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FRENCH WINE SCHOLAR (FWS)

The French Wine Scholar® (FWS) program is the most advanced, comprehensive, and up-to-date French wine course. 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 designed to maximize learning and boost knowledge retention.

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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.

Scenic view of Les Baux-de-Provence AOC located in Provence wine region. The medieval village is surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, and picturesque landscapes

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

Comprehensive Coverage of France's 14 Distinct Wine Regions: ​

  • 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

  • Fundamental Unit covers the history of France, its political geography,  physical geography, climate, soils, grapes, training systems, and viticultural & vinicultural practices, plus an essential piece on how AOCs are counted and why different sources quote different figures.

  • Particular focus on current regional trends and challenges

  • Pie charts of pertinent AOC production numbers and area under vine by wine region

  • Learning objectives that provide detailed assessment criteria for master

 

Regions covered: Alsace, Champagne, Bourgogne, Beaujolais, Jura, Savoie, Loire, Bordeaux, South-West, Languedoc, Roussillon, Rhône, Provence, Corsica

EXPLORE ALL FRENCH WINE REGIONS

The French Wine Scholar® program presents each French wine region as an integrated whole by explaining the impact of history, the significance of geological events, the importance of topographical markers and the influence of climatic factors on the wine in the the glass. No topic is discussed in isolation in order to give students a working knowledge of the material at hand.

Aerial view of a French vineyard
Aerial view of a French vineyard

FOUNDATION UNIT

In order to launch French Wine Scholar™ candidates into the wine regions of France from a position of strength, Unit One covers French wine law, grape varieties, viticulture and winemaking in-depth. It merits reading, even by advanced students of wine, as so much has changed--specifically with regard to wine law and new research on grape origins.

Aerial view to Alsace fruit valley at Kaysersberg and Colmar area with Kientzheim village in the background
Aerial view to Alsace fruit valley at Kaysersberg and Colmar area with Kientzheim village in the background

ALSACE

In Alsace, the diversity of soil types, grape varieties and wine styles makes for a complicated sensory landscape. Do you know the difference between Klevner and Klevener? The relationship between Pinot Gris, Tokay and Furmint? Can you explain the difference between a Vendanges Tardives and a Sélection de Grains Nobles? This class takes Alsace beyond the basics.

Tasting of brut and demi-sec white champagne sparkling wine from special flute glasses with view on green Champagne vineyards, France
Tasting of brut and demi-sec white champagne sparkling wine from special flute glasses with view on green Champagne vineyards, France

CHAMPAGNE

The champagne process was an evolutionary one, not a revolutionary one. Find out how the method developed from an inexpert and uncontrolled phenomenon to the precise and polished process of today. Learn why Champagne is unique among the world’s sparkling wine producing regions and why it has become the world-class luxury good that it is.

Panoramic view on green grand cru vineyards in Côte-d'Or Burgundy winemaking region, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France
Panoramic view on green grand cru vineyards in Côte-d'Or Burgundy winemaking region, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France

BOURGOGNE

In Bourgogne, an ancient and fractured geology delivers wines of distinction and distinctiveness. Learn how soil, topography and climate create enough variability to craft 101 different AOCs within this region’s borders! Discover the history and historic precedent behind such subtle and nuanced fractionalization.

Panoramic view of the vineyards surrounding the picturesque french village of Fleurie in the Beaujolais wine road and region, Rhone-Alpes, France at spring time
Panoramic view of the vineyards surrounding the picturesque french village of Fleurie in the Beaujolais wine road and region, Rhone-Alpes, France at spring time

BEAUJOLAIS

Discover the multi-faceted nature of Beaujolais as expressed through its different soil types and vinification techniques. Learn how carbonic maceration and traditional fermentation changes the flavors in the glass. Find out how varying trace elements in the granitic soils of the Crus Beaujolais create wines of different character and age-ability. Beaujolais may be a light-hearted quaff, but the subject is far from simple.

Château-Chalon, perched on a scenic hill, provides breathtaking vistas of Jura's aromatic vineyards. This enchanting destination not only offers exquisite wines but also provides fascinating insights into the region's winemaking heritage.
Château-Chalon, perched on a scenic hill, provides breathtaking vistas of Jura's aromatic vineyards. This enchanting destination not only offers exquisite wines but also provides fascinating insights into the region's winemaking heritage.

JURA

The Jura lies tucked between Burgundy and Switzerland and represents the eastern uplift of the Saône graben. Although the wines are rarely found outside the Jura itself, it produces some unique wine products from non-mainstream grape varieties that merit attention. The region is famous for Vin Jaune, but Pasteur, responsible for ground-breaking work in fermentation science and Millardet, responsible for both the “Bordeaux Mixture” and the grafting of French vines onto American rootstock as a solution to phylloxera were born here! But that’s not all! The Arbois zone of production was one of the first to be granted AOC status in 1936. The region is a dynamo!

