Independent Study Format

Spanish Wine Scholar ® Online | Independent Study Format

THE SPANISH WINE SCHOLAR® PROGRAM IS THE MOST ADVANCED AND COMPREHENSIVE CERTIFICATION COURSE ON THE WINES OF SPAIN

The syllabus takes a regional approach and discusses all Spanish wine appellations and the factors that shape their identities. It provides committed students of wine with an unparalleled set of study tools that are designed to maximize learning and boost knowledge retention.

The Spanish Wine Scholar® Online | Independent Study Format includes:

PLUS:

The Spanish Wine Scholar® online exam*
A suggested schedule of study with learning objectives for each region
Online quizzes and learning games for self-evaluation
Downloadable maps of all Spanish wine regions
Pronunciation exercises to boosts your credibility
A list of recommended wines to sample on your own or in a tasting group hosted by students enrolled in the online program

Price: $750

The SWS program is also available in a instructor-led online format including on-demand review webinars with Rick Fisher, SWS Education Director.

STUDY MATERIALS:

EMPOWERING STUDENTS TO SUCCEED

#1 THE SWS STUDY MANUAL:

The Spanish Wine Scholar® manual is the most comprehensive and current coverage on the wines of Spain and follows a regional approach with strong tie-ins to terroir.

Each chapter is designed for maximum content retention and utilizes a systematic approach, allowing the student to compare and contrast each of the wine regions of Spain.

Manuals are current and discuss the most recent trends. They are printed in full-color, are rich in imagery and peppered with the iconic wine labels of each region.

Every Spanish wine appellation is discussed (vs. just mentioned) and triaged by "need-to-know" icons. Emphasis is given to the flavor and structure profiles of the wines.

A Fundamentals Chapter provides an overview which puts all of Spain and its wines into perspective.

#2 SWS Online Study Program:

The SWS online study program offers interactive e-learning modules that are put into a measurable, meaningful format designed for maximum retention of content and ease of use.

Each region of Spain is covered and dovetails nicely with the Spanish Wine Scholar® study manual. Study materials are available 24/7. If you’ve got a laptop and an internet connection, you’ve got a classroom!

Spanish Wine Scholar® online study modules features:

E-learning modules loaded with videos and learning games to keep you engaged
Your place is automatically bookmarked/saved to resume where you left off
Quizzes and learning games for self-evaluation
Hundreds of online flashcards
Pronunciation exercises
You earn badges to track your accomplishments

#3 Detailed Spanish Wine Maps:

Your study manual will be packed with beautiful wine maps which have been designed for this program by Quentin Sadler. Electronic versions of these maps, in addition to blank practice maps are also available for download on the online course page.

#4 Professional Instructor Support:

Online Independent Study: via the Q&A forum answered by Rick Fisher, SWS Education Director
Online Instructor-led Format: via the Q&A forum plus email and live chat with instructors
In Classroom: via a local, certified instructor

ABOUT THE SPANISH WINE SCHOLAR®:

The program was created by Spanish wine specialist Rick Fisher, Spanish Programs Director at Wine Scholar Guild.

Foods and Wines from Spain (ICEX - Spain's Trade & Investment Government Agency) has endorsed the program in recognition of its exceptional level of depth, accuracy, detail, and academic rigor.

Endorsed by

The Spanish Wine Scholar study and certification program confers a post-nominal to wine professionals and enthusiasts who successfully pass the certification exam (Ex: John Smith, SWS). With a school network encompassing 30 countries on 5 continents, the SWS credential has true international recognition.

Student Testimonials:

