German Wine Scholar: 04-07 December 2026

Key details

• Course dates and times: the course will take place over four days

Friday, 04 December 2026 - 10:00-18:00
Saturday, 05 December 2026 - 10:00-18:00
Sunday, 06 December 2026 - 10:00-18:00
Monday, 07 December 2026 - 16:00-17:45 (only exam)

• Language of tuition: English

 

About this course

• The German Wine Scholar (GWS) programme is the most advanced and comprehensive certification course on the wines of Germany.

• It provides committed students of wine with a deep, structured understanding of Germany’s wine culture, regions, grapes, viticulture, winemaking, and classification system. The syllabus takes a regional approach, exploring all 13 wine regions and the factors that shape their identities.

• Successful candidates earn the internationally recognised German Wine Scholar® certification from the Wine Scholar Guild.

 

Entry requirements

• Enthusiastic interest in German wine, geography, and gastronomy.
• WSET Level 2 Award in Wines or equivalent experience is recommended.
• GWS is also an excellent supplement for students enrolled in WSET Level 3 or Level 4 Diploma.
• Candidates must be over the legal minimum age for purchasing alcoholic beverages in Germany.
• The German Wine Scholar study manual is required for course preparation. It is included in the course fee and shipped upon booking.
• Please book early to allow sufficient time for delivery and private study before attending.

 

Course synopis

The German Wine Scholar programme is divided into thematic parts that build a complete understanding of Germany’s wine landscape:

• History of German wine from Roman times to the 2021 reforms
• Geography & geology: rivers, valleys, soils, slopes, climate, and their impact on viticulture
• Grape varieties: major grapes, modern crosses, PIWI varieties, and labeling terms such as Alte Reben
• Viticulture: the viticultural year, cool‑climate challenges, Flurbereinigung, trellising systems, sustainability
• Winemaking: key techniques for white, red, rosé, and Sekt; stylistic choices for Prädikatswein; traditional and regional approaches
• Wine law: classifications, Prädikat categories, Sekt categories, VDP structure, and the influence of the 2021 reforms
• All 13 regions:
  • Key historical developments
  • Climate, soils, topography
  • Principal grapes and styles
  • Viticultural and winemaking practices
  • Principal villages and vineyards
  • Regional identity and distinctive terroirs

Throughout the course, you will taste a wide range of German wines that showcase the country's regional diversity, grape varieties, and winemaking styles, helping to reinforce the theory.

 

Recommended private study

You should be prepared to dedicate a minimum of 20 hours (up to 80 depending on previous wine knowledge) to study time outside of the classroom. Please be mindful that a consecutive day course is intensive.

 

Examination

• Examination will take place on the last day of the course.
• Assessment is by a closed-book exam of 100 multiple-choice questions to be answered in 60 minutes.
• A total mark of 75% is required to achieve a pass.

 

What is included in the course fee

• German Wine Scholar study guide (printed and e-book)
• 1-year student access to e-learning modules via online classroom for class preparation and review
• Tuition with extensive tutored tastings
• Tasting samples: approximately 50 wines from all major regions of Germany will be tasted during the course
• Registration for the first exam sit (paper version)
• Course handouts
• Postage
• Upon successful completion, a GWS digital certificate and a digital badge

 

Booking this course

• To book a place simply click on ”Book Now” and follow instructions.
• All orders are subject to our Booking Terms and Conditions. In order to read them please follow this link https://tinyurl.com/yczmtr6e
• The course fee is VAT-exempt pursuant to Section 4 No. 21 a) bb) of the German Value Added Tax Act (UStG).
• For business invoices and payments by bank transfers contact us at info@berlinwineschool.com