French Wine Scholar™ Study & Certification Program
The French Wine Scholar™ program is the industry's most respected certification course on the wines of France.
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.
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 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.
The French Wine scholar™ online learning format includes:
Plus:
A suggested schedule of study with learning objectives for each region
Live review webinars with acclaimed wine educators Sharon Mclean, DipWSET, FWS and French Programs Director Matthew Landry (*instructor-led format only)
Online quizzes and learning games for self-evaluation
Downloadable maps of all French wine regions
Pronunciation exercises to boosts your credibility
A list of recommended wines to sample on your own or in a tasting group hosted by students enrolled in the online program
"The French Wine Scholar is a very well-thought-out program. The study material is easy to use and understand, making technical and tricky subjects, simple to cover. 100% recommended for those who are stepping into the world of wine!"
Efraime Calaunan
on Feb 17, 2021
"Although I do not carry any current certificates I chose FWSG to challenge myself & most importantly to learn . This course did exactly that! It is well structured & many resources are provided . I would definitely recommend this course to anyone who is willing to apply themselves to further their wine knowledge !"
Luis Felipe Campos
on Feb 16, 2021
" Participating in the French Wine Scholar program gave me knowledge far beyond wine; it's like a real deep dive into French culture"
Luis Felipe Campos
on Feb 15, 2021
"To get enrolled into French Wine Scholar program became me self confident in several aspects beyond french wine's knowledge itself; it's like a deep dive into french culture and history"
Adrian Matei
on Jan 15, 2021
" it is very good course with a good amounth of information given."
Chantal Molin
on Dec 22, 2020
"Great program! It would have been great to receive the access to the online learning earlier than 2 months before the classroom session. But great material et great school for the classroom learning."
Brianna Burns
on Dec 20, 2020
"The French Wine Scholar is a thoroughly enjoyable wine certification course that gives context above all. I love learning about why wine is the way it is, along with learning about what it is and where it comes from and FWS really provides that needed background. For anyone looking for an all-encompassing knowledge of French wine, this course is for you. I can't wait to take on the other courses!"
Joao Rocha Lima Neto
on Dec 17, 2020
"I think the program as very interesting. Hoping to have the Italian and Spanish program in Portuguese as well in a short period of time."
Renee Munro
on Dec 14, 2020
"The information in the French Wine Scholar program is expertly and beautifully presented, in a manner that even non-wine professionals like me can master. The content is fascinating and fun - I can't wait to sign up for the next course!"
Giuseppina Andreacchio
on Dec 13, 2020
"I attended FWS at West London School and the program proved to be excellent for the detailed description of the various regions and for the easy explanations of those regions that may seem a bit more complicated (i.e. Bourgogne). The program was clear, well delivered and the wines we tasted were a perfect example of the grape varieties or styles presented by the tutors. The course is perfect for anyone who is not familiar with French Wines or for wine professionals who want to improve their knowledge of French Wines further. I highly recommend the course which is very enjoyable but teaches you an awful lot at the same time."
Charlene Denise Perez
on Dec 10, 2020
"Great Course, really learned a lot"
Thomas Trull
on Dec 10, 2020
"French Wine Scholar gives you a remarkably deep insight into the history, geology, and character of French wines and regions that will give you a leg up whether in your wine career or just completing your own cellar."
Tian Lewis
on Dec 10, 2020
"No other program offers this kind of deep dive into France’s various wine regions. I highly recommend the program to anyone who is curious and dedicated to learning about French wine."
Jose Renato Camilotti
on Dec 1, 2020
"The FWS is a journey through wine, its history, cultural and political elements. A real immersion in the culture of humanity, providing deep and solid knowledge about French regions and wines. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to feel confident and expert on the subject."
Jörg Philipp
on Nov 30, 2020
"After years of trying to get structure into my knowledge about French wine, finally I found the solution! FWS has a clear structure on each wine region, with the most needed information in a row. No need to search around for the things I am looking for. It really took me so many years of struggling with French wine, now I am clear.
Many thanks to FWS and I can only suggest this format, if you are also wondering how to get your knowledge in a row or if you start with France, this is the course to take!"
STUDY OPTION 2 | CLASSROOM LEARNING
French Wine Scholar™ classes are offered by licensed program providers and delivered by an approved FWS instructor. This study format includes:
All FWS program providers teach from the same Wine Scholar Guild-developed presentations and are supplied with uniform teaching materials.
