"I recently completed the French Wine Scholar course, and I could not be more pleased. The French Wine Scholar program is a study and certification program providing in-depth information on the wines and wine regions of France. After completing the WSET Level 3 course, I decided to pursue this certification to further enhance my knowledge of wine.
At Taste & Compare Academy, I was fortunate to find a great classroom experience fostered by a knowledgeable teacher in Maxine Borcherding. Maxine’s expertise and inviting personality combined to deliver a wonderful learning environment while preparing me for my examination. Maxine’s passion for wine is contagious, and she was always available to help with any material questions or concerns. I credit her guidance in helping me achieve my certification with highest honors."
Tricia McCall, FWS, WSET Level 3
"This class transformed the way I look at wine. Because of the focus on French history and the diversity of soil types and climates, when I visit a local winery I look at the earth under the vines, at what direction the slopes face, and at the way these conditions are expressed in the wine. It has enriched my understanding of a subject I already loved, and has given me a greater appreciation of the huge depth of experience in the wines of France."
Scott Fisher, FWS.
Maxine was an amazing resource of wine knowledge for me, and a great influence for me in my growing career. I haven't anyone with a more vast knowledge of wine regions, particular flavor characteristics, and varietals. I highly recommend her!
Kyler Dressel,FWS, Assistant General Manager/Bar Manager at Oven and Shaker/Hamlet
“The French Wine Scholar is a very serious wine program but fun and very enjoyable to follow. The teaching is superb and the quality of the material brilliant."
Gerard Basset, MW, MS, Best Sommelier in the World 2010
"I am very pleased to have earned the French Wine Scholar designation. After completing my WSET Advanced studies, the FWS curriculum allowed me to increase my knowledge of France and their superb wines"
Kirsten Strand, FWS
"The FWS is a great complement to the WSET Diploma and I would recommend other students to take it between the Level 3 and the Diploma.[...] The FWS gave the perfect structure to help me finish my WSET Diploma"
Gregory Crommen, FWS,WSET Diploma
"I feel that the Court of Master Sommeliers and Wine Scholar Guild work hand in hand. I am confident that with the preparation on French theory with FWS it will prepare me for the Court of Masters level 3 and 4"
Matt Coleman, G M & Sommelier at Crossings Restaurant in South Passadena.
“Education is the cornerstone of wine appreciation. With the French Wine Scholar study and certification program, the French Wine Society provides priceless support to the trade and consumers alike."
Xavier Barlier, VP Marketing & Communication, Maisons Marques & Domaines
“The manual is very well laid out with pertinent information that goes beautifully hand-in-hand with the online program. Highly recommended for both newcomers and well-seasoned wine students alike."
Brian Christ, FWS
“If you are a professional in the wine business looking to enhance your career, this is the program for you. Great instructors, easy-to-follow study guide and 24-hour internet access.”
Ronald Plunkett, FWS, Sommelier at Hakkasan in San Francisco
“The French Wine Society has done an excellent job of creating a study program that appeals to those interested in expanding their knowledge of France and its wine industry. In depth, comprehensive, specific, this course was more detail than anticipated and a lot of fun! If you are a wine professional looking to hone your "Franco-files" or an avid wine enthusiast who wants to geek out a bit, this course is highly recommended.”
Tristan Kindy, FWS
“The program is excellent. It differs in format from many classes taught in that there is a real effort to give context to the regions through discussion of history as well as soils, topography, climate and grapes from each region. The class is not producer driven, but is terroir driven, and teaches students about France as a whole as well as the specific regions.”
Maura O'Brien, FWS
“The FWS Program is a very in-depth serious program for the wine professional or enthusiast. There is no other program like it and attaining the qualification should be a highly recognized achievement.”
Nava Ramesh, FWS
“FWS program is an in-depth, well-researched certification program that will benefit wine professionals that aspire to increase their professionalism and acquire a deeper understanding of the various French wine regions. You think you know most of the French wine regions? Think again. Take the challenge of the French Wine Scholar program and be a better-informed French wine lover!”
Lim Hwee Peng, CSW International Wine Specialist Singapore”
“The French Wine Scholar program… is the best, most comprehensive course of study for French wine, bar none. The program is well thought out and presented. Anyone wanting to learn about French wines needs to take this program; there is no better program out there.”
Kevin Cleary, FWS
“In my long experience as a wine educator I can safely say that The French Wine Scholar is the benchmark certified education program for the wines of France. It also provides an advanced level of knowledge and is wholly complementary to those students already in other education programs such as WSET or the Court of Master Sommeliers. Highly recommended!”
