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 designed to maximize learning and boost knowledge retention.
The program was created by Spanish wine specialist Rick Fisher, DipWSET, SWS, 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 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 over 30 countries on five continents, the SWS credential has true international recognition.
ONLINE LEARNING CLASSROOM LEARNING
STUDY OPTION 1 | ONLINE FORMAT:
Earn the Spanish Wine Scholar® (SWS) post-nominal online via the online format with 13 recorded webinars and Monthly Meet-ups with your instructor.
The Spanish Wine scholar® online format includes:
PLUS:
- A suggested schedule of study with learning objectives for each region
- 13 on-demand webinars with Rick Fisher, Spanish Programs Director
- Live monthly program kick-off and Q&A sessions with your instructor
- The SWS Study Roadmap: A Checklist For Success, provides a suggested schedule of study
- Online quizzes and learning games for self-evaluation
- Downloadable maps of all Spanish wine regions designed by Quentin Sadler
- One-year access to our interactive and e-learning platform, including online learning modules, pronunciation exercises, quizzes, and flashcards
- A list of recommended wines to sample on your own, or in a tasting group hosted by students enrolled in the program
- An online exam sit (100 multiple-choice questions)
ONLINE FORMAT Program Kick-Off: October 19 Price: $875 |
STUDY OPTION 2 | CLASSROOM LEARNING:
WSG offers the Spanish Wine Scholar® program through our Approved Program Providers located in over 30 countries on five continents.
- Classroom instruction with extensive tutored tastings
- A copy of the SWS study manual
- Access to the SWS online study modules & quizzes for class prep & review
- In-classroom exam sit
All SWS program providers teach from the same Wine Scholar Guild-developed presentations and are supplied with uniform teaching materials. For many, the classroom experience helps to reinforce the theory; a tutored tasting component brings each region to life. In addition, many students find the set schedule helpful in keeping up with their studies.
STUDY MANUAL ONLINE STUDY MODULES INSTRUCTOR SUPPORT
STUDY MATERIALS
EMPOWERING STUDENTS TO SUCCEED
#1 THE SWS STUDY MANUAL:
The Spanish Wine Scholar® manual is the most comprehensive and current coverage of 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 wine region 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 that 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 content retention and ease of use.
Each region of Spain is covered and dovetails nicely with the Spanish Wine Scholar® study manual. Study materials are available online 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
- Automatic bookmarks to resume where you left off
- Quizzes and learning games for self-evaluation
- Hundreds of online flashcards
- Pronunciation exercises
#3 Detailed Spanish Wine Maps:
Your study manual is packed with beautiful wine maps, which have been designed for this program by Quentin Sadler. Electronic versions of these maps and blank practice maps are also available for download on the online course page.
#4 Professional Instructor Support:
- Online Format: via the Q&A forum plus email and live chat with instructors
- In Classroom: via a local, certified instructor
COURSE CONTENT & STRUCTURE
The Spanish Wine Scholar® course is composed of 10 chapters:
- Chapter One - Fundamentals
- Chapter Two - Green Spain
- Chapter Three - The Duero River Valley
- Chapter Four - La Rioja/DOCa Rioja
- Chapter Five - The Ebro River Valley
- Chapter Six - Cataluña
- Chapter Seven - The Central Mediterranean Coast
- Chapter Eight - The Meseta
- Chapter Nine - Andalucía
- Chapter Ten - The Islands
The detailed curriculum is available here
CERTIFICATION EXAM & POST-NOMINAL
SET YOURSELF APART FROM YOUR PEERS. SPECIALIZE IN THE WINES OF SPAIN!
Individuals who follow this in-depth Spanish wine course and pass the exam earn the Spanish Wine Scholar® title and SWS post-nominal, which may be incorporated into a professional signature (e.g., John Smith, SWS).
The exam is composed of 100 multiple-choice questions. Candidates need a score of 75% to receive the credential.
Students with a composite score of 85-90 pass with HONORS. Candidates who score 91-100 pass with HIGHEST HONORS.
More information about the exam