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](https://www.champagne.education/en/champagne-online-course-e-learning-mooc)

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 Fridays 10am-5pm (1 hour lunch break from 1pm-2pm). 12 champagnes tasted during the course including prestige cuvees.

Friday 26th Feb 2027 10am-5pm Core tasting techniques, introductory concepts, and culinary pairing principles. Workshop: Master the art of the perfect food and wine pairing.

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

Friday 12th 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:

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