Champagne Specialist

Course objectives

• Understand and interpret Champagne labels
• Know how to describe and assess Champagne wines
• Know how to store and serve Champagne in optimum conditions
• Be able to recommend a Champagne by ascertaining the customer’s expectations and needs and drawing up an appropriate range of suggestions
• Know how to pair food and Champagne

The benefits of this course

• You will put the skills you have learned into practice in the workshops
• You will develop the advisory skills needed to carry out professional activities such as recommending, serving, selling and buying Champagne and managing a cellar
• This course is created and managed by the Comité Champagne, which guarantees verified and up-to-date content, as well as the assurance of a global vision of Champagne

Who is the course for?

This course is perfect for ...

• Hospitality & Retail: Sommeliers, wine shop staff, catering personnel, and luxury hotel students.
• Trade and Business: Importers, distributors, buyers, sellers, and executives within the wine and spirits sector.
• Media and Education: Wine journalists, educators, and industry trainers.
• Enthusiasts: Passionate wine lovers looking to deepen their expertise.

Prerequisite: Before starting the course, students must complete at least Level 2 (Level 3 is highly encouraged) of the official, free online via the CIVC online classroom. click here

Why choose this course?

• Official Certification: Designed and overseen directly by the Comité Champagne (CIVC), ensuring you receive the most accurate information for industry education.

• Exclusive Tastings: Taste a diverse range of 12 Champagnes showcasing a wide range of styles & producers.

• Official Recognition: Graduates earn an official certificate issued directly by the CIVC.

Course format and dates

14 hours of live classroom immersive sessions over three consecutive Tuesdays 10am-5pm (1 hour lunch break fro 1pm-2pm)
12 champagnes tasted during the course including prestige cuvees

Tuesday 23rd Feb 2027 
10am-5pm
Core tasting techniques, introductory concepts, and culinary pairing principles
Workshop: Master the art of the perfect food and wine pairing.

Tuesday 2nd Mar 2027 
10am-5pm
A deep dive into the unique terroir of the Champagne region.
Workshop: "The Champagne Game" interactive learning experience.

Tuesday 9th Mar 2027 
10am-5pm
Exploring the traditional Méthode Champenoise.
Workshop: "Become a Cellar Master".
Professional storage, serving etiquette, and commercial advice.
Workshop: Managing a wine retail environment.
Exam: 1 hr 45 min - see below

Assessment
A 1-hour and 45-minute exam split into two sections on the afternoon of day 3 of the course:

1. Theoretical Paper (60 Marks Total): Consists of 30 multiple-choice questions (30 marks) and 2 open-ended essay questions (30 marks).

2. Practical Tasting (40 Marks Total): Blind tasting of 2 Champagnes. Candidates must accurately describe their characteristics, construct a compelling sales pitch, and recommend a well-reasoned food pairing.

• Passing Criteria: A score of 55% (55 out of 100 points) or higher is required to pass. 70-79% Good, 80%+ Excellent.

Course tutor: Jonny Gibson, Sussex Wine School founder

You can read the full course specification here.