The Italian Wine Scholar Study and Certification program curriculum is an Italian wine education program designed to provide committed students of wine with the most advanced and comprehensive specialization program on Italy bar none! It was created by native Italian, Maurizio Brioggi, DWS, FWS with the support of the Italian wine DOC/G consortia.
The Italian Wine Scholar program mirrors the unparalleled level of depth, accuracy, detail and academic rigor offered by the acclaimed French Wine Scholar™ program.
Like the French Wine Scholar program, the Italian Wine Scholar program also confers a post-nominal to wine professionals and enthusiasts who successfully pass the certification exams (Ex: John Smith, IWS).
The Italian Wine Scholar program provides all the tools necessary to successfully master the wines of Italy at a professional level and is is composed of two separate units:
Italian Wine Scholar – Unit One (Northern Italy)
The Italian Wine Scholar Study and Certification program provides up-to-date, extensive and precise information on the diverse wines and wine regions of Italy. This specialization program is designed for all intermediate and advanced students of wine, whether wine professionals or serious wine enthusiasts. It was created by native Italian, Maurizio Brioggi, (Wine Scholar Guild Education Director for Italy) with the support of the Italian wine DOC/G consortia and has now received the endorsement and patronage of the Italian Trade Commission.
Italian Wine Scholar Unit 1 of 2, covers the wines of Northern Italy. Students will receive 18 hours of instruction, and the official full-color Italian Wine Scholar Unit 1 study manual, in addition to 1 full year of access to the Italian Wine Scholar Online. Students will taste over 35 wines in the program.
Italian Wine Scholar – Unit Two (Central & Southern Italy)
The Italian Wine Scholar Study and Certification program provides up-to-date, extensive and precise information on the diverse wines and wine regions of Italy. This specialization program is designed for all intermediate and advanced students of wine, whether wine professionals or serious wine enthusiasts. It was created by native Italian, Maurizio Brioggi, (Wine Scholar Guild Education Director for Italy) with the support of the Italian wine DOC/G consortia and has now received the endorsement and patronage of the Italian Trade Commission.
Italian Wine Scholar Unit 2 of 2, covers the wines of Northern Italy. Students will receive 18 hours of instruction, and the official full-color Italian Wine Scholar Unit 1 study manual, in addition to 1 full year of access to the Italian Wine Scholar Online. Students will taste over 35 wines in the program.
To become an Italian Wine Scholar and receive the IWS credential, candidates need to pass the exams for Unit 1 and Unit 2 with a composite score of 75%. The scores from both exams are added together and averaged for final assessment. Students with a composite score of 85-90 pass with HONORS. Candidates scoring 91-100 pass with HIGHEST HONORS. Passing the exam for Unit 1 or Unit 2 alone does not confer the Italian Wine Scholar credential.
Set yourself apart from your peers. Specialize in the wines of Italy!
How does this program complement other, more general wine study program?
The Italian Wine Scholar program is a great resource and supplement for students of wine moving toward advanced general wine study programs such as WSET Diploma (level 4), Master of Wine, Court of Master Sommeliers’ Advanced Sommelier (level 3 and up) or Society of Wine Educator’s Certified Wine Educator (CWE).
Many of these programs ask their students to do extensive independent research in order to study for their exam. To this end, the Italian Wine Scholar program serves as an advanced and comprehensive study supplement to help them master the complex wines of Italy.
Learn more about the Italian Wine Scholar Class and curriculum with the Italian Wine Scholar Brochure