Education & Certification
The Society of Wine Educators validates wine knowledge, tasting acumen and teaching ability within its three-tier hierarchy of certification:
Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW), Certified Wine Educator (CWE) and Certified Specialist of Spirits (CSS).
These are certifications, not certificate programs. Successful candidates are entitled to add the appropriate post-nominal to their professional signature.
Many industry leaders have embraced these programs and the list of corporations that are actively participating is growing:
- Banfi Vintners
- Ben Arnold Beverage
- Company
- E & J Gallo Winery
- Empire Distributors
- Glazer’s Distributors
- Kobrand Corporation
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- Marquee Selections
- Peak Wines International
- Remy Amerique
- Southern Wine and Spirits
- Trinchero Family Estates
- Winery
- Young’s Market
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Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) Program:
The CSW is the PREREQUISITE for the CWE Exam.No exceptions to this rule.
-Abstract: recognizes a high standard of academic wine knowledge and the mastery of key elements within the world of wine and vine as determined by a team of wine industry educators
-Study materials: The 214-page Society of Wine Educators CSW Study Guide; the fifteen-module on-line SWE Wine Academy
-Exam: a comprehensive test consisting of 100 multiple-choice questions to be answered within a 60-minute time frame
-Passing score: 75%
Certified Wine Educator (CWE) Program:
-Abstract: recognizes a fluid ability to draw comparisons and recognize contrast within and between the various wine regions, grape varieties and wine styles of the world from both a theoretical and practical standpoint
-Study materials:The fifteen-module on-line SWE Wine Academy, and recommended list of educational sources
-Exam: runs four-hours in length and is comprised of three parts, a written segment and two sensory evaluations
Written: This in-depth exam consists of 85 multiple-choice questions and one essay that tests the candidate’s ability to format information coherently and concisely to a target audience, in this case, the board of examiners. One hour is allotted for the multiple-choice section; thirty minutes for the essay. A combined score of 80% or better is required to pass this segment.
Varietal Wine Identification: This exercise requires matching a set of eight typical varietal wines and/or historic blends with a supplied list of ten possibilities. Thirty minutes is allotted for this blind identification exercise. Successful candidates must identify at least six correctly.
Wine Components and Imbalances: Candidates must identify heightened levels of standard wine components as well as chemically induced imbalances. The examinee is given thirty minutes to identify oxidation and increased levels of sugar, acid, tannin, acescence, alcohol and sulfur…in addition to correctly recognizing the unadulterated “control”. Successful candidates must identify at least six correctly.
Certified Specialist of Spirits (CSS) Program:
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Abstract: This new designation recognizes a core achievement in having mastered the fundamentals of knowing the distillation of all major Spirit types and categories, mixing history, development and distinguishing characteristics of style and terroir that make each spirit special.
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Prerequisite: The half-day Spirit Intensive Course.
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Exam: One-hour, Multiple Choice format (100 questions)
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Passing Score: 75%