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Top 10 reasons students sign-up for French Wine Scholar
Sharon Mclean
Wine Education & Careers
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.
1. Because it’s France!
When it comes to wine culture, France is the historic benchmark. Your wine education can’t be complete without studying the wines of France.
I view understanding France as a critical foundation of my wine journey.
Matt Weaver, FWS, Wine enthusiast
Matt Weaver, FWS, Wine enthusiast
2. I want information that is up-to-date and organized
There’s no doubt that studying wine can be daunting. The world of wine is changing constantly. At WSG, we work hard to stay current and to present relevant facts in a clear and concise manner.
I was delighted to find a wealth of online references and felt the guided lectures and study material intuitive and easy to follow.
Dennis Fraley, FWS, Wine writer, Educator, Consultant
Dennis Fraley, FWS, Wine writer, Educator, Consultant
3. I want to keep going with my studies
Perhaps you’ve just finished WSET Level 3 and are not ready to jump into the diploma - but you miss the learning. FWS is the perfect way to continue with your studies and stay motivated.
FWS added a lot to my previous wine studies, first because it was more focused and detailed in the French wine scenario. Second, it was a different approach,that expanded my comprehension.
Fabio Lobosco, FWS, Teacher/Lawyer
Fabio Lobosco, FWS, Teacher/Lawyer
Read more about how the FWS program may complement more general wine study programs
4. I need support for my WSET Diploma studies
You’ve taken the plunge and are working towards the WSET Diploma or a sommelier designation. FWS will support you by providing in-depth information about all the wine regions of France, a key component of these advanced programs.
The Wine Scholar Guild programs have no doubt been beneficial in preparing me for the WSET Diploma and whatever future wine studies I decide to take on.
Jen McAlpine, FWS, Sommelier
Jen McAlpine, FWS, Sommelier
Read more about how the FWS program may complement more general wine study programs
5. I represent French wines and need to know more
Whether you work in the import, distribution or retail sector, you need to feel confident about the wines of France when you talk to clients and customers. FWS can help you find your wine voice.
I really enjoyed studying for the FWS. It was a thorough and in-depth look at French wines and it helped me talk about these wines with confidence. This new knowledge directly affected my job performance as my French wine sales almost doubled.
Alessandra Diana, FWS, Wine Manager for Southern Glazer’s, Northern California
Alessandra Diana, FWS, Wine Manager for Southern Glazer’s, Northern California
6. Guests in the restaurant ask me for advice on our French wines
If you are a sommelier, it’s important that you really know the wines on your list and feel confident in providing advice to your guests. FWS provides not just the facts about the regions, but also many of the stories that can help engage guests.
Performing well in the FWS program has added a tangible level of confidence to my understanding of France, as well as given me a host of resources to call upon as a member of the WSG through podcasts, webinars, pronunciation guides and reference materials.
Joel Dicharry, FWS, Director of Fine Wine
Joel Dicharry, FWS, Director of Fine Wine
7. Because I love France!
What Francophile can resist a virtual tour through the vineyards of France? Grab the baguette and Brie and come.
The FWS has helped me to find the area of wine I wish to focus on—France—and from there develop an ever deeper understanding of its regions.
Philip Green, FWS, Owner at Phil My Glass
Philip Green, FWS, Owner at Phil My Glass
8. It is a recognized credential and looks great on my resume
The wine industry can be competitive and having the FWS certification helps to set you apart from your colleagues. FWS has multiple endorsements & testimonials from leading figures in the industry, including Gerard Basset MS MW (Best Sommelier in the World 2010), Jay Youmans MW (Founder of Capital Wine School) and Peter Marks MW (VP of Education at Constellation Academy of Wine).
FWS helps me to indulge in my passion for wine, but it also adds to the success of my business by providing me with additional credentials to further distinguish myself from my competitors.
Don Ward, FWS, Owner at Taylor Tasting Tours
Don Ward, FWS, Owner at Taylor Tasting Tours
9. It is an international program and there are students from around the world
FWS is a truly international program with over 50+ program providers in 20+ countries including USA, Canada, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Shanghai, UK, Ireland, France, Sweden, Colombia and Brazil. You’ll find our students wherever you go and they are an amazingly driven and professional group of individuals!
Besides serving as a gateway to the wonderful world of French wine, I also met some wonderful people who have become good friends and with whom I can share my new-found passion for wine.
Joseph Broom, FWS, Wine Enthusiast
Joseph Broom, FWS, Wine Enthusiast
Meet our top exam scorers & browse our alumni page
10. The distance-learning option is perfect for my busy life
If you find it hard to commit to being in class at the same time every week, the distance learning program is for you. Designed to keep you motivated and on track, the course offers a series of on-demand webinars led by two of our highly qualified instructors.
FWS is a beautifully constructed program. I was lucky to be able to enroll in the instructor-led classroom program which at least for me is so much more beneficial than independent study.
Kelly Palmer, FWS, Bartender
Kelly Palmer, FWS, Bartender
Discover our two distance-learning options: Independent Study Format & 15-week Instructor-Led Format
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