assistance, student forum for community interaction  downloadable maps.

Sneak preview of the study manual


Here's a sneak peak of what to expect in the materials in regards to level of detail, layout and presentation. 

French Wine Scholar

$1133 fee includes exam, books, wines in class, and instruction.

Group Rates Available for 4+ people. Please email lindsay@winesmarties.com for discount code.

 

*Disclaimer: Due to Covid shutdowns it is possible these dates may change

 

Image taken of the hill of Hermitage in the Northern Rhone

The program is excellent. It differs in format from many classes taught in that there is a real effort to give context to the regions through discussion of history as well as soils, topography, climate and grapes from each region. This class is not producer driven, but is terroir driven, and teaches students about France as a whole as well as the specific regions.

Maura O'Brien, FWS


If you are a professional in the wine business looking to enhance your career, this is the program for you. Great instructors, easy-to-follow study guide and 24-hour internet access.

Ronald Plunkett, FWS, Sommelier at Hakkasan in San Francisco


The FWS Program is a very in-depth serious program for the wione professional or enthusiast. There is no other program like it and attaining the qualification should be a highly recognized achievement.

Nava Ramesh, FWS



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