Naturally, each instructor has a unique teaching style, the wine selection will vary by market, the class length and class structure (weekly, biweekly, weekends etc.) will vary from location to location, but the content will be the same no matter where you take the class. For many, the classroom experience helps to hammer home the theory; a tutored tasting component brings each region to life. Many students find the set “schedule” helpful in keeping on top of their studies.
"The French Wine Scholar is a very well-thought-out program. The study material is easy to use and understand, making technical and tricky subjects, simple to cover. 100% recommended for those who are stepping into the world of wine!"
Efraime Calaunan
on Feb 17, 2021
"Although I do not carry any current certificates I chose FWSG to challenge myself & most importantly to learn . This course did exactly that! It is well structured & many resources are provided . I would definitely recommend this course to anyone who is willing to apply themselves to further their wine knowledge !"
Luis Felipe Campos
on Feb 16, 2021
" Participating in the French Wine Scholar program gave me knowledge far beyond wine; it's like a real deep dive into French culture"
Luis Felipe Campos
on Feb 15, 2021
"To get enrolled into French Wine Scholar program became me self confident in several aspects beyond french wine's knowledge itself; it's like a deep dive into french culture and history"
Adrian Matei
on Jan 15, 2021
" it is very good course with a good amounth of information given."
Chantal Molin
on Dec 22, 2020
"Great program! It would have been great to receive the access to the online learning earlier than 2 months before the classroom session. But great material et great school for the classroom learning."
Brianna Burns
on Dec 20, 2020
"The French Wine Scholar is a thoroughly enjoyable wine certification course that gives context above all. I love learning about why wine is the way it is, along with learning about what it is and where it comes from and FWS really provides that needed background. For anyone looking for an all-encompassing knowledge of French wine, this course is for you. I can't wait to take on the other courses!"
Joao Rocha Lima Neto
on Dec 17, 2020
"I think the program as very interesting. Hoping to have the Italian and Spanish program in Portuguese as well in a short period of time."
Renee Munro
on Dec 14, 2020
"The information in the French Wine Scholar program is expertly and beautifully presented, in a manner that even non-wine professionals like me can master. The content is fascinating and fun - I can't wait to sign up for the next course!"
Giuseppina Andreacchio
on Dec 13, 2020
"I attended FWS at West London School and the program proved to be excellent for the detailed description of the various regions and for the easy explanations of those regions that may seem a bit more complicated (i.e. Bourgogne). The program was clear, well delivered and the wines we tasted were a perfect example of the grape varieties or styles presented by the tutors. The course is perfect for anyone who is not familiar with French Wines or for wine professionals who want to improve their knowledge of French Wines further. I highly recommend the course which is very enjoyable but teaches you an awful lot at the same time."
Charlene Denise Perez
on Dec 10, 2020
"Great Course, really learned a lot"
Thomas Trull
on Dec 10, 2020
"French Wine Scholar gives you a remarkably deep insight into the history, geology, and character of French wines and regions that will give you a leg up whether in your wine career or just completing your own cellar."
Tian Lewis
on Dec 10, 2020
"No other program offers this kind of deep dive into France’s various wine regions. I highly recommend the program to anyone who is curious and dedicated to learning about French wine."
Jose Renato Camilotti
on Dec 1, 2020
"The FWS is a journey through wine, its history, cultural and political elements. A real immersion in the culture of humanity, providing deep and solid knowledge about French regions and wines. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to feel confident and expert on the subject."
Jörg Philipp
on Nov 30, 2020
"After years of trying to get structure into my knowledge about French wine, finally I found the solution! FWS has a clear structure on each wine region, with the most needed information in a row. No need to search around for the things I am looking for. It really took me so many years of struggling with French wine, now I am clear.
Many thanks to FWS and I can only suggest this format, if you are also wondering how to get your knowledge in a row or if you start with France, this is the course to take!"
WE OFFER ALL THE NECESSARY TOOLS & SUPPORT TO MASTER THE WINES OF FRANCE:
#1 FWS Study Manual:
The 270-page, full-color study manual (6th Edition) provides all the information from which the test questions are derived. You do not need to research you own study materials; everything you need to know is in the manual.