David Green
on May 24, 2023
"Thank you!"
Robert Ringenberg
on May 17, 2023
"The SWS manual is very well put together. The combination of history and culture along with the wine and vineyard material helps paint a well balanced picture of each area."
Robert Ringenberg
on May 17, 2023
"The SWS manual is very well put together. The combination of history and culture along with the wine and vineyard material helps paint a well balanced picture of each area."
tomoko inaba
on Apr 25, 2023
"This program is very helpful not only to learn Spanish wines but also the culture and the history that lays behind. "
Lee Hanvey
on Apr 24, 2023
"An excellent deep dive into the complexities of Spanish wine & the regional variations that make this country such a fascinating destination for wine professionals & enthusiasts."
Jason Lee Sheldon
on Mar 31, 2023
"The Wine Scholar Guild's Spanish Wine Scholar Course is an in-depth wine course that captures the excitement and intrigue of all the great Spanish wines. It was thoroughly enjoyable, fantastically engaging and fully rewarding. This course isn't easy, but when have the best things ever been easy? It's a challenge that you should be eager to undertake."
Martina Belicova
on Mar 30, 2023
"I found the SWS course very interesting with a lot of detaills not only about the wine but the Spanish history and culture. I learned a lot and I apareciate all the work done by SWS team. Thanks a lot!"
Martina Belicova
on Mar 30, 2023
"I found the SWS course very interesting with a lot of detaills not only about the wine but the Spanish history and culture. I learned a lot and I apareciate all the work done by SWS team. Thanks a lot!"
Manuel Gonzales
on Feb 3, 2023
"As a long term wine professional, educator, sales person and portfolio manager for a large wholesaler in New England, I love the attention to geologic and human history. The format is user friendly, easy to understand and extremely engaging. "
Antonina
on Jan 21, 2023
"The course was great, even though very detailed. I felt a bit confused with the historical part, especially as to what was required for the exam. I very much appreciate the contact with Rick who sorted out any of my doubts via the I- net platform. Thank you very much!"
Jeff Campbell
on Jan 13, 2023
"The Spanish Wine Scholar course was a great in-depth study of Spanish wine as well as Spanish wine history. The written materials are excellent and the on-line resources that are available really helped with the "need-to-know" aspects of the course. This was the first course I've taken with the Wine Scholar Guild and I look forward to signing up for the next one!"
RAFAEL BRUZAMOLIN
on Dec 20, 2022
"Great program to deep your knowledge about Spanish wine history, geography, climate, viticulture, winemaking techniques, wine styles, wine law, wine labels and different wine regions with their DOPs and IGPs. Thank you very much Mr. Rick Fisher, all of the SWS team and WSG! "
Jonathan Emery
on Nov 22, 2022
"I have thoroughly enjoyed the Spanish Wine Scholar program. The instruction and study materials were excellent. I had a lot of fun and now feel like I have a much greater understanding of Spain, It's wines and why they are so unique."
Konstantinos Lazarakis
on Nov 10, 2022
"An excellent in approach educational program, providing deep yet not absurd level of knowledge. It covers all the essential elements, from history to culture to wine styles and recent developments. A must-do for every serious wine lover, NOT just every serious Spanish wine lover! Konstantinos Lazarakis MW "
Konstantinos Lazarakis
on Nov 10, 2022
"An excellent in approach educational program, providing deep yet not absurd level of knowledge. It covers all the essential elements, from history to culture to wine styles and recent developments. A must-do for every serious wine lover, NOT just every serious Spanish wine lover! Konstantinos Lazarakis MW "

*SWS online exam: You have one year from your registration date to take your exam (extension possible for a nominal fee). If you are registered for an online exam-sit and ready to schedule it, you may contact the WSG office at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Online exam candidates must be equipped with a PC or Mac Desktop or laptop computer with working microphone, speakers and webcam and possess a good internet connection. The exam cannot be taken from a tablet, nor a mobile phone or Chromebook.

Disclaimer: WSG offers wine study courses that are targeted to both beginners and those more experienced in the wine industry. While WSG has received many accolades, awards, and testimonials, WSG is not an accredited institution or school. WSG does not guarantee or warrant that any employer or school will recognize WSG wine study courses. While WSG knows that it is a well-recognized institution within the multi-national wine community, it cannot guarantee anyone success in their profession or vocation.

"Wines from Spain is pleased to have had the opportunity to witness and consult on the development of this much needed and important Spanish Wine Scholar program since its inception. The program showcases the richness of Spanish wines - their authenticity, huge diversity and premium quality - combined with the rich culture and history that gave rise to their origins. The program offers a great opportunity for those who want to widen their knowledge of the wines from Spain."

Alfonso Janeiro Diez

Head of Wines From Spain in Madrid

"Wines from Spain is pleased to have had the opportunity to witness and consult on the development of this much needed and important Spanish Wine Scholar program since its inception.…

Alfonso Janeiro Diez

Head of Wines From Spain in Madrid
"If you want to learn everything there is to know about Spanish wine – whether you are a professional or just a lover of good wine – this course will take you there. It is valuable for anyone who wants an in-depth but approachable lesson on the grapes, regions, and producers of Spain … which to me is the greatest wine country in the world!"

