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.
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.
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 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
Our Wine Scholar™ Study and Certification programs offer students of wine the opportunity to specialize in the wine country of their choice. These advanced wine education program provide current, accurate and in-depth information on the wines of France, Italy and Spain.
They are designed for advanced students of wine whether professionals or serious wine hobbyists. Individuals who follow these in-depth programs and pass the exam earn the French, Italian or Spanish Wine Scholar title and corresponding post-nominal, which may be incorporated into a professional signature (e.g. Jane Doe, FWS).