Fast-track your understanding into the intricate world of French wine!

Whether a wine professional or inquisitive wine enthusiast looking to enhance your experiences through food and wine, WSG Essentials provide students with a solid foundation on the wines of France.

We are proud to offer French Wine Essentials as an intensive, in-person course, taught by Alessandra Esteves, DipWSET, SWS, FWS, CSW, MW candidate.

About French Wine Essentials

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.

Students explore the culture, cuisine, history, viticulture and winemaking principles behind the most influential wine regions in the world while gaining industry-recognized certification.

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.

The Class Format

This is a two-day intensive course, taking place on Saturday April 26th (9am – 5pm) and Sunday April 27th (9am – 1:30pm, including the exam) 2025.

What’s Included

  • A detailed and comprehensive course book that is rich with photographs, detailed and up-to-date maps, illustrations and infographics to optimize learning. The book is provided in print + e-book formats.
  • 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 exam is optional.
  • WSG Essentials certificate upon passing the exam.

To bring each region to life, you will taste a total of 20 different wines over the course of the program!

Assessment

The (optional) exam will take place at the end of the second day. It is comprised of 50 multiple-choice questions and the passing score is 60%. Students have 45 minutes to complete the exam. There is no wine tasting component on the exam.

Cancellation Policy

If you need to cancel your registration you can do so for a $35 administrative fee. Kindly note that the cost of the printed study materials is non-refundable. Making changes to your registration with 13 business days of the course start date will result in an administrative fee of $200.

Entry Requirements

WSG Essentials Wine Programs require no prior wine knowledge, only a willingness to learn and expand your horizons through study. The program provides all the tools required to fully grasp the essentials of French wine.

You must be at least 21 years of age to attend the course and to participate in any alcohol tasting. A minimum of 5 students is needed for this course.

Dates

This is a two-day intensive course, taking place on Saturday April 26th (9am – 5pm) and Sunday April 27th (9am – 1:30pm, including the exam) 2025.