Champagne Specialist

This is a new Champagne course with tastings and fun workshops that leads to recognised certification. 

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

14 hours of live classroom immersive sessions over three consecutive weekdays
12 champagnes tasted during the course including prestige cuvees

Day 1:
Core tasting techniques, introductory concepts, and culinary pairing principles
Workshop: Master the art of the perfect food and wine pairing.

Day 2:
A deep dive into the unique terroir of the Champagne region.
Workshop: "The Champagne Game" interactive learning experience.

Day 3:
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 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.

You can read the full course specification here.