Program Overview

Bordeaux Master-Level Program



A COMPREHENSIVE ONLINE STUDY AND CERTIFICATE PROGRAM ON THE WINES OF BORDEAUX!

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.

The Bordeaux Master-Level Program Includes:

Bordeaux ML Package

  • 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.

We offer all the necessary tools & support to master the wines of Bordeaux: 

  • 15 recorded webinars presented by world-renowned Bordeaux experts:
Jane Anson Charles Curtis MW Alexandre Morin  Suzanne Mustacich

Andrew Jefford

Bill Blatch Sandra Duboscq  Lisa M. Airey, CWE, FWS

Webinars topics:

  • Bordeaux Past & Present
  • Bordeaux Economics
  • Bordeaux Viticulture Today
  • The Classifications of Bordeaux
  • Terroirs of Bordeaux
  • Trends in Bordeaux Winemaking
  • Value Bordeaux : Bordeaux, Bordeaux Supérieur and the Côtes
  • The Sweet Whites of Bordeaux
  • Left Bank: The Médoc
  • Left Bank: Graves and Pessac
  • Right Bank: Saint-Emilion, Pomerol and Fronsac
  • The Dry Whites of Bordeaux 
  • Bordeaux Futures, Collecting and Investing in Bordeaux
  • Somm Bordeaux: Creating a Bordeaux Wine List
  • Bordeaux Deconstructed

Click here to see the detailed curriculum

  • The Bordeaux Study Manual (updated in 2018)

  • Preparatory Online Study Modules & Quizzes:

The Bordeaux online study module offers interactive presentations that are put into a measurable, meaningful format designed for maximum retention of content and ease of use.

Bordeaux online study modules features:

  • Quizzes and learning games for self-evaluation
  • Full audio narration to offer new insight and keep you engaged
  • Your place is automatically bookmarked/saved to resume where you left off
  • A progress bar tracks your accomplishments

 

Bordeaux ML Graduate Testimonials

  • My customers and students often feel a bit intimidated by Bordeaux wines.[...] I feel better equipped to explain what makes this region particularly unique and successful.
    Erika Frey, FWS
    Certified Wine Educator working in the Boston area
    FWS, WSET Diploma, Certified Wine Educator CSW
  • Completing the Bordeaux Master Level has enabled me to better appreciate Bordeaux wine through an in depth understanding of its history, geography, viticulture and culture.
    Gershwin Narraidoo
    Hospitality educator in service, management, spirits and oenology at the College of Culinary Arts at Johnson & Wales University in North Miami
    Certified Bordeaux wine educator, approved instructor of FWS
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How it works:

  • You receive the full-color, Bordeaux Master-Level study manual for independent reading and study. Work through the material when you have time in your schedule.
  • All webinars are recorded for on demand replay in video or podcast format…perfect to listen to on your way to work!
  • Have a question after watching a recorded webinar? Contact your instructors via the Instructor Q & A forum or email Lisa Airey directly. The choice is yours.
  • The final exam consists of 50 multiple choice questions, 10 map identification exercises and 4 essays. There is no tasting component. All you need is a laptop equipped with microphone and webcam plus an internet connection. Candidates have one year to take their final exam and contact the WSG office manager Celine at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. one month in advance to schedule their exams.
  • You have a full year to sit the exam…just in case life gets in the way.

Bordeaux Master-Level Online Exam:

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.

 

Register Now What's Included Instructors

STUDY TOOLS How it works Why Study Bordeaux

 

Why study Bordeaux?

 
Bordeaux is France’s largest quality wine region and largest producer of AOC wine. It has been making wine for 2,000 years, and today produces over 684 million bottles annually. Every second 22 bottles of Bordeaux are sold somewhere in the world.  Even more importantly - the region manages the extremely rare trick of producing these large volumes, while still maintaining quality.
 
The quality of its vintages drives the fine wine market globally.  Collectors speak  of Moueix and Derenoncourt, of Thunevin and Maltus as if they were  favorite athletes. California created an entire “Meritage” category for Bordeaux-styled blends.  Even non-wine drinkers have heard of Châteaux Mouton Rothschild, Lafite Rothschild, Latour, Margaux and Haut Brion!
 
Bordeaux’s rich history, commercial significance, mercantile mindset, size, and quality set it apart from other French wine regions and it contains three UNESCO World Heritage sites in the form of Saint Emilion, Blaye and the city centre of Bordeaux itself. It does not beg study; it commands it!

Growing organic in Bordeaux is possible and already embraced by top properties like Pontet-Canet and Palmer.
 
It’s possible to find terroir-driven wines, around $25. Below are 6 examples:

Graves - Clos Floridene - $21
Graves - Chateau Respide-Medeville - $26
Premieres Cotes de Bordeaux - Chateau Reynon - $14
Haut-Médoc - Chateau Peyrabon - $16
Saint-Emilion - Chateau Tour Saint-Christophe - $29
Haut-Médoc - Château Paloumey - $18
 
To purchase those wines: https://www.wine-searcher.com
 
Bordeaux was sending out its clarets on the high seas while Champagne was red and still and Hermitage was white. To master the wines of France, start here!

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.

PODCAST: Jane Anson & Andrew Jefford on Bordeaux

Student Testimonials:

Christianna Sargent on Jan 24, 2019
I am truly enjoying this Bordeaux class. Content covers great depth, and the seminars are absolutely wonderful. The amount of work you've put into this definitely shows. Best educational class I've taken. Thank you!
Shaun Tucker, FWS on Jan 1, 1970
I just want to thank you and Lisa for putting this program together. It really is a great format, excellent content, interaction and superb webinars.
Clyde Woode on Jan 1, 1970
Thank you to Lisa, Dewey, Julien and all the Instructors of the Bordeaux Masters Course. This is an excellent course for both novice and more experienced Bordeaux aficionado's. The course work was well done, up to date and well articulated by the instructors while being both concise and comprehensive given the large scope of the subject. I have taught wine to both professionals and consumers for over 8 years now and really appreciate the effort, skill sets and knowledge that was part of this great course. Thanks again for the great job and the nostalgic trip covering many a Chateaux that I once imported in the 1980's. I am looking forward to the next Master's level class!
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Study Bordeaux on WSG Studio

Meeting of the Minds: Bordeaux Classifications: Asset or Liability?
With Andrew Jefford, Fiona Morrison MW, Jeffrey Davies, Stephen Browett
Sustainable Bordeaux with Romana Echensperger, MW
With Romana Echensperger MW
Getting to Know Sweet Bordeaux with Deborah Parker Wong
With Deborah Parker Wong
The Place de Bordeaux: How It Works, How it is Evolving with Jane Anson
With Jane Anson
The Wine History of Bordeaux with Tanya Morning Star
With Tanya Morning Star
WSG Live: Andrew Jefford Hosts Christian Moueix
With Andrew Jefford, Christian Moueix
Meeting of the Minds - Trends in Bordeaux
With Fabien Teitgen, Jane Anson, Mathieu Chardonnier, Tanisha Townsend
Bordeaux Who's Who with Fanny Darrieussecq
With Fanny Darrieussecq

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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.

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