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Workshop | Dinner | Tasting | Industry Events
Spanish Wine Scholar (SWS)
10, 17, 24, 31 Oct 2026 (Sat) | 3-7pm | Exam: 30 Nov 2026 (Mon) Evening | $8000
Spain is home to the largest vineyard acreage on the planet, boasting a breathtaking tapestry of ancient traditions, diverse microclimates, and cutting-edge winemaking. But to truly understand Spanish wine, you have to look beyond the bottle.
The Spanish Wine Scholar (SWS) program doesn’t just teach you facts—it connects the dots. You will explore each wine region as an integrated whole, discovering how dramatic geological events, ancient history, rugged topography, and distinct climatic forces all collide to create what’s in your glass. By treating no topic in isolation, this course gives you the deep context and ultimate confidence to master one of the world’s most dynamic wine cultures.
What’s Included in Your Journey?
This immersive program combines deep academic study with hands-on, sensory learning. You will receive:
- 16 Hours of Expert Classroom Instruction: Guided by an approved, passionate educator.
- The Master Study Manual: A stunning, 315-page full-color Spanish Wine Scholar textbook.
- 1-Year Online Access: Dive into the comprehensive SWS online study program for seamless prep and review.
- Official Exam Registration (offline exam only): Your ticket to earning a globally recognized credential.
- The Ultimate Tasting Experience: Over the course of the program, you will taste more than 50 exceptional wines curated to bring each region vividly to life.
Who is This Program For?
Whether you are building a career or fueling a passion, the SWS program is tailored for:
- Industry Professionals looking to specialize and stand out with authoritative knowledge of Spanish wines.
- Aspiring Wine Pros seeking a serious, resume-boosting competitive edge to enter the wine world.
- Passionate Connoisseurs and hobbyists eager to dive deep into Spanish culture, lifestyle, and world-class viticulture.
Prerequisites:
None! However, to maximize your experience, we strongly recommend holding a WSET Level 2, Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW), or CMS Introductory Certificate.
Your Roadmap to Mastery
From the cool, Atlantic-influenced coastlines to the sun-drenched southern plains, you will journey through:
- Module 1: Fundamentals & Green Spain
- Module 2: The Duero River Valley
- Module 3: La Rioja
- Module 4: The Ebro River Valley & Central Mediterranean Coast
- Module 5: Cataluña
- Module 6: The Meseta
- Module 7: Andalucía
- Module 8: The Islands (Balaeric & Canary Islands)
Earn Your Credentials
Validate your expertise with the official Spanish Wine Scholar exam:
- Format: 90 minutes | 100 multiple-choice questions
- Passing Grade: 75%
- Aim for Distinction: Score 85%–90.5% to pass with Honors, or 91%–100% for Highest Honors.
Ready to elevate your wine expertise? Secure your seat and master the wines of Spain!
Justin Chen:
Justin is a wine educator at MWM Wine School in Hong Kong. He founded Joy Palate Wine Academy in 2014 and was the wine educator and wine consultant for Hong Kong and Guangzhou for the academy. Justin has a wide-range of professional qualifications, including DipWSET, WSET Certified Educator, Vinitaly International Academy (VIA) Italian Wine Ambassador & Certified Italian Wine Educator, Wine Scholar Guild Italian & Spanish Wine Scholar (Highest Honors), Knight of Truffle and Wine of Alba, and was awarded a Runner-up at the Hong Kong International Top Tasters Competition by The Drinks Business in 2016.
Spanish Wine Scholar:
The Spanish Wine Scholar™ education program is the most advanced and comprehensive certification course on the wines of Spain. The syllabus takes a regional approach and discusses all Spanish wine appellations and the factors that shape their identities.
The program was created by Spanish wine specialist Rick Fisher, Spanish Wine Scholar™ Education Director.
Wines from Spain (ICEX – Spain’s Trade & Investment Government Agency) has endorsed the program in recognition of its exceptional level of depth, accuracy, detail, and academic rigor.
The Spanish Wine Scholar study and certification program confers a post-nominal to wine professionals and enthusiasts who successfully pass the certification exam (Ex: John Smith, SWS). With a school network encompassing 30 countries on 5 continents, the SWS credential has true international recognition.
Wine Scholar Guild:
Wine Scholar Guild is the leading provider of specialised certification programs on the wines of France, Italy and Spain with a school network of over 100 partner schools spanning 30 countries and 5 continents.
We are a pioneer in online wine education; our distance-learning platform includes hundreds of educational webinars, interactive e-learning modules, online flashcards, pronunciation exercises, and learning games.
Our community of wine professionals and committed students of wine learn from the most respected names in the industry and participate in some of the most privileged, exciting, and intellectually stimulating wine study immersion trips on the market. Our entire organisation is fully committed to our students and to their success. We help achievers achieve.
