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The New Wine Fundamentals with Tim Hanni MW

Summary:  The New Wine Fundamentals program is presented by Master of Wine Tim Hanni. This new approach stresses deepening our understanding of the factors that influence consumer wine preferences, attitudes and behaviors. His new book, "Why You Like the Wines You Like, changing the way the world thinks about wine" is a revolutionary, myth-busting approach to wine and food enjoyment

The Old Vine Conference: a Global Movement

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 Value of Wine Education and the Rise of Online Learning for French, Italian and Spanish Wines

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.

Top 10 reasons students sign-up for French Wine Scholar

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.
A Vineyard View over the Rhine River, Germany.

Understanding German Wine Classification

A new German wine law requires coming to grips with not one complex system, but three. German wine classification is vexing: impeccably precise yet notoriously inscrutable — and bifurcated at that. The good news? Germany's national classification system was recently reformed to improve clarity and transparency. The bad? Those reforms do not take full effect until 2026. So, for now, students of German wine must master not one complex classification system, but three. With all this in mind, here is a short guide to the long story of how Germany classifies its wines. Strap in!

What makes each of the 10 crus Beaujolais special - With Map

It is almost here. That wonderful day in March that wine lovers all over the world anxiously wait for every year. Thousands gather for jubilant festivities of the wines of Beaujolais. No, my calendar does not need adjusting. November’s annual harvest fete known as Beaujolais Nouveau Day is a distant memory by the time the real stars of this French wine region are allowed to be released to adoring fans. Though you would be correct if you said I was overstating the excitement of the annual release of the crus of Beaujolais (and in actuality most are aged longer than laws dictate), these are wines worth celebrating. The Crus of Beaujolais are stand-alone AOCs representing the region’s very best vineyard land. These are high-quality wines reflecting individual terroirs and showcasing the great potential of the Gamay grape. Gamay is one the most underrated red grapes and the Crus of Beaujolais provide an incredible value to quality ratio. There are ten Beaujolais Crus, each named for a village within the growing area. Following in succession, the Crus span approximately 20km/12.5mi of northern Beaujolais. The soils in this part of the region are largely what makes these places so special. Primarily a mixture of ancient granite and schist, the soils of the Cru areas bring out the best in Gamay. Across the board, these are structured, complex wines with spicy aromas and the potential to age well, but each Cru has its distinctive signature. The following excerpts from our French Wine Scholar® manual describe what makes each Cru special.

White Bordeaux

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

Why appreciation of old vines is challenging yet more important than ever

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. 

Why study Bordeaux?

Bordeaux is France’s largest appellation and largest producer of AOC wine! It has been exported since the Middle Ages. In fact, its inland port with its historic and stately, stone warehouses, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site!   The region has been tracked with regard to vintage year for its entire history. Collectors speak in terms of Moueix and Derenoncourt, of Thunevin and Maltus as avid fans speak of their favorite athletes. Even non-wine drinkers have heard of Châteaux Mouton, Lafite, Latour, Margaux and Haut Brion!
Wine Scholar Guild Tasting Diploma

Why Wine Tasting Needs a Rethink and What We’re Doing About It

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?
Wine Fraud

Wine Fraud through the Ages: In Conversation with Rebecca Gibb MW

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’

Wine Grapes: Uncovering Origin and Family Ties - Part I

Introduction  Unlock the hidden stories behind the world's most iconic grapes with our cutting-edge wine course,Wine Grapes:  Uncovering Origin and Family Ties. Guided by the renowned Dr. José Vouillamoz, this six-part webinar series dives deep into the genetic origins of

Winemaking: Choices in the cellar

Join us as we explore some of the key winemaking choices thatimpact wine quality and character. Can you ferment for flavor, boost aroma, or build structure? What decisions are made as great grapes transition into great wine? Explore red, dry white, and sweet white winemaking variables while pulling yeasts and aromatics into sharp focus.  

WSG Member Discount on 'World of Fine Wine'

As a Wine Scholar Guild member, you're entitled to a 30% discount on an annual subscription to the fantastic World of Fine Wine magazine. About World of Fine Wine: Named Louis Roederer International Wine Publication of the Year three years running (2010, 2011 and 2012), we – The World of Fine Wine – are an award-winning magazine, website and app speaking to an international readership of discerning individuals who each share a passion for wine. We take a sophisticated

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