Champagne Welcome

Welcome to the Champagne Masters! Before starting your online course, here is some useful information to help you navigate the online classroom. You can always refer back to this throughoput the course.

Introduction

The examination

Monthly Topics

Resources

Registering for the exam

the online clasroom

Champagne Masters

Welcome to the Champagne Masters Program! As a Masters student, you will analyze the myriad factors influencing the production of Champagne. By the end of this course, you will have the ability to advocate for these wines’ unique qualities, value and significance within the global market. Each month we will explore a different region of this exciting region. The next section will tell you more information about the modules.

Welcome!

Navigating the online classroom

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Welcome to your Champagne course. Here you can find ways to navigate the online classroom and what everything does. Scroll over the pulsating pink dots to learn more.

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Announcements Any important information about your course will be seen here. Make sure you check your emails regularly and that you check spam, as sometimes emails go into spam.

Ask your educator Sometimes, you might have questions that are not in the study guide. Don't worry! The WSG team is here to help. Click here in Moodle to take you to a dedicated Champagne Community Forum.

Welcome to your Champagne course. Here you can find ways to navigate the online classroom and what everything does. Scroll over the pulsating pink dots to learn more.

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Announcements Any important information about your course will be seen here. Make sure you check your emails regularly and that you check spam, as sometimes emails go into spam.

Student corner Connect with others in this course and other WSG courses and join the vibrant WSG network of students!

Technical questions Sometimes, technology doesn't work, but we are here to help. Please post any technical questions here and our team will respond as quickly as possible.

Just below, you can find when your live sessions are taking place. Make sure you put them into your calendar! If you miss them, don't worry, we will upload the video 48-72 hours after the session.

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Every month, we upload a new module for you to explore. These will appear in boxes at the bottom of this page. Check back at the start of each month to see the new content, exercises, and resources for you to complete that month. Ensure that you complete all of the items in each unit that month. When you click on a unit in the online classroom, you will see all the content for that month. To see how to navigate that, click the next button.

Here are the large topics for each month.

Using the online classroom

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When you click on a tile, it will expand like this. Scroll over the eyes to see how to navigate.

Resources

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Every module is divided into sections. We have put them in an order that makes sense, but you can go in any order you want!

Every unit covers a variety of topics: history, viticulture, business, etc. You can watch the videos directly online or download them. We would recommend that you watch them in the order listed since, in some cases, they have several parts.

Handouts These will be provided after each month's lecture for you to review should you wish.

Once you watch a video, it will be marked as complete so you can keep track of your progress. You can always return to a video at any time during your course.

Recorded instructor seminars

Study guide

Here are all the resources you have available to you

Resources

Interviews with Champagne experts:

Live review webinar

eBook

Wine list

Blank Maps

Vintage charts

Community chat

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Modules in your course

Côte des Bar July 2025

Côte des BlancsJune 2025

Vallée de la Marne May 2025

Info

Montagne & Vale de ReimsApril 2025

Champagne OverviewFeburary/March 2025

Info

Each module can be accessed through the online classroom.

Click to see the topics covered in each module, release date and more!

Info

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Zoom call

The link can also be found on the online Classroom.

Zoom call

Online

There are seven categories of videos and articles to explore this month.

Reading

This can also be found on the online classroom.

Start here!

In order to get the most out of your course, we recommend starting with the reading and then working your way through the videos.

Month 1: Champagne Introduciotn

Module 1 topics in online classroom

Back to module overview

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Zoom call

The link can also be found on the online Classroom.

Zoom call

Online

There are seven categories of videos and articles to explore this month.

Reading

This can also be found on the online classroom.

Start here!

In order to get the most out of your course, we recommend starting with the reading and then working your way through the videos.

Month 2: Montagne and Vale de Reims

Module 1 topics in online classroom

Back to module overview

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Zoom call

The link can also be found on the online Classroom.

Zoom call

Online

There are seven categories of videos and articles to explore this month.

Reading

This can also be found on the online classroom.

