French Wine Essentials - In Person

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French Wine Essentials - In Person

$650.00

WSG Essentials programs present the often-complex world of French wine in an accessible and engaging way; highlighting “need to know” regions, grape varieties and wine styles.

France is home to almost 400 wine appellations. French Wine Essentials (FWE) introduces you to the most important regions and styles of wine found across the country.

Place of origin, grape varieties, wine profile, production and pairing notes are all explored alongside notable producers and local signature cuisine. Appendices covering vine training systems, wine production methods, tasting descriptors and recommended wine lists enhance your working knowledge. Each wine is presented within a regional and cultural context while landmarks and traditional cuisine are highlighted to complete the curriculum.

Not just an introductory course, WSG Essentials are a launchpad to the highly respected WSG Wine Scholar® certifications, the vibrant WSG Community and the first step towards wine mastery.

Next session begins Summer 2025. Register your interest via a brief email to info@vawsa.com to be notified when dates are announced and registration is open.

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Who is this program for?

  • No prior wine knowledge necessary, only a willingness to learn and expand your horizons through study

  • Hospitality, wholesale and/or retail wine professionals looking to enhance their knowledge of French wine

  • Aspiring wine professionals looking to start, transition to or advance their career in wine

  • Inquisitive wine enthusiasts wanting to become more familiar with French wine

  • Enthusiastic home or professional chefs, energetic epicureans or “foodies”, avid travelers

What’s included:

  • A detailed and comprehensive 95 page FWE course book rich with photographs, detailed and up-to-date maps, illustrations and infographics to optimize learning. The book is provided in print + e-book formats

  • 6-week course, including four 2.5-hour in person class sessions, including tutored tasting of wines by region

  • One-year access to WSG’s e-learning platform including online support modules and interactive activities related to your course

  • Registration for the French Wine Essentials Exam. The 45-minute, 50-question multiple choice format examination is taken in-person at VAWSA in Richmond, VA. Passing score is 60%.

  • WSG Essentials certificate upon passing the exam

By the end of the course, you’ll be able to:

  • Describe the key factors that influence the growing environment and climate of each appellation

  • Recall the main grape varieties (and their characteristics) associated with each wine covered in the program

  • Identify the location of the profiled appellations on a map of France, Italy or Spain

  • Recall viticultural, vinification and aging techniques that contribute to the style and quality of the wines

  • Describe the meaning of key labeling terms

  • Recall and describe the style of each of the wines covered in the program