Hi guys! 🙂

After pouring different California wines in off premise accounts through event agencies, I finally decided to obtain my California Wine Appellation Specialist Certification (CWAS) from the San Francisco Wine School. The school offers the class in-person and online. Obviously, with me living in Los Angeles, I opted for the online version.

Photo credit: San Francisco Wine School

I wanted to do this course not only because I am very passionate about California wines, I also wanted to complete a course that really honed into California. I know that a lot of people are always going for the WSET certifications, but I am not really into international wines, even though I have a lot of respect for them.

This certification is also the only in-depth wine credential dedicated to California wine. CWAS was created in 2012 by David Glancy, Master Sommelier and Certified Wine Educator. The certification is also supported by the California Wine Institute and grower associations throughout the state.

Photo credit: San Francisco Wine School

Class Overview

The class focused on the following AVAs within California for an 8-week period (excluding one week for the orientation and one week for the exam):

  • California Wine Overview & Mendocino
  • Napa Valley
  • Lake and The Sierra
  • Sonoma
  • Santa Cruz, Livermore and Lodi
  • Monterey and San Benito
  • Paso Robles and the Rest of San Luis Obispo
  • Santa Barbara and Beyond

Some of the knowledge I learned included the following:

  • The language of California wine labeling
  • The history and impact of California’s American Viticultural Areas
  • California’s wine production
  • Understanding the climates, soils, grapes and wineries of each California wine region

Cost

So how much did this cost? $1,195 excluding the wine I had to purchase every week through my local Total Wine store. I used the Shop app for a 6-month payment plan of $207.86 per month.

Photo credit: San Francisco Wine School

I bought 16 bottles focused on a different region every week and I really tried to stay under $20 per bottle because I did not want to break the bank, LOL! In total, I paid somewhere between $350 – $400 for all of the bottles. I later learned you could also visit a local wine bar or the region for wine tasting, but it wasn’t a convenient option for me.

Class Format

The format is online through Canvas, something I used when I was obtaining my master’s degree a few years ago. It is very easy to use and navigate!

Each section included the following:

  • Overview Videos. David Glancy would discuss each wine region in a brief video.
  • AVA Maps. The map would break down each region and explain the wineries that were within it.
  • Downloadable Handouts. These were in PowerPoint slides that were discussed during the lecture. I printed these off along with the AVA map and assembled them in a 3-ring binder.
  • Zoom Lectures. I found these to be between 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours depending on the region. All lectures are pre-recorded from past classes.
  • Discussion Posts. I had to create a post based on a question about the region and respond to 2 of my classmates within the week.
  • Tasting Assignments. I had to taste to 2 wines within the region and discuss the general information from the wine label, flavors and aromas, acidity, tannins, sugar, body and overall thoughts. All of this was entered into an Excel template provided by the school. I would usually buy 1 red varietal and 1 white varietal.
  • 10 Question Quizzes. I actually took these quizzes multiple times as I prepared for the exam. If some of the questions weren’t on the learning objectives, I would make a new flashcard and study it.

The Exam

The goal with the exam was to score 80% or higher in the program in order to be awarded the CWAS certificate. I took it online through a platform called Thinkific.

During the exam, I had to answer 100 multiple-choice questions within an hour. I was able to complete the exam within 15 minutes and I rechecked a few of my answers. I ended up passing with Honors with a score of 97%! I later received my official certificate in the mail along with a pin.

Long Term Goals

My long term goals after receiving this certification are the following:

  • Continue pouring California wines in off-premise accounts.
  • Reach out to wine magazines and pitch editors story ideas.
  • Reach out to local wine bars within Los Angeles to see if they are having special events focused on California wines and if they need someone to pour/educate their consumers.

I have also considered relocating to Paso Robles when I am much older and pouring in a winery tasting room, along with expanding an Instagram channel dedicated to these wines.

Another certification I would like to obtain in the future from the San Francisco Wine School is the Northwest Wine Appellation Specialist, which focuses on wines from Oregon, Idaho, Washington State and British Columbia, Canada. This would take 4 weeks to complete and costs $675. I love these wines as well!

Overall Thoughts

If you are considering this course, I highly recommend doing it! You can study at your own pace and the assignments, quizzes and discussion posts are super doable. Most importantly, it is a ton of fun!

I think it was easier for me as well because I obtained my master’s degree online a few years ago. I just knew the flow of everything and how to pace myself. With this course, I spent about 6-7 hours per week studying. Online classes have been the new norm for quite some time and this just worked for my schedule a lot better, especially having a full time job!

You can always send me an email or DM me on Instagram if you have any further ?s 🙂