Start here!

In order to get the most out of your course, we recommend starting with the reading and then working your way through the videos.

Month 3: Montagne and Vale de Reims

Module 1 topics in online classroom

Back to module overview

Main menu

Zoom call

The link can also be found on the online Classroom.

Zoom call

Online

There are seven categories of videos and articles to explore this month.

Reading

This can also be found on the online classroom.

Start here!

In order to get the most out of your course, we recommend starting with the reading and then working your way through the videos.

Month 2: Montagne and Vale de Reims

Module 1 topics in online classroom

Back to module overview

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Click on each button above to see a summary of the videos and articles for this month! All of the content can be found on your online classroom.

Month 1 Topics

History

Viticulture & winemaking

Geology

Business

House styles

Terroir

Tasting Champagne

This would usually go to module 2 (not yet finished) but now takes you to examination information.

Back to module overview

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Video with Essi Avellan MWTasting – Varietal Composition A tasting video that highlights the role of varietal composition in shaping Champagne’s style and character.

Click on each button above to see a summary of the videos and articles for this month! All of the content can be found on your online classroom.

Month 2 Topics

History

Viticulture & winemaking

Geology

Business

House styles

Terroir

Tasting Champagne

This would usually go to module 2 (not yet finished) but now takes you to examination information.

Back to module overview

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Video with Essi Avellan MWTasting – Varietal Composition A tasting video that highlights the role of varietal composition in shaping Champagne’s style and character.

The exm lasts for 2 hours and is taken online.

The exam

+ INFO

There are 50 of these types of questions.

The exam tests your knowledge and your understanding of Champagne.

Multiple choice

There are four short essay questions.

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Short Answer

There are 10 questions on blank maps.

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Map Questions

What information is covered? Find out in the next slide.

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Click down to find out how the examination is structured

80%

20%

Online classroom videos and seminars

Material from the study guide

The examination

Here is where you can find out about your examination

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Registering for the exam

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Resit

Critical Notes on Enrollment & Exam Timeline

Extra Time

Information on time lines.

Overview

Here is importnat information about your Champagne Examination. Please do not hesitate to contact us at contact@winescholarguild.com if you experience any issues scheduling your exam.

Registering for the examination

Proctoring Information

Exam Proctoring with ProctorU

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1. Factors that Affect House Styles: Discover the key influences, including geography, winemaking techniques, and blending philosophies, that define house styles. 2. House Styles and Varietal Composition: Learn how grape varieties and blending choices contribute to the unique identity of each Champagne house.

Essi Avellan MW

Exploring house styles

Essay Questions

The examination includes four essay questions, each worth 10 points, accounting for 40% of the overall score. The essay questions assess knowledge across the full curriculum, including history, viticulture, winemaking, geology, climate, topography, and business. They are designed to evaluate your understanding and ability to apply knowledge rather than rote memorisation of facts.

Typical Essay Question Styles

Compare and contrast appellations, sub-regions, grape varieties, or soil types.
Explain how soil, climate, or winemaking practices influence wine style.
Discuss traditional versus modern winemaking and viticultural practices.
Address current trends or controversies in the wine industry.

You can find the Community Page in the moodle online classroom. You'll see both the Educator forum and the Student corner.Or click the pink dot in the picture opposite.

There are 10 blank map questions which will ask you to identify key areas of the region. You can find plenty of practice maps in the online classroom under resrouces!

Blank map questions

There are 50 Multiple choice questions that cover the entire curriculum

1. Champagne Industry Part 1: An overview of the structure and key players in the Champagne industry. 2. Champagne Industry Part 2: A closer look at market dynamics and economic challenges facing the Champagne industry. 3. The Champagne Brand Part 1: Insights into the development and global perception of Champagne as a luxury brand. 4. The Champagne Brand Part 2: An exploration of branding strategies and their impact on Champagne’s market success.

