Course Overview: Dive into the captivating realm of French viticulture with the Master of French Wine™ program, developed by the National Wine School. This comprehensive program is designed to provide participants with an in-depth understanding of France’s most renowned wine regions, delving into the intricate interplay of terroir, native grape varieties, and historic winemaking techniques. From the elegance of Champagne to the timeless allure of Bordeaux, this program offers a virtual odyssey that transports you to the heart of each region’s vinicultural heritage.
Course Structure:
- Introduction & the Alps: Our tour begins with a brief introduction before we head north, where white wines take center stage, complemented by refined reds and delightful sparkling wines.
- Champagne: Unravel the mysteries of Champagne, the pinnacle of celebratory wines and Gallic ingenuity.
- Burgundy: Immerse yourself in the elegance of the world’s finest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay as we journey through this storied region, tasting wines from Chablis to Beaujolais.
- Rhône Valley: Explore the Rhône Valley and learn about the prominent role of Syrah in Hermitage and the triumvirate of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and its counterparts.
- Provence & Corsica: Bask in the Mediterranean sunshine as you explore the rosés of Provence and the distinctive wines of Corsica. Unearth the essence of these coastal regions.
- Languedoc-Roussillon: Embark on a discovery of Languedoc-Roussillon’s innovation and character. Encounter bold reds and daring blends that challenge convention.
- Southwest France: Traverse the lesser-explored charm of Southwest France, where native varieties and a rich cultural tapestry weave together a captivating wine narrative.
- Loire Valley: Discover the scenic “Valley of the Kings,” where historic towns and stunning architecture provide the perfect backdrop for quintessential French wines crafted in a diverse range of styles.
- Bordeaux: Culminate your journey in Bordeaux, uncovering the mastery of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blends. Decipher the secrets behind classified growths and the art of blending.
Prerequisites and Aspirations: Completion of the L1, L2, and L3 programs are required before enrolling in the Master of French Wine™ program. The successful completion of four advanced programs, including this one, culminates in the prestigious Advanced Sommelier Pin.
Wines and Recommendations: While participants are responsible for acquiring their own wines, our program provides an expertly curated list of recommended bottles for each class. These selections ensure that participants can fully experience the distinct character of each region, guided by the expertise of our seasoned wine educators.
Certification: Your grade will be determined by a final exam consisting of 100 questions in various formats, including matching, multiple choice, true/false, and sorting. The quizzes at the end of each lesson reflect the types of questions you’ll encounter on the final exam. The quizzes do not count towards your final grade, and you may take them as many times as you like.
All exam questions are based on proprietary NWS materials, which include the reading assignments, live class videos, and studio discussions that complement the in-person lectures. You will have one (1) hour to complete the exam. If you have special needs or require accommodations, please don’t hesitate to let us know—we’ll do our best to assist you. Please note: It may take four to six weeks to receive your results. In keeping with industry protocol, we do not release the answers after grading.
Do not take the final exam until you are ready: There are no practice exams! The Final Exam is your one and only try. Good luck!
We use a proprietary system based on LAMP protocols leveraged with the Cloudflare Application Security Portfolio. This means you need a modern browser like Chrome and a computer with up-to-date security to take our courses. We also advise having a computer that can run any major operating system and was preferably built within the last eight years.