Italian Wine Essentials
Your gateway to the captivating world of Italian wines
Program Overview
Fast-track your understanding into the intricate world of Italian Wine.
WSG’s Italian Wine Essentials presents the often-complex world of Italian wine in an accessible and engaging way. Explore the culture, cuisine, history, viticulture and winemaking principles behind the best and most influential wine regions of Italy.
Italy is home to over 400 appellations. Italian Wine Essentials (IWE) introduces you to 39 of the most well-known, divided into three vibrant modules—Wines of Northern Italy, Central Italy and Southern Italy.
Each module highlights the viticultural and vinification techniques behind the most important Italian ‘need to know’ wine styles.
Each wine is presented within a regional and cultural context while landmarks and traditional cuisine are highlighted to complete the curriculum.
Italian Wine Essentials (IWE) is more than an introductory course; it's a prelude to a lifelong romance with Italian wines, a launchpad to the internationally revered Italian Wine Scholar® Certification Program, vibrant WSG Member Community and the first step towards wine mastery!
Download the program brochure
What's Included
From a comprehensive study guide to interactive learning resources, expert instruction and an engaging student community, every element is meticulously curated to foster a profound understanding and appreciation of Italian wine culture.
Study Guide
Shipped to your address, the beautifully designed 125-page, study guide, rich with photographs, infographics & maps, contains all the information you need to know. Immediate access to the digital e-book is also provided upon registration.
Online Study Modules
Access high-quality interactive e-learning activities designed to enrich the study guide and support different learning styles.
Expert Educators
Learn from the most notable names in the industry—seasoned wine professionals and educators accredited by Wine Scholar Guild.
Student Community
Network with the other students taking the Italian Wine Essentials, form a tasting group and build your wine network.
Final Exam
The course includes a 50-question multiple-choice exam covering all of the essential topics of the course.
Certificate
Upon passing, receive your coveted Italian Wine Essentials certificate. Add this reputed credential to your LinkedIn profile and résumé or CV.
Study Options
Choose from online or classroom formats based on your schedule and preferred learning style. Rest assured that the final exam and certification remain consistent across all formats.
Independent Learning
Educator-Led Learning
Classroom Learning
Format
Study at your own pace, from anywhere at any time.
Study from anywhere, anytime with the addition of 6 live educator-led lectures.
Course Schedule
Italian Wine Essentials • Online Educator-Led Learning
Live lectures are recorded and available for replay if you cannot join.
Class Session | Duration | Topics |
|---|---|---|
March 26 | 30 mins | Welcome & Orientation |
April 2 | 1 hour | Introduction to Italy |
April 9 | 1 hour | Sparkling and Sweet wines |
April 16 | 1 hour | Northern Italy |
April 23 | 1 hour | Central Italy |
April 30 | 1 hour | Southern Italy |
Study in-person at one of our 130 Course Providers around the world.
Educator Support
Interact with WSG educators via the online community.
Interact with WSG educators via live sessions and online community.
Receive in-person classroom support from WSG-certified educators.
Length of Study
12 months from date of registration to access the E-learning resources and take the exam.
6 live courses over 3 months with 12 months from date of registration to access the E-learning resources and take the exam.
Schedule and length of term vary by Course Provider.
Wine Tasting
Maximize learning with a list of recommended wines to sample on your own.
Maximize learning with a list of recommended wines to sample on your own.
Enjoy tutored wine tastings in the classroom.
Study Guide (Print & E-book Versions)
Interactive online learning modules, pronunciation exercises, quizzes and flashcards
Live Course Instruction
Start Date
Start Anytime
March 26, 2025
Varies by Provider
Price
$475
$575
Varies by Provider
Online Course Schedule
Your study will be guided during 6 live classes taught by expert educators. The schedule below applies to the online study option. The classroom study schedule may vary depending on the provider.
Class Session | Date | Time (ET) | Topic | Class Highlights | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Wednesday, March 26, 2025 | 12:00pm noon-1:00pm | Orientation |
| |
2 | Wednesday, April 2, 2025 | 12:00pm noon-1:00pm | Introduction to Italy |
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3 | Wednesday, April 9, 2025 | 12:00pm noon-12:45pm | Sparkling and Sweet Wines |
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4 | Wednesday, April 16, 2025 | 12:00pm noon-1:00pm | Northern Italy: Piemonte, Veneto, Lombardia and Friuli Venezia Giulia |
| |
5 | Wednesday, April 23, 2025 | 12:00pm noon-1:00pm | Central Italy: Toscana, Umbria and Marche |
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6 | Wednesday, April 30, 2025 | 12:00pm noon-1:00pm | Southern Italy: Sicily, Sardinia, Campania and Puglia |
| |
Exam | On request | 45 minutes | Schedule the exam when you’re ready. You have 12 months from the date of your enrollment to take the online exam. | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
• Inquisitive wine enthusiasts wanting to become more familiar with the intricacies of Italian wine
• Aspiring wine professionals
• Hospitality professionals new to the world of Italian wine
• Anyone wishing to become more knowledgeable about Italy and its wine and food culture
Have a different question? Feel free to contact us.