German Wine Scholar Classroom Course - Details
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
top of page
bottom of page