Comprehensive coverage of France’s 14 distinct wine regions is presented in the following manner:
Viticultural history, wine culture and traditions
Location and climate and their effects on viticulture and wine style
Topography, geography and soils and their impact on the vine
Grape varieties and their organoleptic profiles
Viticulture and winemaking practices
Wine industry trends and economics
All AOCs with their regulations, wine styles and specificities
Plus: A Foundation Unit covering: French wine law, grape varieties, viticulture, viniculture and a discussion of Old World vs. New World wine styles
French Wine Scholar™ study manual features:
#2 FWS Online Study Modules:
The FWS online study modules offer interactive presentations that are put into a measurable, meaningful format designed for maximum retention of content and ease of use. Each region of France is covered and dovetails nicely with the French Wine Scholar study manual. Study materials are available 24/7. If you’ve got a laptop and an internet connection, you’ve got a classroom!
French Wine Scholar™ online study modules features:
Quizzes and learning games for self-evaluation
Full audio narration to offer new insight and keep you engaged
Your place is automatically bookmarked/saved to resume where you left off
A progress bar tracks your accomplishments
#3 Professional Instructor Support
Online Independent Study: via the Q&A forum answered by Matthew Landry, French Programs Director
Online Instructor-led Format: via the Q&A forum plus email and live chat with acclaimed wine educators Sharon Mclean, DipWSET, FWS and French Programs Director Matthew Landry
"The French Wine Scholar manual has once again proven why the Wine Scholar Guild is one of the best wine education programs in the world. What I particularly found helpful was the background information at the beginning of the manual. The detailed information on the vineyard cycle, the effect of temperature and wind, the vineyard pests and plagues, understanding different trellising methods, etc., all helps build a solid foundation permitting a deeper understanding of wine. The manual clearly explains the methods for both vineyard and winery work, which allow the student to fully appreciate the French wine regions.
I have found many students are visual learners, and the quality of maps used by the French Wine Scholar manual are incredible. It really helps in understanding the material more thoroughly.
I found the manual to be very well organized, enjoyable level of detail and a study guide I will continue to recommend. Thank you for sharing this manual with me."
Nicholas Poletto
Director of Education at Kobrand Corporation
"The French Wine Scholar manual has once again proven why the Wine Scholar Guild is one of the best wine…
Nicholas Poletto
Director of Education at Kobrand Corporation
“The Wine Scholar Guild’s French Study Manual is simply the best and most comprehensive guide to French wine available today. Indispensable for any wine trade professional who works with French wine. Bravo!”
Martin Sinkoff
VP and Director of Marketing, Frederick Wildman And Sons
"Indispensable for any wine trade professional who works with French wine. Bravo!”
Martin Sinkoff
VP and Director of Marketing, Frederick Wildman And Sons
1
2
3
4
5
6
FWS-Student-Testimonials
Congratulations to Jessica Hammer, FWS, for passing the French Wine Scholar exam with highest honors with Bordeaux Wine Campus. About Jessica:
My passion for wine, and in particular French wine, was born during a French wine and cheese pairing workshop on a trip to Paris in 2015. The passion, the craftsmanship, the concept of terroir - that Chardonnay wasn’t just Chardonnay, it could be Chablis - was a revelation. Since then, I left my job in marketing, spent a year working as a cheesemonger and wine seller in Chicago’s finest wine, cheese, and specialty foods shop, and am now living in Toulouse, in SW France, where I will be launching a food tour company this fall.
I passed the WSET level 2 course with merit in the summer of 2017. Because my goal is to help people discover French wines through my tours, the French Wine Scholar certification was the next logical step. It allowed me to dig deeply into the major winegrowing regions of France while providing a solid base of technical knowledge of winemaking processes, geography and soil science, insight into the wine industry, and even the continuing role of climate change in winemaking. FWS gave me an organized and methodical way of fitting all of these pieces together to allow me to explore both the big picture of French wine, and also what is happening on a regional level.In 2019, I plan to enroll in the WSET level 3 to zoom back out to a global level, and then complete some of the French regional Master-level courses, particularly those for my area of France - like the Sud de France Master for Languedoc-Roussillon. Hopefully there will also be a SW France Master course in the future!With FWS, I’ll be using all that I’ve learned every day as a food and wine tour guide in Toulouse. The confidence and knowledge I gained through the FWS program will allow me to help people connect to French wine by cutting through the confusion and mystery and highlighting what is truly special and inspiring.
Jessica Hammer, FWS
Founder of Taste of Toulouse
With FWS, I’ll be using all that I’ve learned every day as a food and wine tour guide in Toulouse.
Jessica Hammer, FWS
Founder of Taste of Toulouse
WSET Level 2
Congratulations to José Luiz Ferrazzo Neto, FWS, for passing the French Wine Scholar exam with highest honors!
