Wine Scholar Guild Certifications
French, Italian, & Spanish Wine Scholar
Whether you're an industry professional or a passionate wine lover, deepening your understanding of the world’s most iconic wine regions is a powerful next step.
Through the Wine Scholar Guild Programs, you'll gain the tools, language, and cultural insight to confidently speak about the wines of France, Italy, and Spain—from grape varieties to climate, soil, regional traditions, and the regulations that shape each appellation.
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Upon successful completion of the certification exam, students receive:
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A diploma for the corresponding program
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A lapel pin representing your area of expertise
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The privilege to use post-nominal titles in your professional signature:
FWS (French Wine Scholar) | SWS (Spanish Wine Scholar) | IWS (Italian Wine Scholar)
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These in-depth programs are designed for serious students who already have a basic foundation in wine and are ready to dive deeper. To get the most out of these courses, you'll want to set aside time for self-study alongside classroom instruction
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New to the Wine Scholar Guild?
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The Essentials series is your perfect starting point. These engaging, weekend-style courses are designed to introduce you to the wines of France, Italy, and Spain in a focused and approachable format—ideal for wine enthusiasts, hospitality professionals, and anyone looking to build confidence in speaking about wine.
Upcoming 2025 Dates:
Portland: May 3–4 | Seattle: July 13 & 20
Seattle: April 26–27 | Portland: Sept 27–28
Seattle: Sept 14 & 21 | Portland: January 2026 (dates TBD)
