Bordeaux Master-Level Program

The Bordeaux Master-level program is an official course of study designed for wine trade and serious students of wine. 

It has been created by the Wine Scholar Guild and lead instructor Jane Anson, Bordeaux correspondent and columnist for Decanter magazine and author of “Bordeaux Legends, The 1855 First Growth Wines”.

A dream team of Bordeaux experts from all over the world is providing a unique and dynamic learning experience via web-based teaching technology coupled with an optional immersion trip to the region itself. 

Earn the Bordeaux Master-level certificate through 9 weeks of self-study fully supported by 15 recorded webinars, a comprehensive study manual, an interactive preparatory e-learning module and quizzes for self-evaluation.

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 How it works Why Study Bordeaux

The Bordeaux Master-Level Program Includes:

• Preparatory reading assignments, online study modules and review quiz
• 15 recorded webinars with Bordeaux experts
• A copy of the Bordeaux Master-Level Study Manual with detailed maps
• Reading and tasting assignments to accompany each lecture
• Online review quizzes
• Access to instructors via the Q&A forum
• Online, proctored exam sit

Price: $590

STUDY UNDER TRUE BORDEAUX WINE EXPERTS AND MASTERFUL INSTRUCTORS INCLUDING:

• Jane Anson
  Lead-instructor; Bordeaux correspondent and columnist for Decanter magazine and award-winning author including, “Wine Revolution”.
• Sandra Duboscq
  Oenology specialist with the Diplome National d'Œnologie and consultant winemaker for over 50 Medoc properties with Oenocentres Pauillac,
• Alexandre Morin
  Experienced sommelier who has worked in London, Sydney and Bordeaux, and co-founder of Le Vin l'Emportera.
• Andrew Jefford
  Award-winning wine journalist for Decanter Magazine and author of twelve books on wine including “The New France”
• Charles Curtis MW
  Author of The Original Grand Crus of Burgundy, founder of WineAlpha and a regular columnist for the Chinese version of La Revue du Vin de France.
• Fiona Morrison MW
  Co-manager at Le Pin (Pomerol), L'IF (Saint Emilion) and Chateau Goubau (Côtes de Castillon) and Managing Director of Thienpont’s wine negociant business.
• Suzanne Mustacich
  Contributing editor at Wine Spectator magazine and the author of th award-winning Thirsty Dragon: China’s Lust for Bordeaux and the Threat to the World’s Best Wines.
• Bill Blatch
  Senior Consultant at Christie's and co-founder and partner in Bordeaux Gold LLP, Sauternes company.

Your moderator and program coordinator is Lisa M. Airey, CWE, FWS, Education Director, Wine Scholar Guild and CIVB Certified Bordeaux Instructor.

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STUDY TOOLS How it works Why Study Bordeaux

The exam is comprised of three separate sections: 50 multiple-choice questions, four short-answer questions and a map exercise. Passing score is 75/100. The exam questions and essay topics are taken from the Bordeaux Study Manual and webinars. Practice maps are also available on the course.

Online exam candidates must have a computer (tablet not compatible), a good internet connection, a webcam and a microphone with speakers for proctoring purposes.

Candidate has one year from registration date to take the exam. When ready, the candidate may contact the WSG Office at least one month in advance at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to schedule the exam.

Detailed Curriculum:

1-Bordeaux Past & Present

Getting to know Bordeaux means getting a handle on the region's long and rich history. Jane Anson, Bordeaux correspondent for Decanter and lead instructor, introduces the rich cast of characters and circumstances that shaped the Bordeaux’s wines, their popularity and their commercial destiny.

2-Bordeaux Economics

To understand Bordeaux, you have to understand the money. Suzanne Mustacich, contributing editor at Wine Spectator, takes a deeper look at the Place de Bordeaux and how this unique system works. She also adds an international spin, exploring how Bordeaux builds international markets: and the role of foreign wines on the Place.

3-Bordeaux Viticulture Today

Sandra Duboscq, consultant winemaker for over 50 Medoc properties, takes us on a journey through today’s vineyards of Bordeaux. She examines recent technical advances, the growth of responsible viticulture, the influence of global warming and what we can expect tomorrow.