Mark Shipway AIWS, FWS
At Taste & Compare Academy, I was fortunate to find a great classroom experience fostered by a knowledgeable teacher in Maxine Borcherding. Maxine’s expertise and inviting personality combined to deliver a wonderful learning environment while preparing me for my examination. Maxine’s passion for wine is contagious, and she was always available to help with any material questions or concerns. I credit her guidance in helping me achieve my certification with highest honors."
Tricia McCall, FWS, WSET Level 3
"This class transformed the way I look at wine. Because of the focus on French history and the diversity of soil types and climates, when I visit a local winery I look at the earth under the vines, at what direction the slopes face, and at the way these conditions are expressed in the wine. It has enriched my understanding of a subject I already loved, and has given me a greater appreciation of the huge depth of experience in the wines of France."
Scott Fisher, FWS.
Maxine was an amazing resource of wine knowledge for me, and a great influence for me in my growing career. I haven't anyone with a more vast knowledge of wine regions, particular flavor characteristics, and varietals. I highly recommend her!
Kyler Dressel,FWS, Assistant General Manager/Bar Manager at Oven and Shaker/Hamlet
“The French Wine Scholar is a very serious wine program but fun and very enjoyable to follow. The teaching is superb and the quality of the material brilliant."
Gerard Basset, MW, MS, Best Sommelier in the World 2010
"I am very pleased to have earned the French Wine Scholar designation. After completing my WSET Advanced studies, the FWS curriculum allowed me to increase my knowledge of France and their superb wines"
Kirsten Strand, FWS
"The FWS is a great complement to the WSET Diploma and I would recommend other students to take it between the Level 3 and the Diploma.[...] The FWS gave the perfect structure to help me finish my WSET Diploma"
Gregory Crommen, FWS,WSET Diploma
"I feel that the Court of Master Sommeliers and Wine Scholar Guild work hand in hand. I am confident that with the preparation on French theory with FWS it will prepare me for the Court of Masters level 3 and 4"
Matt Coleman, G M & Sommelier at Crossings Restaurant in South Passadena.
“Education is the cornerstone of wine appreciation. With the French Wine Scholar study and certification program, the French Wine Society provides priceless support to the trade and consumers alike."
Xavier Barlier, VP Marketing & Communication, Maisons Marques & Domaines
“The manual is very well laid out with pertinent information that goes beautifully hand-in-hand with the online program. Highly recommended for both newcomers and well-seasoned wine students alike."
Brian Christ, FWS
“If you are a professional in the wine business looking to enhance your career, this is the program for you. Great instructors, easy-to-follow study guide and 24-hour internet access.”
Ronald Plunkett, FWS, Sommelier at Hakkasan in San Francisco
“The French Wine Society has done an excellent job of creating a study program that appeals to those interested in expanding their knowledge of France and its wine industry. In depth, comprehensive, specific, this course was more detail than anticipated and a lot of fun! If you are a wine professional looking to hone your "Franco-files" or an avid wine enthusiast who wants to geek out a bit, this course is highly recommended.”
Tristan Kindy, FWS
“The program is excellent. It differs in format from many classes taught in that there is a real effort to give context to the regions through discussion of history as well as soils, topography, climate and grapes from each region. The class is not producer driven, but is terroir driven, and teaches students about France as a whole as well as the specific regions.”
Maura O'Brien, FWS
“The FWS Program is a very in-depth serious program for the wine professional or enthusiast. There is no other program like it and attaining the qualification should be a highly recognized achievement.”
Nava Ramesh, FWS
“FWS program is an in-depth, well-researched certification program that will benefit wine professionals that aspire to increase their professionalism and acquire a deeper understanding of the various French wine regions. You think you know most of the French wine regions? Think again. Take the challenge of the French Wine Scholar program and be a better-informed French wine lover!”
Lim Hwee Peng, CSW International Wine Specialist Singapore”
“The French Wine Scholar program… is the best, most comprehensive course of study for French wine, bar none. The program is well thought out and presented. Anyone wanting to learn about French wines needs to take this program; there is no better program out there.”
Kevin Cleary, FWS
“In my long experience as a wine educator I can safely say that The French Wine Scholar is the benchmark certified education program for the wines of France. It also provides an advanced level of knowledge and is wholly complementary to those students already in other education programs such as WSET or the Court of Master Sommeliers. Highly recommended!”
Mark Shipway AIWS, FWS