About José:At the beginning I was just a wine drinker, as my whole family, to honor our Italian descendance. In 2005 I went to Spain to walk the “Camino de Santiago” or “Way to St. James”, and wine became my true passion. Dozens of wine courses and eno-trips introduced me to WSET. Level 1, 2, 3 and 4…...finally DIP WSET. I´ve sold my company and totally changed my life. Started working for British Berkmann Wine Cellars in Brasil, become wine educator in Enocultura and after a year in wine business Im totally happy working as a general manager for Portus Importer, one of the greatest and oldest importers in Brasil. My passion for French wine leads me to FWS and what a great pleasure studying and having such a great grade. Italy and Spain will be next steps for sure.I did many small wine courses in ABS (brasilian somm association) but my biggest tittle is WSET level 4 that I finished this year. Now that I finished my FWS I realized that would have been great to have this graduation before my WSET exams (would have helped a lot). As my plan is to be accepted to the MW program, my next step will be IWS and SWS.FWS will not just “open doors” for me as a French wine educator. FWS, and the whole Wine Scholar Guild, will keep me updated…..and being updated is just the best thing you can do in the wine world if you want to succeed!!
José Luiz Ferrazzo Neto, FWS
Commercial Manager at Portus Importer - Wine Educator with Oenocultura
FWS, and the whole Wine Scholar Guild, will keep me updated…..and being updated is just the best thing you can do in the wine world if you want to succeed!!
José Luiz Ferrazzo Neto, FWS
Commercial Manager at Portus Importer - Wine Educator with Oenocultura
WSET Diploma
Congratulations to Kathy Phillips, FWS, for passing the French Wine Scholar exam with highest honors!About Kathy:I’m a lifelong hospitality professional. I got my start 30 years ago working for a Michelin Star chef who served classic French cuisine. Time and space doesn’t permit a full recounting of all my F&B experience; however, I must report that working for over a decade on Maui for The Four Seasons was a highlight of my career. I’ve passed The Court of Master Sommeliers level 1, and I’m preparing to take the level 2 sometime in 2019. I think the FWS course is in and by itself a fabulous stand-alone course that is in a class all by itself. And, of course, the FWS helped me tremendously in preparing for not only the Court of Master Sommeliers examination, but also the Hospitality Beverage Specialist (a program through the Society of Wine Educators) that I just recently completed. I’m also currently enrolled and studying for the WSET 2. So the FWS is a very big help in that regard. France is the most important wine growing region in the world. French history, viticulture, innovation, tradition and the terroir is second to none. It is paramount for any wine professional or oenophile to have an in depth understanding and a firm grasp on France. I use what I’ve learned in the FWS on a daily basis, and I would highly recommend the FWS to those of whom want a comprehensive knowledge of the most important region in the world.
Kathy Phillips, FWS
Server at Pappas Bros. Steakhouse
I use what I’ve learned in the FWS on a daily basis, and I would highly recommend the FWS to those of whom want a comprehensive knowledge of the most important region in the world.
Kathy Phillips, FWS
Server at Pappas Bros. Steakhouse
Introductory Sommelier Certificate (CMS)
Congratulations to Zhiyong Zhou, FWS, for passing the French Wine Scholar exam with highest honors with the Sydney Wine Academy!About Zhiyong: I am a wine enthusiast. I believe that the wine is an integral part of my life. I have a strong interest in understanding, trying, and exploring different wine, which gives me opportunity to experience the nature, history, culture, people and life as a whole.
I got my WSET Level 3 certificate in 2017 from Sydney Wine Academy. I think that the FWS provided me with in-depth knowledge of French wine, detailed wine regions, wine industry, history, and characters. I also passed Italian Wine Scholar Unit 2 in 2017, and plan to enroll the Italian Wine Scholar Unit 1. I think the FWS program is very helpful to provide systematically learning experience for those key wine countries such as France, Italy, and Spain. I plan to study those programs step by step.
After working as senior executive in multi-national corporation for 25 years, I decided to take early retirement 2 years ago to pursue my own interests, wine is on the top of my interest list. With FWS program, I plan to make use of my knowledge to be a wine educator to share with other people, particularly to bring the knowledge to China market, which is becoming the world's largest wine market in the near future. I would be interested in becoming a certified FWS wine educator to further pursue my wine passion.
Zhiyong Zhou, FWS
Wine Enthusiast
I would be interested in becoming a certified FWS wine educator to further pursue my wine passion.