Wine Scholar Guild · Luxembourg City
French Wine Essentials®
Fall for French wine — properly. A fast, immersive introduction to the wines of France across four relaxed sessions, tasting 25+ French wines. Taught in English by a Master of Wine student and WSET Diploma award winner.
Book your place — €595Upcoming dates
| Dates | Saturdays 28 November & 5 December 2026 |
| Time | 10:00–17:00 each day |
| Language | English |
| Location | Hotel Parc Belair, Luxembourg City |
The exam is sat in person on a set date after the course.
Wine Scholar Guild French Wine Essentials® is a fast, immersive introduction to the wines of France, taught in person in the heart of Luxembourg City. Across four relaxed sessions you'll taste 25+ French wines and get to grips with the country's most important regions, grape varieties and styles — from Champagne and Alsace to Burgundy, Bordeaux and the Rhône — always in the context of the place, the producers and the food. No prior knowledge needed, and it's your first step towards the full French Wine Scholar® certification.
Foundation — no experience needed
Four sessions (~12 hours), in person
25+ French wines
English
What's included
- The beautifully produced WSG French Wine Essentials coursebook (print and e-book)
- One year's access to WSG's online e-learning platform and study activities
- Around 12 hours of tuition with a Master of Wine student and WSET Diploma award winner
- A tutored tasting of 25+ French wines
- Registration for the French Wine Essentials exam
- Membership of the WSG student community
On passing, you'll receive your Wine Scholar Guild French Wine Essentials® certificate — a respected, internationally recognised credential and a stepping stone to the French Wine Scholar® (FWS).
What you'll cover
An introductory chapter (history, climate, topography and key grape varieties) followed by three regional chapters covering 40+ of France's most important appellations:
- Champagne & the sparkling wines of France (plus Crémant)
- Northern France — Alsace
- Central France — the Loire, Burgundy, Beaujolais and Bordeaux
- Southern France — the Rhône, Provence, Languedoc-Roussillon and the South-West
For every wine you'll look at its origin, grape varieties, profile, production and notable producers — brought to life with regional landmarks and signature local cuisine.
The exam
The exam is sat in person at our Luxembourg City venue, on a set date after the four sessions. It is 50 multiple-choice questions, completed in 45 minutes, with a pass mark of 60%. There is no tasting component, and your first sitting is included in the course fee.
Booking conditions
- Students must be at least 16.
- Places are confirmed once payment is received; to pay by bank transfer, email jess@philosophyofwine.com.
- Cancel or transfer up to 10 working days before for a €25 admin fee plus the cost of any materials supplied. Within 10 working days, or once the course has started, no refund or transfer (your WSG registration and printed coursebook costs will already have been incurred).
- By booking you agree to our Refund Policy and Terms & Conditions. Your data is shared with the Wine Scholar Guild for exam registration and certification.
Frequently asked questions
How is this different from WSET?
WSET covers the whole world systematically; French Wine Essentials goes deep on one country — the one that matters most. It's the perfect companion to WSET Level 2, or a standalone for Francophiles.
Is there an exam?
Yes — a 50-question in-person exam you take when you're ready, included in the price. Pass and you receive the Wine Scholar Guild French Wine Essentials certificate.
Do I need prior knowledge?
Basic wine familiarity helps (Level 1-ish), but the course is built to be immersive and accessible. If you drink and enjoy French wine, you'll keep up.
What do we taste?
A curated tour of France's key regions — Champagne, Loire, Burgundy, Beaujolais, Rhône, Bordeaux, Alsace and the South — with benchmark wines chosen to show you what each region's style actually means.
Is lunch included?
No — lunch isn't included. Each day has a proper lunch break, and you've got options: a two-course business lunch at the hotel (€29), plenty of places to eat nearby, or bring your own and eat in the classroom (overlooking Merl Park) or the garden.
What if I need to cancel or move to another date?
Just email me with your order number and I'll help. Cancellations and transfers — to another date or another person — are accepted up to 10 working days before the start, for a €25 admin fee plus the cost of any study materials already supplied; the balance is refunded. Within 10 working days of the start, or once the course has begun, no refund or transfer is available. One thing to note: the Wine Scholar Guild coursebook is printed and shipped, so once it has been dispatched its cost is non-refundable. If I ever have to reschedule or cancel the course myself, I'll let you know at least 10 working days ahead and refund you in full if the alternatives don't suit.