French Wine Scholar®
The industry's most respected certification on the wines of France.
Program Overview
Embark on a journey deep into the heart of France with the French Wine Scholar Program®, the quintessential offering from Wine Scholar Guild — the international authority on authentic wines of place.
The French Wine Scholar® education program is the most advanced, comprehensive, and up-to-date French wine course available. The syllabus takes a regional approach and discusses all French wine appellations and the factors that shape their identities.
The program provides committed students of wine with an unparalleled set of study tools that are designed to maximize learning and boost knowledge retention.
The French Wine Scholar study and certification program confers a post-nominal to wine professionals and enthusiasts who successfully pass the certification exam (Ex: John Smith, FWS). With a school network encompassing 30 countries on 5 continents, the FWS credential has true international recognition.
It was created by WSG Education Director, Lisa M. Airey CWE, with the support of the French Ministry of Agriculture which knighted her in recognition of the program's exceptional level of depth, accuracy, detail, and academic rigor as well as its impact on the global wine industry.
What's Included
From a comprehensive study guide to interactive online modules, expert instruction and an engaging student community, every element is meticulously curated to foster a profound understanding and appreciation of French wine culture.
330-page Study Guide
Enjoy instant access to our interactive, mobile-friendly eBook for offline reading, while a physical study guide is shipped directly to your door. Start learning anytime, anywhere!
Online Study Modules
The FWS online study modules offer interactive activities in a measurable and meaningful format designed for maximum content retention and ease of use.
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 French Wine Scholar, form a tasting group and build your wine network.
Final Exam
Your course includes a 100-question multiple-choice exam covering all of the French wine regions.
Certificate
Upon passing, receive your coveted online French Wine Scholar certificate and order your lapel pin. Add this reputed credential to your LinkedIn profile and résumé or CV.
Why People Choose French Wine Scholar
Harry
"Pursuing the FWS program helped me develop French wine events for consumers, as well as seminars targeted to the trade, while also collaborating with Andrew Jefford as the VIWF’s keynote speaker when France was the festival theme in 2020."
Harry Hertscheg
Trish
"Having the chance to learn about the history, geology, geography, grapes, viticulture of a region in a self-study format was exactly what I was looking for. I think that after completing the FWS program I feel confident in my understanding of French Wines and talking about them with other wine enthusiasts. "
Trish Nunan
Nicolas
"The FWS is a good way to remain humble about one’s knowledge, though being a Frenchman, I learned some things too!"
Nicolas Fouilleroux
Julie
"FWS provides an excellent and thorough knowledge base about France, and I’ve already been able to field a number of more esoteric questions about lesser-known French wines."
Julie Seibert
Lucas
"The position of Assistant Head Sommelier is a new chapter every day: leading a team of sommeliers, bringing ideas, and keeping consistency in every single service. The French Wine Scholar course was really deep and included a lot of key knowledge. It is a very well-made online course, which fit my timing and shifts."
Lucas Reynaud-Paligot
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 both 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 10 live educator-led lectures.
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.
10 live review sessions 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
Recorded for on-demand viewing
Online Student Community
Final Exam
Certificate, Use of Post-Nominal and Eligibility to Order Lapel Pin Upon Passing
Start Date
Start Anytime
October 6, 2025
Varies by Provider
Price
$875
$995
Varies by Provider
Frequently Asked Questions
- Passionate wine enthusiasts and aficionados, students of wine, avid travelers and life-long learners craving deeper knowledge and expertise of French wine styles and regions.
- Aspiring sommeliers seeking a leg up and competitive advantage in the industry.
- Professionals in the hospitality sector aiming to elevate their expertise.
Get a Free Chapter
Enter your details to receive a free chapter on the Beaujolais region and learn more about the French Wine Scholar® program.
Explore the granite-rich soil and climate of Beaujolais, focusing on the predominant Gamay grape and its influence on the region's wine profile.
Learn about the distinctive winemaking methods of Beaujolais, such as carbonic maceration, and their impact on the flavor and texture of the wines.
Dive into the rich history of the Beaujolais region while enhancing your wine tasting abilities, including identifying flavors and optimal food pairings.
Access Your Free Chapter Now!
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