Program Description
LEARN THE NUANCES OF CALIFORNIA WINE: An asynchronous 9-week online program to help students master the increasingly complex AVA landscape in California.
The CWAS or California Wine Appellation Specialist® is the first and only in-depth professional credential dedicated to California wine. CWAS® was pioneered by , 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 the California , 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
- Understand California's wine production
- Analyze the distinctive climates, soils, grapes and wineries of each region that make up the landscape
The online program is part of the and includes university style curriculum with personalized instruction, engaging student interaction and creative weekly tasting assignments expertly designed to bring the classroom to you! Each week, students will tackle a new subject in our virtual classroom with an industry leading instructor, engage in discussion with their peers, and complete weekly in-depth tasting assignments.
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® Program! and our !
2025 SESSION DATES
Session 1
January 26 - March 29
Also check out our in-person formats taking place at our gorgeous !
HOW DOES THIS ONLINE CLASS WORK?
Each week students will tackle a new subject in our virtual classroom, read materials at their own pace, engage in discussions with their instructor and peers, and complete weekly tasting assignments receiving instructor feedback to hone their skills. In addition, students will have access to Virtual Lectures by Master Sommelier David Glancy.
This is an asynchronous program where there are no set class hours and students participate on their own schedule. There are however assignment and quiz due dates within each week and we strongly recommend keeping pace with the group to get the most out of peer interaction and discussions.
Want to see how our online classes work? Email us at and we'll give you a tour of the virtual classroom!
Personalized Online Instruction
Self-paced learning
Student Interaction
Wine Tasting Assignments
SYLLABUS OVERVIEW
California Wine Appellation Specialist® ONLINE consist of an orientation and 9 learning modules over a ten week period. Modules cover the following areas:
- Virtual Classroom Orientation
- California Wine Overview & Mendocino
- Napa Valley
- Lake & The Sierra
- Sonoma
- Santa Cruz, Livermore & Lodi
- Monterey & San Benito
- Paso Robles & the Rest of San Luis Obispo
- Santa Barbara & Beyond
- Credential Exam
Want to learn more about California wine now? Watch Master Sommelier David Glancy in our filmed for Wine Institute and Discover California Wine.
ABOUT THE CERTIFICATION & EXAM
Students who score of 80% or higher in the program will be awarded a CWAS certificate and can proudly display the initials CWAS after their name. Program grading is weighted as follows: 85% exam, 5% weekly discussion, 5% weekly tasting assignments, 5% weekly quizzes.
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.
ENROLLMENT INCLUDES
- Exam Fees & Registration
- 10 weeks of access to our CWAS Online Classroom
- Certificate upon successful completion
REQUIREMENTS
All attendees must be 21 years
Our online classroom and the resources within it are not completely compatible with all smartphones and tablets. We recommend having access to a computer to ensure all of the online resources will be available.