José Andrés

Chef and Owner of ThinkFoodGroup

"If you want to learn everything there is to know about Spanish wine [...] this course will take you there."

José Andrés

Chef and Owner of ThinkFoodGroup
"SWS is the only real complete study program on the wines of Spain. It not only covers all winemaking regions of Spain, but it also gives an in-depth understanding of the history and culture of this extremely exciting wine country.”

Jonas Tofterup, MW

Owner of Iberian Wine Academy in Málaga, Spain

"SWS is the only real complete study program on the wines of Spain. It not only covers all winemaking regions of Spain, but it also gives an in-depth understanding of…

Jonas Tofterup, MW

Owner of Iberian Wine Academy in Málaga, Spain
"The SWS Manual is probably one of the most comprehensive and educative works ever produced on Spanish wines. The Sherry chapter, in particular, covers every piece of basic knowledge there is to know about these very special wines. Sherry wines are by nature complex, but wine students will find the manual's approach to the region, the processes, and the wines are both rigorous and easy to understand".

César Saldaña

President, Consejos Reguladores de las Denominaciones de Calidad “Jerez-Xérès-Sherry”

"The SWS Manual is probably one of the most comprehensive and educative works ever produced on Spanish wines"

César Saldaña

President, Consejos Reguladores de las Denominaciones de Calidad “Jerez-Xérès-Sherry”
"The Spanish Wine Scholar Program is the industry's most up-to date and in-depth course on the wines of Spain. The level of detail and quality of the materials make this program a mandatory course for any serious student of wine. Viva España !"

Monica Marin, DipWSET

Director of Education Programs , The Wine House – Los Angeles

"The Spanish Wine Scholar Program is the industry's most up-to date and in-depth course on the wines of Spain. The level of detail and quality of the materials make this…

Monica Marin, DipWSET

Director of Education Programs , The Wine House – Los Angeles
"The in-depth SWS programme is a wonderful immersion of study through the history, culture and romance of the vinous nation of Spain.

Expertly crafted by the SWS maestro Rick Fisher, the detailed and comprehensive textbook expertly guides you through all the regions of Spain including lesser-known areas such as the Canary and Balearic Islands. From the Albillo to Zalema grape varieties there is thorough and meticulous information including geological, geographical, topographical and meteorological and how these disciplines combine to shape the mouth-watering wines of Spain.

The SWS course is an absolute must for anyone who wishes to master vinous Spain and sits proudly in its vigour and depth alongside the FWS and IWS."

Jimmy Smith, FWS, IWS, SWS, DipWSET

Owner & Head Tutor at West London Wine School

"The SWS course is an absolute must for anyone who wishes to master vinous Spain and sits proudly in its vigour and depth alongside the FWS and IWS."

Jimmy Smith, FWS, IWS, SWS, DipWSET

Owner & Head Tutor at West London Wine School
"The SWS book is a great piece of deep information, but also a well edited and visual book that will help to understand the what, the why, the how, the who and the when of the Spanish wine scene".

Ferran Centelles

Wine Manager at elBullifoundation, Spanish specialist for Jancisrobinson.com

"The SWS book is a great piece of deep information, but also a well edited and visual book that will help to understand the what, the why, the how, the…

Ferran Centelles

Wine Manager at elBullifoundation, Spanish specialist for Jancisrobinson.com
“It is great to see that with Spanish Wine Scholar, there is a reference study program specifically focused on Spanish wines. This helps to show the amazing amount of regional diversity Spain has to offer with its impressive treasures of different and rare varieties, vineyards and unique spots”

Miguel Torres Maczassek

5th Generation and General Manager Familia Torres

"It is great to see that with Spanish Wine Scholar, there is a reference study program specifically focused on Spanish wines"

Miguel Torres Maczassek

5th Generation and General Manager Familia Torres
"The Spanish Wine Scholar Program is wonderfully comprehensive and a thorough class on Spain. There’s a ton of knowledge packed into 300 pages, having the online modules really solidified the key points in the text book. I highly recommend this course for anyone looking to sharpen their knowledge in Spanish wines!"

Gretchen Thomas

VP of Food & Beverage Innovations, Barcelona Wine Bar

"I highly recommend this course for anyone looking to sharpen their knowledge in Spanish wines!"

Gretchen Thomas

VP of Food & Beverage Innovations, Barcelona Wine Bar