German Wine Course 27.4 – 8.6.2026
Wineserver is the official provider of the German Wine Scholar certification program in Finland. German wines are extremely popular in Finland, and Rieslings in particular are among the best-selling white wines.
German wine law has undergone major changes. The Prädikat classifications (Kabinet, Auslese, Spätlese, Beerenauslese, Trockenbeerenauslese, Eiswein) are still in use, but with the wine law that took effect in 2025, the origin of wines plays a more significant role. Single-vineyard Einzellage, Erste Lage, and Grosse Lage wines are now used nationwide, not just by producers belonging to the VDP organization.
Global warming has raised the quality of German red wines, particularly Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir), to unprecedented levels. However, wine prices remain moderate compared to current prices in Burgundy.
Germans consume the most sparkling wine in the world, though a large portion consists of Sekt produced using the tank fermentation method from grapes imported from other countries. Sparkling wines made using the traditional German method are top-notch. An increasing number of quality producers now also make their own Winzersekt or Crémant. The VDP has also introduced the VDP.Sekt and VDP.Sekt.Prestige classifications.
You can be among the first in Finland, and the world, to hold the German Wine Scholar title.
The course also provides a solid foundation for WSET Level 3 or WSET Diploma wine courses.
The course offers the most comprehensive and up-to-date information on German wines. A comprehensive, 300-page textbook in English covers Germany’s wine regions: Mosel, Ahr, Mittelrhein, Rheingau, Rheinhessen, Nahe, Pfalz, Baden, Hessische Bergstrasse, Württemberg, Franken, Saale-Unstrut, and Sachsen, including information on growing conditions, history, and winemaking. In addition, you’ll have access to the Wine Scholar Guild’s online course.
Course dates: 27.4, 11.5, 25.5, 1.6, 8.6 Exam
Lessons start at 17:30 and finish around 20-21. Venue is Classic Wine Cellars, Eteläesplanadi 20, 00100 Helsinki.
Changes to timetables are possible.
Passes to the educational material on the Wine Scholar Guild website are valid for one year. The main focus of the school days is on wine tasting and analysis. The course book and exam are in English. The course concludes with a 100-question multiple-choice exam lasting one hour. Those who pass the exam will receive a pin, a diploma and the title of German Wine Scholar (GWS).
Price 895 €
Sign-up for GWS wine course!
Who is this program for?
The German Wine Scholar Program covers German wine law, grape varieties, viticulture, winemaking and all of the German wine regions. This core body of knowledge is important whether you sell wine, buy wine or are a wine enthusiast. The GWS program allows wine professionals to set themselves apart from their peers by specializing in the wines of Germany. It is a great resource and supplement for students of wine moving toward advanced general wine study programs such as WSET Diploma, Master of Wine program, Court of Master Sommeliers’ Advanced Sommelier (and up) or Certified Wine Educator.
Why Study German Wine?
Germany occupies a unique position in the wine world. Its vineyards represent some of the northernmost and most climatically marginal sites for quality viticulture, yet they consistently produce wines of remarkable precision, longevity and character.
German wine provides a masterclass in the relationship between climate, grape variety, site and human decision-making. From steep slate slopes to sheltered river valleys, from dry Grosses Gewächs wines to noble sweet Prädikatswein, Germany offers extraordinary stylistic diversity.
By studying German wine, students gain a deeper understanding of cool-climate viticulture, classification systems, terroir expression and the evolving identity of one of the world’s most dynamic wine-producing nations.
More about the German Wine Scholar Program:
Course Providers: The program is exclusively taught by authorized course providers and approved instructors who have passed the exam with honors or highest honors.
Certification Exam: The German Wine Scholar (GWS) credential is conferred upon individuals who achieve a score of 75 or higher on a 100-question multiple-choice examination. Candidates scoring 85–90 pass with “Honors.” Candidates scoring 91–100 pass with “Highest Honors.”
E-Learning and Online Study: To complement the study guide and classroom experience, enrolled students receive one-year access to the GWS online study program. The platform includes multimedia e-learning modules with full audio narration, webinars on regional wine styles, review quizzes, instructor Q&A forums, downloadable maps, and pronunciation exercises. Study materials are available 24/7.
Detailed Curriculum: The German Wine Scholar program presents each wine region as an integrated whole, explaining the influence of history, geology, topography, climate and human factors on the wines in the glass. No topic is studied in isolation, ensuring students develop a practical, connected understanding of German wine.
