Scholar of Modern Wine

Modern wine did not develop simply because winemakers discovered better techniques.

Trade, migration, colonization, science, industrialization, political change, critics, technology, and changing consumer tastes all altered what was planted, how wine was made, how it was sold, and ultimately what people expected wine to taste like.

Scholar of Modern Wine examines those forces through the regions they changed.

The course begins with the emergence of modern winemaking and then moves through Bordeaux, Germany, Australia, South Africa, and Latin America before examining the influence of modern wine criticism and the evolution of Napa Valley.

Course Curriculum

1. Introduction to Modern Wine

The opening section establishes the historical framework for the course.

Topics include:

• The evolution of modern winemaking
• Changes in viticulture and production
• Historical forces that shaped wine regions
• The development of the modern international wine trade

2. Bordeaux — Unveiling the Modern Blend

Bordeaux provides one of the clearest examples of the relationship between history, trade, terroir, and modern wine style.

Topics include:

• The development of modern Bordeaux
• Blending
• Terroir
• Historical trade
• The influence of Bordeaux on modern red wine

3. Germany — Pioneers of Modern White Wine

Germany shifts the discussion to white wine and the role of vineyard practices and increasingly precise cellar techniques.

Topics include:

• Germany’s influence on modern white wine
• Vineyard innovation
• Fermentation control
• Aromatic white wine
• The relationship between technology and wine style

4. Australia — Colonial Origins to Global Influence

Australia provides a case study in the transformation of a colonial wine culture into an internationally important industry.

Topics include:

• Colonial origins
• British influence
• Development of Australian viticulture
• Modern winemaking
• Australia’s emergence in the international wine market

5. South Africa — Emerging Forces of the 21st Century

South Africa connects historical trade with modern reinvention.

Topics include:

• The Dutch East India Company
• Historic trade routes
• The development of South African wine
• Paarl
• Hemel-en-Aarde
• The emergence of contemporary South African producers

6. Latin America — Trading Routes and Unique Voices

The course examines Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, and Mexico through the historical and commercial forces that shaped their wine industries.

Topics include:

• Trade and migration
• Argentina
• Chile
• Uruguay
• Mexico
• Regional identity
• The emergence of distinctly Latin American wine cultures

7. The Parker Effect — Tasting the Modern Revolution

The course examines the rise of wine criticism and the influence critics could exert on wine style, consumer demand, and the international wine market.

Topics include:

• The rise of modern wine criticism
• Robert Parker
• The 100-point scale
• Critical influence on consumer demand
• Changes in contemporary wine style

8. Napa Valley Retrospective — Decades of Evolution

Students trace changes in Napa wine through successive decades, with particular attention to Cabernet Sauvignon.

Topics include:

• Changes in Napa Valley wine style
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Viticulture and winemaking
• Consumer preferences
• Critical influence
• The evolution of Napa from the 1980s to the present

Comparative Wine Dissertation

The course concludes with a 1,200–1,800-word Comparative Wine Dissertation.

Students choose one major historical, technological, economic, political, or cultural development, compare two wine regions affected by it, and analyze how that influence can still be seen in the wines those regions produce today.

The project connects four elements:

History → Region → Winemaking → Wine

Students also compare one representative wine from each region and support their argument with credible research.

How the Final Project Is Evaluated

Students are evaluated on:

• Historical argument and context
• Comparative analysis
• Terroir, viticulture and production
• Comparative tasting analysis
• Research and citations
• Organization and professional presentation

Recommended Wines

Students may taste wines alongside the course material using the provided recommendations.

Wine purchases are optional and are not required for course completion.

The comparative dissertation, however, requires the student to select and taste one representative wine from each of the two regions being compared.

Program Information

Price: $499
Format: Recorded and self-paced
Access: 180 days beginning with first login
Clock hours: 135
Credential: Scholar of Modern Wine
Prerequisite: Core Sommelier certification
Final assessment: Comparative Wine Dissertation
Dissertation length: 1,200–1,800 words
Recommended course wines: Optional

Prerequisite

Core Sommelier certification is required before enrolling in Scholar of Modern Wine.

Scholar of Modern Wine Certification

Successful completion earns the Scholar of Modern Wine certification.

Scholar of Modern Wine is also an approved Advanced course toward Advanced Sommelier Certification. This course counts as one of the four required for the Advanced Sommelier credential. For detailed information, please refer to the Sommelier Certification Guide.