Wine Scholar Guild - French Wine Essentials

ARMADALE CELLARS presents globally accredited WINE SCHOLAR GUILD®

French Wine Essentials  is your passport to wine confidence

════════════════════════════════════════════════════════

COMMITMENT: 6 weeks, every Wednesday starting 11th February, 6:00pm-8:30pm (includes a 1-hour exam on week 6)

LOCATION: in the cellar at Armadale Cellars

INVESTMENT: $850pp (incl. tasting samples, text book & exam  registration)

PLUS: your certificate upon successful completion!

════════════════════════════════════════════════════════

• Do you enjoy French wine but want to understand better?
• Are you visiting France in the near future?
• Want to navigate wine lists and buy French wine with confidence?

Why choose Wine Scholar Guild?

• Globally certified qualification
• Designed by some of the biggest names in wine including Jasper Morris MW and Jane Anson 
• 12.5 hours of in-class learning led by expert educators at Armadale Cellars
• Designed for both serious students & industry professionals
• Sample a large variety of wines from France's iconic regions
• Hard copy text book + 1-year access to online resources through WSG

What does the program cover?

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 contextualise the curriculum.

During your 6 weeks, you will cover France's key wine regions-Alsace, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, the Loire Valley, Languedoc-Roussillon, Provence, the Rhone Valley and more!

WSG FRENCH WINE ESSENTIALS WEEK-BY-WEEK SCHEDULE

Week 1- Intro & Sparkling Wines of France

Week 2- Alsace & Loire Valley

Week 3- Bordeaux & Provence

Week 4- Bourgogne & Beaujolais

Week 5- Northern/Southern Rhône & Languedoc-Roussillon

Week 6- 1 hour Exam

Our beginner-level certificate program offers a launchpad to the internationally revered French Wine Scholar Certification Program, vibrant WSG member community and the first step towards wine mastery. Say goodbye to tasting on autopilot and hello to clarity, nuance, and confidence.

SEATS ARE LIMITED. CLICK BELOW TO SECURE YOUR SEAT TODAY!

Contact Phil or the Event Team for further info or with help booking in! 

phil@armadalecellars.com.au    0419 576 513

events@armadalecellars.com.au  (03) 9500 8259

What's Included:

Coursebook

Shipped to your address, the beautifully designed coursebook, rich with photographs, detailed maps, illustrations and infographics contains all the information you need to know.

Online Study Modules

1 year access to interactive e-learning activities designed to enrich the study manual and support different learning styles.

Expert Instruction:

Learn from the WSG Approved Program Providers and certified educators.

Student Community

Network with the other students taking the FWE  course, form a tasting group and build your wine network.

Final Exam

The exam is comprised of 50 multiple-choice questions. Students have 45 minutes to complete the exam. Passing score is 60%. There is no wine tasting component on the exam.

Students will take the written exam at the program provider's location on the specified date.

Certificate

Upon receiving a passing score, you will receive your well-deserved WSG Essentials certificate, acknowledging you have gained proficiency in the wines of France. Add this reputed certification to your LinkedIn profile and résumé or CV.

Courses require a minimum of 8 students to run.

STUDY TIME REQUIREMENTS
12.5 hours of in-class learning and a 1-hour exam, over 6 weeks
Wine scholar guild also recommends that students read the relevant chapters of the course book prior to each session and commit to 15-20 hours of additional self-study.

COURSE TIMINGS & LOCATION
Five 2.5 hour sessions on consecutive Wednesdays (6:00pm-8:30pm) and one 1 hour exam all held in the cellar at Armadale Cellars

PRICE
$850pp

Please note that additional charges apply for exam re-sits and non-attendance. This will be the responsibility of the student to pay for and reschedule the exam directly through the Wine Scholar Guild Website.

CANCELLATIONS & TRANSFERS

Cancellations and transfers must be emailed at least 30 days before the course.

No refunds will be granted within the 30 days before the session commences

Transfers to future sessions are not guaranteed but may be refunded if requested more than 30 days in advance.

You may nominate someone to attend in your place if your details have not yet been submitted to the Wine Scholar Guild portal.

EDUCATORS FOR FEBRUARY 2026

Christina Kaigg-Hoxley (FWS, WSET L3) & Gill Sykes (FWS & DipWSET)

PRE-REQUISITES
There are no pre-requisites for French Wine Essentials

ASSESSMENT
Exam: 50 multiple-choice questions (passing mark is 60%+)
There is no tasting component for this exam