LEARN THE NUANCES OF CALIFORNIA WINE AND MASTER THE INCREASINGLY COMPLEX AVA LANDSCAPE
California Wine Appellation Specialist CWAS® is the first and only in-depth professional 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 Wine Institute and grower associations throughout the state.
This one-of-a-kind program offers students a comprehensive, up-to-date, formal education 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
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!
Session 1
Tuesdays 6pm-9pm
Jan 21 to Mar 17
Session 2
Sundays 10am-5pm
Oct 25 to Nov 22
Includes a 1 hour lunch break. See dining options near us.
Have a tricky schedule? Join others around the globe and take the program on your own schedule with our instructor led CWAS Online format!
GUIDED BLIND WINE TASTING EXERCISES
Blind taste over 60 wines to enhance learning objectives. All wines are selected by Master Sommelier David Glancy and our instructors to represent all the AVAs of California.
SYLLABUS OVERVIEW
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!
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.
ABOUT THE CERTIFICATION & EXAM
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.
*Students taking a 4-day intensive program take the exam online 1 month following the last class and have access to online supplemental materials in the interim to prepare.
WHY IS CWAS IMPORTANT?"Italy and France both 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."
TUITION
$1,395pp
*Installment plans available. Group rates available for parties of 5 or more. Contact help@sfwineschool.com for more information
ENROLLMENT INCLUDES
- Exam Fees & Registration
- California Wine Appellation Specialist Manual
- San Francisco Wine School Water Bottle
- Certificate upon successful completion
San Francisco Wine School
415 Grand Ave #301
South San Francisco, CA 94080
Click for parking and public transportation information
*See our latest Re-Opening Information for updates on In-Person and Online Classes.
ONLINE & WINE TASTING OPTIONS
All Webinar & Webcast participants will receive pdf handouts, wine lists, and a the link to attend the webinar with login details.
If in-person classes have not yet resumed by the time class begins or if you are unable to attend class in person, full price registrants may pickup a wine tasting kit with class wines at the school by appointment or have it shipped to you for an additional fee. You will be notified of pickup procedures prior to class.
Those who would like to attend workshops online and forgo the wine tastings can apply WEBONLY at checkout to any online workshops for 40% off. SEE ALL WEBONLY WORKSHOPS
REQUIREMENTS
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.