Italian Wine Scholar

The Italian Wine Scholar® program sets the industry standard as the most detailed and comprehensive certification program devoted entirely to the wines of Italy. It is composed of two separate units, that can be studied in any order:

The Wines of Northern Italy (Unit 1)
The Wines of Central & Southern Italy (Unit 2)

Tailored for dedicated wine enthusiasts and industry professionals, IWS is your passport to understanding the regions, myriad of indigenous grape varieties, art of winemaking, history and rich cultural traditions that make Italian wine so special.

Who is the Italian Wine Scholar® program for?

• Passionate wine enthusiasts and aficionados, students of wine, avid travelers and life-long learners craving deeper knowledge and expertise of Italian wine styles and regions.​
• Aspiring sommeliers seeking a leg up and competitive advantage in the industry.
• Professionals in the hospitality sector aiming to elevate their expertise.

Completion of the program doesn’t just reward you with a certificate; it confers upon you the sought-after IWS post-nominal initials, symbolizing advanced-level proficiency and industry-wide respect.​
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With the Italian Wine Scholar® program, you're not just learning; you're enriching your understanding and appreciation of Italian wine.​

What's Included?

From a comprehensive study manual to interactive online modules, expert instruction and an engaging student community, every element is meticulously curated to foster a profound understanding and appreciation of Italian wine culture. Here's what you can expect for each of the two units:

• 8 x 2 hour immersive classes with expert tuition and tutored tastings
• IWS study manual - one manual per course (Unit 1 North and Unit 2 South)
• Access to the IWS online study modules & review quizzes 
• Student community
• 100 question multiple-choice exam 
• Italian Wine Scholar certificate and lapel pin on successful completion of both units. Add this reputed credential to your LinkedIn profile and résumé or CV.

Regions covered:
Unit 1 - Valle d'Aosta, Liguria, Piemonte, Lombardia, Trentino-Alto Adige, Emilia Romagna, Friuli-Venezia-Giulia
Unit 2 - Toscana, Marche, Abruzzo, Molise, Lazio, Campania, Puglia, Basilicata, Calabria, Sicilia, Sardegna

Plus: A Foundation Unit covering: Italian wine law, grape varieties, viticulture, viniculture and more

 "I have always been passionate about Italian wine. There are so many indigenous grapes and small appellations not really known outside of Italy. I think the course was amazing, and the course material was so well-written that I am sure I will be using the information provided in my current job."

"I am impressed by the thoroughness of research that has gone into the Italian Wine Scholar study manual, and by the clear way it is laid out. I am sure that this course will prove very useful for the growing numbers of wine students wishing to improve their knowledge of wines in general and Italian wines in particular." Nicolas Belfrage MW, author of the acclaimed books “Barolo to Valpolicella: the Wines of Northern Italy” and “Brunello to Zibibbo: the Wines of Tuscany, Central and Southern Italy”