4-The Classifications of Bordeaux

Understanding the 1855, Graves, Saint Emilion and the Cru Bourgeois classifications is a must for all Bordeaux students. Suzanne Mustacich, contributing editor at Wine Spectator, goes beyond a recitation of facts and considers the current status, commercial value, the conflicts, and what the future may hold. 

5-Terroir of Bordeaux

Terroir is a key determinant of a wine's character, but it is so much more than the land and environment. Jane Anson provides a detailed examination of the concept: why Bordeaux is so different from Bourgogne; how terroir drives viticultural decisions and winemaking techniques to hide or reveal terroir.

6-Trends in Winemaking

Fiona Morrison, Master of Wine and Bordeaux winemaker, discusses how the Bordelais are responding to new soil studies, climate change, higher alcohol levels and an increased focus on organic vinification. Discover the thought processes behind the yearly transition from grape to glass in this eye-opening webinar.

7-Value Bordeaux: Bordeaux, Bordeaux Supérieur and the Côtes

Explore the value side of Bordeaux. Jane Anson, our lead instructor, reflects on this economically important, but under-appreciated collection of appellations. Understand the reasons why there is such a price jump between the classified growths and these hidden values, which belie Bordeaux's reputation for being wholly unaffordable.

8-The Sweet Whites of Bordeaux

Why are we not all drinking more sweet wines from Bordeaux? Bill Blatch, Senior Consultant at Christie's, tackles the great paradox of Bordeaux—these wines are widely recognized for their exquisite character, and yet it is so hard to get people to drink them. He explains what is unique about Sauternes and the other sweet appellations.

9-Future or Past?  Collecting, Investing in and Drinking Great Bordeaux

Charles Curtis MW, Christie's head of wine sales for Asia and North America, examines techniques for sourcing, collecting (and drinking) great Bordeaux. This is an in-depth look at the development and current state of the market for Bordeaux futures, sourcing wines in the secondary market and a guide to investing in Bordeaux wines.

10-Graves and Pessac

Explore the wines and different terroirs of Graves and Pessac. .Understand who the owners are and challenges they face in retaining their renown. Jane Anson unlocks the past to explore the future of these connected, but very different appellations.

11-Medoc Peninsula

Delve deeper into the differences between Medoc and Haut Medoc and the varied terroirs. Jane Anson weaves together soils, grapes, classifications, costs and consultant philosophies to explain the differences in the wines we enjoy in the glass.

12-Somm Bordeaux: Bordeaux on today’s wine lists

Alexandre Morin, international sommelier, challenges expectations on the place of Bordeaux on a wine list and explores what’s fresh. He discusses how vintage matters, offers some surprising pairings, explores what is popular, and how to build excitement for Bordeaux wines.

13-Saint-Emilion, Pomerol and Fronsac

Explore the uniqueness of Bordeaux’s Right Bank with Suzanne Mustacich, contributing editor at Wine Spectator. Understand the distinctive terroirs of these three appellations and how the notable histories of Saint-Emilion, Pomerol and Fronsac have shaped the wine regions of today.

14-Dry White Wines

Jane Anson, dives into the history and current landscape of white wines in Bordeaux. From high value to iconic wines, Jane discusses who’s doing what, where they are doing it and what current research and trends indicate about the future of this often overlooked category.

15- Plutocrats and Paupers: structural misconceptions about Bordeaux

The always original and stimulating Andrew Jefford tackles the hot topics of Bordeaux. Is classification a classic or curse? Are the reports on the death of en primeur greatly exaggerated? Will inky monster wines be relgated to the annals of history? Is Bordeaux really divided into plutocrats and paupers?

WHO IS THIS MASTER-LEVEL FOR:

• For dedicated Bordeaux wine enthusiasts:

If you are passionate about Bordeaux and want to acquire a full understanding of the secrets behind its history and iconic châteaux, this program is for you. You will gain a 360-degree understanding of the viticulture, winemaking, history, and the people who make this wine region so unique and appraised globally. After taking this program, you will be able to confidently speak on all aspects of Bordeaux as a region and a wine.

• For wine professionals:

This program is ideal for sommeliers and customer-facing wine professionals seek to boost their knowledge about Bordeaux. After taking this program, wine professionals such as sommeliers, food & beverage directors, servers, wine educators, amongst others, will be able to speak with authority while offering outstanding service and guidance about Bordeaux wines.

Register Now What's Included Instructors

STUDY TOOLS How it works Why Study Bordeaux