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California Wine Appellation Specialist CWAS® is the first and only in-depth professional wine credential dedicated to California wine. CWAS was pioneered by Master Sommelier and Certified Wine Educator, David Glancy, in 2012 and has since earned the support of the California Wine Institute and grower associations throughout the state. This credential is a great choice for dedicated wine professionals.
This one-of-a-kind program offers students a comprehensive, up-to-date, formal education and wine certification on all of the California wine regions, featuring material that is literally impossible to find from other resources. The topics will deeply enrich enthusiasts' knowledge and are critical to the success of today's wine professionals.
- Learn the language of California wine labeling
- Discuss the history and impact of California's American Viticultural Areas
- Understand California's wine production
- Analyze the distinctive climates, soils, grapes and wineries of each region that make up the California wine landscape
Private programs and group rates available for parties of 5 or more. Contact help@sfwineschool.com for more information.
Why is CWAS Important? "France, Italy and Spain all have internationally recognized certification programs in place to drive interest and celebrate the nuances of their wine regions. If wine students don't have the resources or formal channels to specialize in California wine, it sends the wrong message about California's diverse range of meso-climates, grape varieties, and wine styles", warns Glancy. "To compete with old world imports and fully tap into growing demand for wine, we need to put educational channels in place to properly engage the industry. Competition is only getting more intense."
San Francisco Wine School is an official external education provider for Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits, having certified many staff members with our proprietary California Wine Appellation Specialist CWAS Program! Read about our partnership and our Corporate Training! -
California Wine Appellation Specialist CWAS® features 8 workshops and the final exam over nine weeks. Each class within the full program can be taken as a single workshop. Click the links to learn more!
- California Wine Overview & Mendocino
- Napa Valley
- Lake & The Sierra
- Sonoma
- Santa Cruz, Livermore & Lodi
- Monterey & San Benito
- Paso Robles & The Rest of San Luis Obispo
- Santa Barbara & Beyond
- CWAS Credential Exam
Want to learn more about California wine now? Watch Master Sommelier David Glancy in our educational videos filmed for Wine Institute and Discover California Wine.
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Session 1
Wednesdays 6-9pm
May 3 to June 28Have a tricky schedule? Join others around the globe and take the program on your own schedule with our instructor led CWAS Online format!
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Hybrid - Room/Zoom
We've recently invested in some serious AV technology upgrades to create an integrated Hybrid Room/Zoom experience for all students, so each individual can choose to participate in-person as a "Roomer" with wine in their glass or online as a "Zoomer" with a custom tasting kit. Both Roomers and Zoomers have the same wines and are able to engage with us and each other during these live classes. Recordings are also available within 1 business day after the class. Learn more...
In-Person Location
San Francisco Wine School*
415 Grand Ave #301
South San Francisco, CA 94080
Click for parking and public transportation information*See our latest COVID Safety Information
Online Info
You will receive the zoom link and any handouts needed a few days before class via email. Check spam and contact help@sfwineschool.com if you have not received it within 1 business day of your class/event.
If you have a tasting kit, it may be picked up at San Francisco Wine School or delivered across the US. Wine parameter lists are available for those participating in locations where kits cannot be delivered. View pickup and delivery options here.
Wine lists and instructions are included in your kit.
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$1,395pp* Registration Fee Includes
- 24 hours of live instruction with San Francisco Wine School's industry-leading instructors
- Tasting of 48 California wines carefully curated by Master Sommelier David Glancy
- Tasting kit creation for online participants (delivery is available across the US for an additional fee)
- California Wine Appellation Specialist Manual
- Exam fees** and registration
- Certificate upon successful completion
- San Francisco Wine School Water Bottle
*Installment plans available. Group rates available for parties of 5 or more. Contact help@sfwineschool.com for more information
**Exam may be taken online for an additional fee
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This exam is a 1 hour, in-person written exam with 100 multiple choice and short answer questions. Online exam upgrades are available for an additional fee. Contact us for more information.
Students who score 80% or higher will be awarded a CWAS certificate and can proudly display the initials CWAS after their name. Earning this credential will set you apart in the increasingly competitive wine industry and help you guide your customers through the complex and rapidly changing California wine scene.
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No prior wine education necessary, however we encourage first-time wine students to take a blind tasting workshop prior to enrolling in this program.
All attendees must be 21+ years old.
Scholarships Available
Are you in need of financial assistance to pay for this program? The Glancy Wine Education Foundation assists those looking to start or advance their career in wine or hospitality with educational scholarships of 60-100% depending on your level of need. Internship opportunites are also available through San Francisco Wine School. Learn More & Apply
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California Wine Appellation Specialist CWAS® Online
Asynchronous Online
