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2-Day Intensive: Saturday May 16 & Sunday May 17, 2026
Saturday: 10am-5pm PT, Sunday: 10am-3:30pm PT
Exam: Sunday May 17th, 3:30pm-6pm PT
Champagne Specialist: Understanding and Recommending Champagne
The Champagne Specialist certification course is a comprehensive, in-depth, and prestigious program developed by the Comité Champagne. This engaging and extensive exploration is designed to empower industry professionals and dedicated enthusiasts alike.
Throughout the course and examination, participants will taste 14 different Champagnes representing the full spectrum of styles — from grower-producers to renowned houses, from monocru expressions to multi-vintage blends — allowing students to gain a deeper understanding of the diversity, nuance, structure, and stylistic distinctions that define Champagne, while strengthening their analytical skills and sensory precision.
A dedicated food and wine pairing exercise further supports the study and practical understanding of how various Champagne styles are positioned on a wine list, enhancing students’ ability to make confident, strategic, and style-driven placement and recommendation decisions in both retail and hospitality environments.
This certification course is designed to enable students to confidently interpret Champagne labels, accurately describe and assess Champagne wines, and demonstrate a thorough understanding of proper storage and service standards. Whether you are working directly with Champagne wines, seeking to advance to the next level of your wine education, or pursuing a deeper passion for the wines of Champagne, the internationally recognized Champagne Specialist certification will elevate your knowledge and professional credibility.
Throughout the course and examination, participants will taste 14 different Champagnes representing the full spectrum of styles — from grower-producers to renowned houses, from monocru expressions to multi-vintage blends — allowing students to gain a deeper understanding of the diversity, nuance, structure, and stylistic distinctions that define Champagne, while strengthening their analytical skills and sensory precision.
Upon successfully passing the final examination (theory and tasting), candidates will be awarded the prestigious title of Champagne Specialist.
Prerequisites:
It is recommended that students hold the WSET Level 2 Award in Wine or possess equivalent knowledge or professional experience. Prior to the course, participants must complete the CIVC eLearning Levels 1 and 2 modules, available HERE.
Location: San Francisco Wine School, 415 Grand Ave in South San Francisco, CA
Instructor: Monika Bielka-Vescovy
Cost: $699
Tuition includes classroom sessions, all wine, review, textbook, and exam registration.
2-Day Intensive: Saturday May 16 & Sunday May 17, 2026
Saturday: 10am-5pm PT, Sunday: 10am-3:30pm PT
Exam: Sunday May 17th, 3:30pm-6pm PT
Champagne Specialist: Understanding and Recommending Champagne
The Champagne Specialist certification course is a comprehensive, in-depth, and prestigious program developed by the Comité Champagne. This engaging and extensive exploration is designed to empower industry professionals and dedicated enthusiasts alike.
Throughout the course and examination, participants will taste 14 different Champagnes representing the full spectrum of styles — from grower-producers to renowned houses, from monocru expressions to multi-vintage blends — allowing students to gain a deeper understanding of the diversity, nuance, structure, and stylistic distinctions that define Champagne, while strengthening their analytical skills and sensory precision.
A dedicated food and wine pairing exercise further supports the study and practical understanding of how various Champagne styles are positioned on a wine list, enhancing students’ ability to make confident, strategic, and style-driven placement and recommendation decisions in both retail and hospitality environments.
This certification course is designed to enable students to confidently interpret Champagne labels, accurately describe and assess Champagne wines, and demonstrate a thorough understanding of proper storage and service standards. Whether you are working directly with Champagne wines, seeking to advance to the next level of your wine education, or pursuing a deeper passion for the wines of Champagne, the internationally recognized Champagne Specialist certification will elevate your knowledge and professional credibility.
Throughout the course and examination, participants will taste 14 different Champagnes representing the full spectrum of styles — from grower-producers to renowned houses, from monocru expressions to multi-vintage blends — allowing students to gain a deeper understanding of the diversity, nuance, structure, and stylistic distinctions that define Champagne, while strengthening their analytical skills and sensory precision.
Upon successfully passing the final examination (theory and tasting), candidates will be awarded the prestigious title of Champagne Specialist.
Prerequisites:
It is recommended that students hold the WSET Level 2 Award in Wine or possess equivalent knowledge or professional experience. Prior to the course, participants must complete the CIVC eLearning Levels 1 and 2 modules, available HERE.
Location: San Francisco Wine School, 415 Grand Ave in South San Francisco, CA
Instructor: Monika Bielka-Vescovy
Cost: $699
Tuition includes classroom sessions, all wine, review, textbook, and exam registration.