Aerial view of Thonon-les-Bains, a charming town nestled on the shores of Lake Geneva (Lac Léman), part of the Savoie wine region.
Aerial view of Thonon-les-Bains, a charming town nestled on the shores of Lake Geneva (Lac Léman), part of the Savoie wine region.

SAVOIE

Savoie is an alpine region just south of the Jura. Very little wine is exported; most of the production is consumed by tourists who visit for ski and other winter sport. The wines, however, are as colorful as the grapes that go into them--Jacquère, Altesse, Gringet, Molette, Mondeuse Noire, Persan—and are as fun to study as they are to drink…if you are so lucky. 

Sunset view of Chateau de Chenonceau reflecting gracefully on the tranquil river.
Sunset view of Chateau de Chenonceau reflecting gracefully on the tranquil river. Amidst the captivating scenery of the Loire Valley, this historic castle is surrounded by vineyards, enchanting gardens, and the rich winemaking heritage of the region

LOIRE VALLEY

Did you know that the Sauvignon Blanc vineyards of Menetou-Salon, Reuilly, and Quincy are all grown on Kimmeridgean marl? That one of the longest-lived white wines in the world is Savennières? Are you familiar with Breton, Côt and Pineau d’Aunis? It’s time to explore a wine culture as long and wide as the river itself. There are over 5 dozen AOCs that flank the banks of the Loire. Learn about the undiscovered treasures of this region and explore its diversity of grape varieties and wine styles.

Scenic view of a vineyard in the Sauternes AOC, Bordeaux, France, with the iconic Chateau d'Yquem in the background. The Bordeaux wine region is famous for its luscious Sauternes wines, produced from grapes affected by noble rot, resulting in exquisite sweet and complex flavors
Scenic view of a vineyard in the Sauternes AOC, Bordeaux, France, with the iconic Chateau d'Yquem in the background. The Bordeaux wine region is famous for its luscious Sauternes wines, produced from grapes affected by noble rot, resulting in exquisite sweet and complex flavors

BORDEAUX

Study Bordeaux from the ground up. Here, wine styles are predicated by a combination of soil, grape and the hand of man. Explore Bordeaux’s distinctive terroirs in order to better understand the nature of the blend, then discover how and why the blend has changed over the past 150 years.

Idyllic vineyard in Jurançon AOC, a prestigious winemaking region in Southwest France. The photo showcases the picturesque landscape of rolling hills adorned with meticulously cultivated vines, symbolizing the area's rich viticultural heritage and renowned production of exquisite Jurançon wines
Idyllic vineyard in Jurançon AOC, a prestigious winemaking region in Southwest France. The photo showcases the picturesque landscape of rolling hills adorned with meticulously cultivated vines, symbolizing the area's rich viticultural heritage and renowned production of exquisite Jurançon wines

SOUTHWEST

FRANCE

Viticulture was established in Gascony before Bordeaux was planted to the vine. Magdeleine Noire des Charentes, the parent of both Merlot and Malbec is believed to have originated here. The grapes are interesting and high-quality, the wines are good but the region languished in obscurity because Bordeaux blocked the Southwest’s access to the global wine market by controlling trade through its port. Landlocked for centuries, this region is finally and justifiably beginning to make a name for itself. This cluster of growing regions has adopted an “all for one and one for all” face to the wine world. And why not? D’Artagnan, the fourth of the three Muskateers hailed from Gascony and coined the phrase!

Breathtaking view of Cassis AOC, a charming coastal town in the renowned Provence wine region, with vineyards clinging to its slopes that plunges towards the Mediterranean Sea
Breathtaking view of Cassis AOC, a charming coastal town in the renowned Provence wine region, with vineyards clinging to its slopes that plunges towards the Mediterranean Sea

PROVENCE

Did you know that Provence is the oldest wine region in France?  It is also the only region in France and the only region in the world to focus primarily on the production of rosé. In fact, the local vignerons have been perfecting the craft for 2,600 years! Learn all about Provence’s path to pink as well as its stellar production of dry reds and whites.  It’s not all sunflowers and lavender in this sun-drenched parcel of France!

Amazing aerial view over Collioure AOC from Fort Saint Elme surrounded by vineyards on the Vermillon Coast, the southernmost part of the Rousillon wine region of France.
Amazing aerial view over Collioure AOC from Fort Saint Elme surrounded by vineyards on the Vermillon Coast, the southernmost part of the Rousillon wine region of France.

LANGUEDOC-

ROUSSILLON

Although Languedoc and Roussillon were administratively joined in 1972, they are historically, culturally and topographically two distinct regions. Roussillon produces 80% of France’s Vins Doux Naturels crafted from old vine Spanish grape varieties. Yet today, it also crafts many dry blockbuster reds from those same old vines. Languedoc represents a cornucopia of vines that have historically gone into varietally labeled IGP products or simple Vins Sans IG. Today, it re-discovers its terroir and its grape legacy with new AOCs and a collective drive for quality. Together, Languedoc-Roussillon represents the last wine frontier in France. Things have changed here. Keep current!

