Italian Wine Scholar Study and Certification Program

The Italian Wine Scholar Study and Certification program provides up-to-date, extensive and precise information on the diverse wines and wine regions of Italy. This specialization program is designed for all intermediate and advanced students of wine, whether wine professionals or serious wine enthusiasts.  It was created by native Italian, Maurizio Brioggi, (former Wine Scholar Guild Education Director for Italy) with the support of the Italian wine DOC/G consortia and has received the endorsement and patronage of the Italian Trade Commission.  Broggi, himself, is a student of San Francisco Wine School, and says:

"I am quite impressed by the high quality and professionalism of the courses taught at San Francisco Wine School. The school offers a fantastic location wherein to learn the complex world of wines, the wine educators are extremely competent and highly prepared... "

Program Curriculum

Italian Wine Scholar is divided into two units. Northern Italy and Southern Italy.  For each unit, students will receive 18 hours of instruction, and the official full-color Italian Wine Scholar Unit study manual, in addition to 1 full year of access to the Italian Wine Scholar Online. Students will taste over 35 wines in each unit of the program - 70+ wines in all.  Students may take the units in any order. 

Certification Exam

The Italian Wine Scholar Program has one exam at the end of each unit.  Those who follow the in-depth curriculum and achieve a final passing score on both units will earn the title of Italian Wine Scholar (IWS). Following this achievement, students are encouraged to use the post-nominal IWS as part of their professional signatures. This IWS certification provides a validation of your Italian wine expertise and enhances your resume; it also serves as a point of distinction within the wine trade.

Recommended Preparation

Italy is one of the most complicated regions to study and Italian Wine Scholar is one of the most difficult credential programs offered at San Francisco Wine School.  It is designed for strong intermediate and advanced students.  Those who want to strengthen their foundational knowledge of Italian wine before attempting this certification are encouraged to take the Italian Wine Essentials - an Italian Wine Scholar Prep course.