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Our 10-session Certified Specialist of Wine CSW program was created by Master Sommelier David Glancy to fully prepare students who want to become wine specialists for the notoriously rigorous CSW exam. David, a Certified Wine Educator CWE, knows CSW better than most; he is one of only 12 Master Sommeliers in the world to achieve this top credential from the Society of Wine Educators. Besides being a CWE, Master Sommelier David Glancy also sat on the Board of Directors for the Society of Wine Educators for 3 consecutive terms.
The program covers wine tasting, terminology, composition, chemistry, flaws, viticulture, enology, labels, laws and wine regions of the world. In addition, students will receive the official Society of Wine Educators' CSW Exam Study Guide, exam credit and more.
Students will taste 70+ wines from around the world to bring learning objectives to life and hone your tasting technique. All wines are selected by Master Sommelier David Glancy and our Cellar Master to represent a broad sampling of the classic wines of the world.
Certified Specialist of Wine consists of 10 three-hour classes covering the following areas. Each class within the full program can be taken as a single workshop. Click the links to jump to the individual workshops that contain expanded descriptions of each class.
Session 2
Sundays 2pm-5pm
Oct 22 - Dec 17, 2023
Have a tricky schedule? Join others around the globe and take the program on your own schedule with our instructor led Certified Specialist of Wine Online in our asynchronous format!
Apply for scholarship by Aug 31
2024 Session Dates & Times
Session 1
Thursdays 6pm-9pm
Apr 4 - May 30, 2024
Have a tricky schedule? Join others around the globe and take the program on your own schedule with our instructor led Certified Specialist of Wine Online in our asynchron
Apply for scholarship by Feb 29th
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.
*Installment plans available. Group rates available for parties of 5 or more. Contact help@sfwineschool.com for more information
The Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) is an internationally recognized credential conferred by the Society of Wine Educators (SWE), which has branches in countries around the globe. Obtaining the CSW demonstrates your mastery of wines of the entire world and can help you launch or further your career in wine. It is also a mandatory prerequisite for SWE's top credential, Certified Wine Educator (CWE).
CSW exam registrations are included in the program and are good for one full year from the start of the program. CSW exams are available at Pearson VUE testing centers and other locations. Students will be sent an authorization code and further instructions after the program begins. With the authorization code, a CSW Exam may be scheduled with the testing center at the candidate's preferred time and place.
All attendees must be 21+ years old. This is considered an intermediate level program. We encourage beginner students to take our Intro to Wine Series, Somm Essentials, or the equivalent prior to enrolling.
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