These are beginner friendly accreditations that provide aspiring wine professionals and inquisitive enthusiasts with a solid foundation on the wines of France, Italy and Spain. Discover the key regions, grapes and wines in just 3 weeks.

  • Learn more about the major regions of France, Spain & Italy in a fun and engaging way
  • Includes guided tastings of over 30 wine samples on each course
  • A gorgeous, 100+ page full-colour study manual
  • One year’s access to the Wine Scholar Guild’s online e-learning resources. This contains quizzes, tests, and games to help you revise for the exam
  • Make better and more informed wine-purchasing decisions
  • Certificate with your name on successful completion

Additional Information

Wine Essentials programmes cover the flagship wine regions of France, Spain & Italy as well as the main styles of wine you will find across these countries. Grape varieties, wine profiles and labelling terms are all explored. Each wine is presented within a regional and cultural context. Local landmarks and traditional cuisines are also highlighted.

You get to focus on enjoying the wines, without worrying about using or memorising specific tasting terms. You will taste over 30 on each course.

We are the only provider of these courses in the North West, and we only run them once or twice a year for a very limited number of people. So book your seat now so you don’t miss out!

For each region, you will learn about...

  • The most important “need to know” wines of France, Spain & Italy and how they relate to local landmarks, culture and cuisine.
  • The essential grape varieties, wine styles and major wine regions of each country.
  • The key factors that influence the growing environment and climate of each appellation
  • Viticultural, vinification and aging techniques that contribute to the style and quality of the wines
  • Key wine labelling terms and what they mean

These courses are great for professionals, aspiring wine industry entrants, wine enthusiasts, chefs of French, Spanish or Italian cuisines or anyone looking to enhance their appreciation of the wine, food and culture of these countries. No previous experience or knowledge is necessary to enrol. 

French Wine Essentials | Manchester
From £595.00

Location: 113 Portland Street, Manchester
Duration: 3 consecutive weeks (1 full day a week, exam 3rd week)
Next course: February 15, 2026
Time: 10am-5:30pm

  • Classroom based tuition from an experienced Wine Educator
  • Over 30 wine tasting samples, including fine wines from Champagne, Bordeaux, Burgundy & Alsace
  • Comprehensive, full colour French Wine Essentials study book
  • Access to the WSG’s online learning portal containing videos, quizzes, downloadable maps, flashcards & more
  • First attempt at the paper exam in Manchester
  • Certificate customised with your name
Spanish Wine Essentials | Manchester
From £595.00

Location: 113 Portland Street, Manchester
Duration: 6 consecutive weeks (1 full day a week)
Next course: February 26, 2026
Time: 10am-5:30pm

  • Classroom based tuition from an experienced Wine Educator
  • Over 30 wine tasting samples, including classics from Rioja, Cava & Priorat as well as lesser known areas like Ribeira Sacra, Campo de Borja, Utiel-Requena & the Canary Islands
  • Comprehensive, full colour Spanish Wine Essentials study book
  • Access to the WSG’s online learning portal containing videos, quizzes, downloadable maps, flashcards & more
  • First attempt at the paper exam in Manchester
  • Certificate customised with your name
Italian Wine Essentials | Manchester
From £595.00

Location: 113 Portland Street, Manchester
Duration: 6 consecutive weeks (1 full day a week)
Next course: May 31, 2026
Time: 10am-5:30pm

  • Classroom based tuition from an experienced Wine Educator
  • Over 30 wine tasting samples, including well known wines like from Barolo, Chianti and Prosecco with lesser known gems like Roero Arneis, Greco di Tufo, Etna & Taurasi
  • Comprehensive, full colour Spanish Wine Essentials study book
  • Access to the WSG’s online learning portal containing videos, quizzes, downloadable maps, flashcards & more
  • First attempt at the paper exam in Manchester
  • Certificate customised with your name
Purchasing one of our courses as a gift? They’ll love you forever! Please make sure you let us know their details after purchase (first & last names, date of birth & email address). They will need to be registered to take the exam at the end. They won’t be sent anything until a couple of weeks before the course, so the surprise won’t be spoiled - don’t worry! Not sure on a particular date yet? Let them choose their own wine, spirits, beer or sake adventure with one of our gift vouchers
Want to pay in instalments? You can easily spread the cost of your course with any booking. Select PayPal Pay Later at check out to pay in 3 for no extra cost. (Subject to eligibility. Requires a PayPal account).