French Wine Scholar

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 program includes all the necessary tools & support to Master the wines of France:

Our sessions will include 27 hours of classroom instruction with tutored tasting taught by approved instructors • A comprehensive 330-page study manual with illustrations, maps, and graphic. • 1-year access to the interactive and user-friendly e-learning platform of WSG including online learning modules, pronunciation exercises, quizzes and flashcards • Registration for the French Wine Scholar Exam In order to bring each region to life, you will also taste a total of over 45 different wines over the course of the program.

Who is this program for?

The French Wine Scholar Program covers French wine law, grape varieties, viticulture, winemaking and all of the French wine regions. This core body of knowledge is important whether you sell wine, buy wine or teach about wine. The FWS program allows wine professionals to set themselves apart from their peers by specializing in the wines of France. 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 program, Court of Master Sommeliers’ Advanced Sommelier (and up) or Certified Wine Educator. While not a pre-requisite, we recommend that students successfully complete at least the lower-level course (WSET Level 3) from one of these organizations before entering the FWS program.

Why Study French Wine?

All students of wine eventually discover France. Some use it as the starting point to begin their vinous exploration while others arrive in France after having sampled the wines of other countries. There is a world within French wine and the wines and wine styles of France have certainly impacted the entire wine world. Many reference France as the benchmark for wine production. But this is not just because of the quality and quantity of wines it produces. This long-standing reputation is due to the fact that internationally recognized grape varieties of high caliber such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Pinot Gris, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah are all native to France! By studying French wine, the student gains a deeper appreciation for the grape and its travels and a reference point for Old World/New World comparisons.