Aerial view of the expansive vineyards of Patrimonio AOC in Corsica, showcasing the stunning landscape of rolling hills, majestic mountains and the coastal town of Saint-Florent in the backdrop
Aerial view of the expansive vineyards of Patrimonio AOC in Corsica, showcasing the stunning landscape of rolling hills, majestic mountains and the coastal town of Saint-Florent in the backdrop

CORSICA

The island of Corsica has a long and colorful past. Throughout the millennia, it has been ruled by no less than six different nations and each of them have left their mark. However, many of the region’s winemaking traditions and grape varieties are Italian due to the island’s close proximity to that country. Today, Corsica is indeed French with an Italian accent. Discover its rich history… in the glass.

Tournon sur Rhone and Tain l'Hermitage, two river towns and Vineyards on the Hills of the Cote du Rhone Area in France
Tournon sur Rhone and Tain l'Hermitage, two river towns and Vineyards on the Hills of the Cote du Rhone Area in France

RHÔNE

VALLEY

The Rhône River serves as the gravitational axis around which its two halves revolve; the northern half clings tightly, the southern half expands outward and experiences less pull to the riverbanks. These two different wine cultures possess distinctive soils and topographies and they craft vastly disparate wines with unique personalities. It’s one region, but two brave new worlds. Explore them both.

ABOUT THE FWS EXAM

The exam is given in multiple-choice format and conducted in-person. There are 100 questions covering all of the wine regions of France.

 

Passing score is 75.

Candidates scoring 85-90 pass with HONORS.

Candidates scoring 91-100 pass with HIGHEST HONORS.

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In order to prepare properly for the FWS exam, you must read and study the FWS manual carefully. At first, it may seem a daunting body of knowledge to tackle…but we would like to give you a few tips.

 

WHAT FACTS ARE IMPORTANT? :

  • Pay close attention to superlatives (biggest, smallest, highest, lowest, newest, oldest, youngest). Note the facts associated with words such as “first” and “last”. They make for good exam questions.

  • Learn the French wine terms and their English equivalents.

  • Pay close attention to the passages citing “exceptions to the rule” throughout the text. They also make for good exam questions.

  • Know your soils, geography, mountains and rivers.

  • Know your grapes and their synonyms.

  • Become conversant in France’s AOCs and the primary grape(s) grown within their confines.

  • If any particular AOC is responsible for the bulk of the production in any given region, you should know all the particulars about it (minimum alcohol, maximum yield, blending formula etc.) But, no, you do not need to know this type of specific detail about lesser AOCs.

  • Know your history and the key individuals who have figured prominently in the development of wine culture of any given region.

  • Study the specifics of wine production for white, rosé, red, sparkling, late-harvest, and vin doux naturel. Know the specifics of carbonic maceration.

  • Know your sparkling wine label nomenclature (especially as it pertains to champagne) and the terms used to qualify the reductive and oxidative aging of vin doux naturel.

  • Study your maps. You need to know where the wine regions and their AOCs are located.

 

The exam is comprehensive. It will cover all the wine regions of France. This means you must study everything… Corsica too! But, the food and wine pairing texts are for your personal edification. There are no exam questions on this material.

CERTIFICATION

Wine professionals and enthusiasts who successfully pass the certification exam will be awarded with a FWS lapel pin and certificate, along with the right to incorporate the FWS post-nominal (e.g. John Smith, FWS) into your professional signature as a point of distinction midst your peers. 

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In addition, the FWS credential has true international recognition with a school network encompassing 30 countries on five continents.

COURSE PACKAGE

Course includes:

  1. French Wine Scholar Student Membership
    (note: this is NOT a Professional Membership).

  2. French Wine Scholar Study Manual.

  3. Learning objectives for each French wine regions.

  4. All administration and examination fees for one in-person exam sit (100 multiple choice questions).

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Value added elements include:

1. Tutoring session notes for effective exam preparation. 2. Tutoring schedule with reading assignments. 3. Selected quizzes for enhanced learning. 4. FWS program consultation and communication platform (WhatsApp group chat). 5. One session of FWS program briefing. 6. Minimum 8 sessions of scheduled online tutoring sessions. 7. Curated range of wines in line with the topic of the scheduled guided wine tasting sessions.

For more details on the FWS course, download our brochure. To inquire about course fees and schedule, please reach out to us through our chat or by filling out the contact form. We are here to assist you!

David Glancy MS, CWE, FWS

Founder of San Francisco Wine School

"I cannot think of a better way to dive in deep on the wines of France to prepare for the Advanced & Master Sommelier exams, WSET Diploma or MW"
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