German Wine Scholar Classroom Course

Germany is one of the most dynamic and misunderstood wine countries in the world today. From razor-sharp Rieslings to world-class Pinot Noir, its wines are shaping modern tastes and appearing on top restaurant lists globally. If you’ve ever wanted to truly understand what makes German wine so compelling - this is your opportunity.

The German Wine Scholar certification, delivered in person at West London Wine School, is an intensive, classroom-based program designed for serious enthusiasts and industry professionals alike. Guided by expert tutors and supported by extensive tastings, you’ll build a deep, structured understanding of Germany’s wine landscape in a way that online study simply can’t replicate.

Over the course of the programme, you’ll explore Germany’s key wine regions in detail - from the Mosel and Rheingau to Baden and Pfalz - while mastering the country’s complex classification systems, labelling terms, and quality hierarchies. You’ll gain confidence with grape varieties such as Riesling, Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir), and emerging styles, alongside the influence of climate, soil, and vineyard practices on wine character. The course also covers winemaking techniques, stylistic diversity, and practical food pairing, bringing the theory to life in the glass.

This certification is awarded by the Wine Scholar Guild, an internationally recognised authority in wine education. The German Wine Scholar (GWS) credential is highly regarded within the global wine trade, making it a valuable asset for sommeliers, buyers, educators, and anyone looking to demonstrate serious expertise in one of Europe’s most important wine-producing nations.

The course typically runs over a series of structured sessions, combining engaging classroom teaching with guided tastings and independent study. You’ll be supported throughout with comprehensive study materials and will finish with a formal examination, leading to your certification.

Whether you’re looking to deepen your personal knowledge or advance your professional credentials, this programme offers a rigorous yet approachable pathway into the world of German wine - delivered face-to-face, with the energy and insight that only a live classroom can provide.

**WHO SHOULD CONSIDER STUDYING THE GWS COURSE?**

- GWS is designed to test for proficiency in ALL the wines and wine regions of Germany.
- GWS is ideal for those currently studying or completed WSET Level 3 and Level 4 as an ideal supplement
- GWS is also ideal for those who hold an enthusiastic interest for the German wine industry

No previous experience of Wine Tasting is necessary to register on this course.

**COURSE FORMAT:**

- The German Wine Scholar curriculum is comprised of eight 2 1/2 hour classes usually held on the same evening over consecutive weeks\* and a one hour exam held on the ninth evening (\* **Please refer to the listed course dates below as there may be some individual week breaks included in the course schedule.**)
- All students receive a study book (please see an excerpt below) as well as access to the fantastic course E-Learning Modules
- There is an additional ninth evening on which is the examination occurs
- An average of 6+ wines will be tasted per class with some matching with typical regional foods

**_\* Wine Scholar Guild Online Modules:_** _Wine Scholar Guild provides access to online support resources for each of their courses which has a validity of 1 year and they provide us with these login details for each course to share with our students._ **Please note that, after 1 year, free access to the online modules will expire.**

**What's Included:**

- **Live, in-person tuition** by an accredited German Wine Scholar tutor
- **Study Materials:** Students will receive the German Wine Scholar Study Manual, a comprehensive guide to ALL German wine
- **Additional Materials:** Students will have access to a complete E-Learning Package. There are multimedia modules with webinars on regional wine styles, review quizzes, forums, downloadable maps & etc.
- **Duration of course:** 9 evenings inclusive of examination. Evenings will last from 7pm until approximately 9:30pm. Please note security gates will open 30 minutes before the start of each class and will close 30 minutes after the start of the lesson.
- **Examination:** 100 multiple-choice questions to be answered in 60 minutes. A mark of 75% required to pass
- **Certification:** All students who pass will be issued with a digital certificate - and may purchase a qualification pin from Wine Scholar Guild