Summary: The Châtillonnais is a small, lesser known wine region, located at the most northern end of the ‘département’ of the Côte d’Or and just south of the Côte des Bar, the most southern section of Champagne. Due to its proximity to Champagne and its isolation from other Burgundian regions, its history and wine styles are far more linked to its more northerly neighbor. This is a region where its

Introduction Wines are the most fascinating and complex liquids. Water and Ethanol (“alcohol”) comprise the major part of what is in a glass. But all the properties of a wine come from the remaining 2%. Over a thousand compounds, many in microscopic quantities, create all that we smell, taste, see and feel – and in the case of sparkling wines, hear.   Everything from sediment to wine diamonds, from the aroma of lychee to the taste of gooseberry, from mouthfeel to

Summary: Informed wine lovers know that Châteauneuf-du-Pape has 13 allowed grape varieties, but did you know that Rioja has 14? Most people have heard of Tempranillo, Garnacha and Viura. But how about Maturana Tinta, Tempranillo Blanco or Malvasia? Or what role does Sauvignon Blanc play in Rioja? Discover the 14 grape varieties of Rioja and their characteristics, both in the vineyard and in wine, and learn how some of these are Rioja’s secret

The WSG is delighted to announce our support for The Golden Vines Diversity Scholarships in association with Liquid Icons and the Gerard Basset Wine Education Charitable Foundation. Liquid Icons, the fine wine research and content production company founded by the late, great Gerard Basset OBE MW MS and Lewis Chester DipWSET, are hosting The Golden Vines Award Ceremony, Dinner & After-Party at Annabel’s Private Members Club, London’s preeminent private members’ club, on Thursday

Summary: Join the leading Spanish wine association of 35 wineries known as the “Grands Crus of Spain,” Grandes Pagos de España (GPE), for an exclusive webinar with the Spanish Wine Scholar Guild. GPE representatives Valentí Llagostera (Co-Owner & Co-Founder, Mas Doix) and Marta Santander (Director of Exports, Familia Martínez Bujanda) will discuss GPE’s mission to uphold the

In the world of wine, the sommelier holds a position of both reverence and responsibility. More than just a connoisseur, a sommelier is an interpreter of terroir, a storyteller of vintages and above all a master of human connection. Philippe, a world-renowned sommelier from France's Jura region, spoke with WSG’s Founder and President Julien Camus recently, with rare authenticity about what defines excellence in this noble craft. 

Summary:  By examining Mount Etna's peculiarities, history, and modern practices we are able to learn why these inimitable volcanic wines have everyone talking about Sicily.  Presenter: Benjamin Spencer DipWSET  Benjamin Spencer is an award-winning American author, journalist, and the founder of the Etna Wine School, a wine consulting company on Mount Etna, in Sicily. After making

WSG is proud be the first Educational Partner of The Old Vine Conference. Read more to find out how this dynamic non-profit organization is actively creating a global network of old-vine disciples while raising awareness through education. 

Over the past 10 years, interest in Aligoté has been rising in Bourgogne–and so have prices. Charlie Geoghegan examines the ascendency of this lesser-known white grape. Poor Aligoté. It’s had a difficult few centuries as Bourgogne’s other white grape. Charges levelled against Aligoté include its excessive acidity, unpleasant tartness and tendency to taste rather dilute. Reference books will tell you how much more palatable it becomes with a dash of crème de cassis (blackcurrant liqueur). It’s not a flattering depiction. Thankfully, though, it’s no longer an accurate one.

In a world where wine has evolved from a drink to a culture, understanding what’s in your glass goes beyond mere taste—it’s about appreciating the stories, landscapes and craftsmanship behind each label.

Summary Located in northwest Spain, right above Portugal, Galicia has its own unique culture, language, and a winemaking tradition going back millennia. From favorites like Albariño to grapes that may not be so familiar, we'll explore Galicia's hidden corners and even learn some gallego along the way. In this comprehensive overview of Galician wine, participants will explore the region's history, geography, culture, and of course, wine. Following the presentation, a

Thinking about signing up for the French Wine Scholar program?  Be inspired by what our students are saying about the program and the top ten reasons they give for enrolling.

What to expect:  The Mosel wine region in Germany boasts some of the steepest vineyards globally, characterized by one of the coolest climates for wine production and the cultivation of one of the most delicate grape varieties. These exceptional features converge to create the ideal conditions for producing world-class Rieslings. In this informative session, participants will gain a comprehensive introduction to the Mosel wine

Earlier last month, I ran my first webinar for Wine Scholar Guild (WSG) — an overview of what it means to be a wine journalist and what it takes to turn this into a viable and successful career choice. Ahead of a series of stories I’m going to be regularly writing for the blog and a brand-new podcast due to launch later this year (more on this further down), the webinar’s topic was the ideal means to introduce myself to the WSG audience.

Summary: Bourgogne is evolving, with viticulture at the forefront of the change. Growers are confronted with climate change, characterized by shorter growing seasons, higher temperatures, increased sunlight, and drought incidents. In addition, an increasing number of producers are embracing a more considerate viticulture prioritizing plant and soil health, in an effort to increase vineyard longevity, sustainability, and overall wine quality. In this webinar we will explore

Summary: It's time to shine a light on the dry white wines of Bordeaux. Often overshadowed by the region’s famous reds, these wines deserve more attention. From the polished, subtly oaked Sémillon and Sauvignon blends of Graves to the fresh and vibrant Sauvignon Blancs of Entre-Deux-Mers - and beyond - there is so much to discover.  French Programs Director

WSG is proud be the first Educational Partner of The Old Vine Conference. Read more to find out how this dynamic non-profit organization is actively creating a global network of old-vine disciples while raising awareness through education.  The economic and social relevance of old vines is real, but the structure of the global wine industry stacks the odds against the regenerative commercial viability of old vines. The result is that healthy old vineyards of cultural resonance and unique qualitative potential are lost because they can’t be made to pay.  The Old Vine Conference is a non-profit organisation whose aim is to bring together a global network to create a new category for wine from heritage vineyards. The Old Vine Conference works to safeguard old vines of cultural and ecological value by connecting, educating and inspiring the global wine industry through conferences, research, partnerships, tastings and fieldtrips. Old vines are officially a thing. 

What happens when the very act of tasting wine no longer keeps pace with the wines themselves? What if the way we teach tasting is no longer fit for purpose—not for students, not for wines and certainly not for the future of wine culture?

This article explores themes connected to the panel discussion led by WSG at Wine Paris on February 9, 2026. Wine is one of the most culturally rich, emotionally resonant traditions in the world. It connects people and place like few earthly things can. Yet the wine industry finds itself on the edge of a precipice. Declining consumption, shifting demographics, climate chaos and fierce competition from spirits and non-alcoholic alternatives all call wine's future into question. External forces aren't the only culprits. Within the industry, wine education itself has unwittingly become part of the problem—actively contributing to the disconnect between wine and the people who might love it. 

Summary From counterfeiting to adulteration, wine fraud comes in all manner of forms – all of them endlessly fascinating to wine lovers.  Rebecca Gibb MW is the author of Wine Crime, a ‘seriously well-researched, disciplined history of wine fraud’, according to jancisrobinson.com, that boasts a ‘lively, well-paced, humorous, deliciously gossipy, slyly acerbic narrative’.  We’ll hear tales of Roman wines laced with lead, Austria’s ‘anti-freeze’