Earn the Spanish Wine Scholar® (SWS) post-nominal through online study fully supported by a comprehensive study manual, interactive e-learning modules for each region, and 13 on-demand webinars let by your instructor.
This format provides the convenience and flexibility of an online study program with structured and ongoing support you need to get you over the finish line. Join the 13 on-demand webinars from any location with an internet connection, at any time that suits your busy schedule. Connect with your instructor and fellow classmates during Monthly Meet-Ups and anytime via the online classroom forums.
WSG provides the most up-to-date wine study programs on the market, stellar instruction from world renowned instructors, a flexible schedule of study designed for busy professionals, and all the necessary tools to master Spanish wine.
Instructor-Led Format
Next session starts June 15
Price: $950
Preview of the Program:
The Spanish Wine Scholar® Online | Instructor-Led Format Includes:
PLUS:
- The Spanish Wine Scholar® online exam
- Roadmap for successful course completion
- 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
- Access to WSG Spanish Wine Scholar Alumni Community upon passing the course
- Classroom camaraderie during themed Monthly Meet-Ups with your instructor and fellow classmates
Instructor-Led Format
Next session starts June 15
Price: $950
Meet Your Instructor:
Rick Fisher, SWS, DipWSET, Spanish Programs Director
Rick Fisher, DipWSET, is Spanish Programs Director for the Wine Scholar Guild (WSG). He wrote, researched, and developed the Wine Scholar Guild’s Spanish Wine Scholar® study and certification program which launched in 2019. Rick’s passion for Spain and his Spanish heritage guides his desire to educate students about Spanish wine. Prior to joining WSG, he had created and maintained a blog titled “Bodega: Eat. Drink. Explore. ESPAÑA!” for over a decade.
He is a wine judge, educator, and writer with a Master of Business Administration (MBA). Rick is also a Certified Sherry Educator and a Certified Rioja Educator.
How Does it Work?
- Upon registration, you will receive instant access to all of the course materials, including the e-book.
- The 315-page Spanish Wine Scholar study manual will arrive in the mail shortly after registration.
- Follow the structured roadmap to embark on your 11-week journey to cover all of the material in bite-sized digestible sections.
- You are provided access to on-line study modules and review quizzes corresponding to the course content found in the manual. These are available to you 24/7!
- Watch the accompanying 13 on-demand webinars on your computer or tablet.
- Join the optional Monthly Meet-Ups with your instructor and other course participants from around the world. This is an an opportunity to exchange freely with your instructor and fellow students on a pre-defined topic related to your course material. Wine optional!
- Have a question after watching a webinar? Contact your instructor via and Instructor Q&A forum.
- Track your progress through the course curriculum via our online tracking system.
- You have one year from your registration date to take your final exam. When you are ready, you can contact us to schedule your online exam. The test consists of 100 multiple choice questions. There is no tasting component. All you need is a laptop equipped with microphone and webcam and an internet connection.
- We have structured the curriculum into a three-month program to keep you focused and disciplined in your study. But you have a full year to sit the exam, just in case life gets in the way.
What's Included Instructors Details Study Materials
About This Format:
1. It is manageable.
The program is designed to keep you on track, but it is also flexible enough to enable you to catch up should your schedule get interrupted, or even to suspend it should you get derailed. It is designed to accommodate the needs of a busy professional.
2. You have real human support.
Your instructor is available for questions via the Q&A forum and during live Office Hours. There is also a student forum should you wish to create a study or tasting group in your area or just to interact with your fellow students. You can be as interactive or as independent as you want to be.
3. You are part of a global student community.
Your classmates will hail from every segment of the wine industry from all over the globe and offer very different insights and points of view. The intellectual ferment adds to the depth of your learning.
4. Your classroom is mobile.
If you have a computer, phone or tablet, you have a classroom!
Suggested Schedule of Study:
|
Onboarding |
Welcome & Introduction to SWS
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Session 1 |
Chapter 1: Fundamentals
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Session 2 |
Chapter 2: Green Spain
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Session 3 |
Chapter 3: The Duero River Valley
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Session 4 |
Chapter 4: La Rioja/DOCa Rioja
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Session 5 |
Chapter 5: The Ebro River Valley
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Session 6 |
Chapter 6: Cataluña
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Session 7 |
Chapter 7: The Central Mediterranean Coast
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Session 8 |
Chapter 8: The Meseta
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Session 9 |
Chapter 9: Andalucía
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Session 10 |
Chapter 10: The Islands
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Session 11 |
Final Comprehensive Review
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Instructor-Led Format
Next session starts June 15
Price: $950
Study Materials:
EMPOWERING STUDENTS TO SUCCEED
Modeled after the French Wine Scholar® program, Spanish Wine Scholar® students will receive the same complete set of study materials.
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 links 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 color and are rich in imagery and iconic wine labels of each region.
Every Spanish wine appellation is discussed 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.
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 computer or tablet 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
Detailed Spanish Wine Maps:
Your study manual will be packed with beautiful wine maps which have been designed for this program by Wine Scholar Guild. Electronic versions of these maps, in addition to blank practice maps, are also available for download on the online course page.
Professional Instructor Support:
- Online Independent Study: via the Q&A forum answered by Rick Fisher, Spanish Programs Director
- Online Instructor-Led Format: via the Q&A forum plus during live Monthly Meet-Ups with your instructor
- 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 Greenon May 24, 2023"Thank you!"- Robert Ringenbergon 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 Ringenbergon 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 inabaon 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 Hanveyon 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 Sheldonon 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 Belicovaon 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 Belicovaon 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 Gonzaleson 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. "
- Antoninaon 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 Campbellon 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 BRUZAMOLINon 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 Emeryon 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 Lazarakison 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 Lazarakison 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 "
