It's official! We have launched the 7th version of the French Wine Scholar® program! The updated study manual, state-of-the-art e-learning modules, and instructor resources have been carefully enhanced to create the most current program on the wines of France. This newest version is the product of tremendous work from our Education and E-Learning Teams, enabling us to offer students a brand-new experience of our most popular study program. Every aspect of FWS has been

Congratulations to Doug Homoky, FWS, for passing the French Wine Scholar exam with highest honors! About Doug:  I am currently a Gastroenterologist but my passion for tasting and learning about wine has been steadily growing for the past 20yrs.  The study of wine is

Congratulations to Emanuele Bertazzoni, FWS, for passing the French Wine Scholar exam with highest honors! About Emanuele: I am 41 years old and I have been working in the business for several years. Originally born and raised in Milano, Italia I have now been living in

Olivier Humbrecht MW is one of the most influential winemakers of Alsace. Matt Walls speaks to him about his journey so far, taking in changing styles, biodynamics and the future of the region.

Summary Justin catches up with Bordeaux expert and resident Wendy Narby to discuss the ways the region is reinventing itself past the traditional Cabernet/Merlot blends that have made it so famous. Learn how producers are pushing the boundaries of our expectations in Bordeaux, in a quest to stay relevant to a new generation of enthused wine drinkers seeking quality, value and authenticity. Find out more about our Backroads Bordeaux trip

Summary Sweet Bordeaux wines are undoubtedly some of the finest in the world, but have been chronically unfashionable for a really long time. In this interview we catch up with Wendy Narby who sheds some light on what the future holds for these outstanding wines, and the innovative ways in which producers are evolving their business models to ensure their survival and how they are thriving into the future. About the

How to Watch You can find these videos in the WSG Community at the links below. Part 1 - Past Part 2 - Present

Watch Here You can watch this video in our community space here Summary When most people think of the great grapes of the Northern Rhone they’ll think Syrah and Viognier. But we really shouldn’t overlook these other two fine varieties - they are

How to Watch You can watch this interview on our community pages here Summary 'Red wine with fish. Well, that should have told me something.' - James Bond, 'From Russia with Love', 1963 Leading French somm Philippe Troussard might have a thing or two to

Watch Here You can watch this video in our community space here Summary In this interview we’re joined by Matt Walls, one of the world’s leading experts on the wines of the Rhone, to answer all your questions on this hot topic! We discuss what the peppery smell on Syrah is

Watch Here You can watch this video in our community space here Summary Should you use whole bunches to make great Syrah? What does it add? Actually, what is it at all?!? We’re once again delighted to be joined by Matt Walls to discuss this really important part of the

Where to Watch You can watch this interview on our community pages here Summary In this interview, we discuss everything you need to know about the Jura’s greatest wine. We discuss the stories surrounding its creation, where to find the best examples, why it comes in its unique

How to Watch? You can watch this session on our community space here Summary Have you ever fancied a trip to the Jura but don’t know where to start? We caught up recently with Jura afficionados Manon Gallet and Phelan Burgoyne to discuss all the things you need to know to plan a wine trip

Where to Watch You can watch this Insider's Guide Interview in our community space here Summary In our final interview with Philippe Troussard, we discuss the amazing potential and versatility found in the white grapes of the Jura. Of course Philippe mentions the great Vin Jaune, but he also explores the

Meet Christophe Mercier, founder of Wine & Spirit IQ in Bangkok, first wine school to launch the French Wine Scholar and Italian Wine Scholar programs in Thailand! Their first FWS and IWS sessions are scheduled to begin September 3 (FWS), August 17 (IWS Unit 1) and January 4 (IWS Unit 2), more information and registration HERE. Could you give us a bit of background on your personal and/or professional history in wine and what made you decide to create your own wine school: Wine & Spirit IQ?

Meet Géraldine Gossot, Director of l'Université du Vin in Suze la Rousse, new French Wine Scholar® program provider in France! The first FWS session at l'Université du Vin is scheduled to begin December 2nd 2019, more information and registration HERE L'Université du Vin is one of the oldest wine education centers in France... Can you tell us more about the University, its origin, mission and importance in wine education in France?

Meet Jeni Wilson, founder of Vintage Class in Aranda de Duero, first wine school to launch the French Wine Scholar® in Spain! Their first FWS is scheduled to begin January 22th 2020, more information and registration HERE. Vintage Class will also offer the Spanish Wine Scholar® in 2020! Could you give us a bit of background on your personal and/or professional history in wine and what made you decide to move into wine education?

Let's face it: Bordeaux is struggling. A recurring theme during my latest visit was producers lamenting declining sales, despite their wines tasting rather delicious. In January, the Gironde Chamber of Agriculture reported that more than 1,320 winegrowers were facing financial challenges – a situation that prompted the agriculture ministry to allocate €57 million to support the uprooting of nearly 10,000 hectares of vines in the region.

Congratulations to Karen Rasmussen, FWS, for passing the French Wine Scholar exam with highest honors! About Karen: I am a wine professional with 10 years beverage industry experience in Denver, Colorado. In 2013, I caught the ‘wine bug’ working in a local wine shop and

North vs. south For over a century, the unanimity of the Champagne region has been called into question. Separated by departmental lines (départements being administrative regions in France), the Côte des Bar in the southern Aube department was often considered as that distant cousin who always embarrasses themselves at parties. The big houses of “mainland” Champagne in the northern Marne department did indeed buy loads of grapes from