Join Steve Charters MW explain the business of Champagne

Content goes live 1 March 2025

Montagne & Val de Reims

This month brings the first deep dive into a specific sub-region and we start at the northern end of Champagne with the Montagne and Val de Reims. We build on month 1 by examining the specific terroirs found here. We also continue with the production process by looking at the steps from blending to degorgement. Our exploration of the factors that influence style focuses on malolactic fermentation. Business topics include the Échelle des Crus and the knotty question of yields and reserves.

In the event of an exam fail, you must register for an exam re-sit prior to re-scheduling HERE. 

Resit

1. Geology Part 1: An introduction to the geological foundations of Champagne’s vineyards. 2. Geology Part 2: A deeper dive into the diverse soil types and their influence on viticulture. 3. Overview of Champagne’s Terroir: A comprehensive look at how geology, climate, and vineyard practices define Champagne’s unique terroir.

Join Peter Liem as he explores the geology and terroir of Champagne in these three videos:

Most of the examination will come from the study guide.

80%

Interview – Meunier: “Drink Meunier, pure pleasure” with Cédric Moussé: Cédric Moussé shares his insights on the unique characteristics and growing popularity of Meunier in Champagne.

Video

Several articles explore the evolving trends in Champagne blends, including the distinctions between non-vintage (NV) and multi-vintage styles. They also discuss innovative numbering practices by houses like Roederer and Lanson, offering new perspectives on multi-vintage labelling.

Articles

Enrollment

You have one year from registering for the program to take your exam. You can verify your enrollment expiry date in the online classroom from the column on the right-hand side of the page. Very important note: Please take your exam before the expiry date. An exam taken on or after the enrollment expiry date cannot be supported by our system.

If your enrollment in this course is about to expire and you need more time to study & sit your exam, you can purchase a 1-year extension for your online course & online exam access at the link below

Please take your exam BEFORE the expiry date of your online course. An exam taken on or after the enrollment expiry date cannot be supported by our system.
You can check your online course enrollment expiration date in the right menu of this course.

Need extra time?

Click here to purchase a year's extention

ProctorU is a live online proctoring service that allows you to take your exam from the comfort of your home.  ProctorU is available 24/7, however, you will need to schedule your proctoring session at least 72 hours in advance to avoid any on-demand scheduling fees (paid directly to ProctorU). In order to schedule your exam, log into your WSG account and find your exam link in your account menu under ‘My Online Courses & Exams’.  After clicking on the exam link, please follow each step detailed in your online exam classroom.

ProctorU

Essay Questions

Typical Essay Question Styles

Compare and contrast appellations, sub-regions, grape varieties, or soil types.
Explain how soil, climate, or winemaking practices influence wine style.
Discuss traditional versus modern winemaking and viticultural practices.
Address current trends or controversies in the wine industry.

of the exam will be from the vidoes, interviews and lectures found in the online classroom.

20%

Three videos to explore this history of this exciting region

History

1. History Part 1 with Steve Charters MW: Explore the early history of Champagne, focusing on its origins and cultural significance. 2. History Part 2 with Steve Charters MW: Dive deeper into the development of Champagne, highlighting key events and historical milestones. 3. Interview – From Romans to Riddling: A Short History of Champagne 0–1899 with Dr Yves Tesson: Discover Champagne’s journey through history, from Roman times to the innovations of the 19th century.

There are 10 blank map questions which will ask you to identify key areas of the region. You can find plenty of practice maps in the online classroom under resrouces!

Blank map questions

1. In the Vineyard with Gaylord Legras: Learn about the key activities and challenges faced in Champagne vineyards throughout the growing season. 2. Plant Material with Gaylord Legras: Explore the selection and management of plant materials, including grape varieties and clones, specific to Champagne. 3. Winemaking – From Harvest to Vinification with Nick Lane: Follow the journey from grape harvest to vinification, uncovering the techniques that shape Champagne’s signature style.

Three videos

Four articles explore key topics in Champagne, including concerns over high yields, innovations in vine row spacing, and the rise of organic and biodynamic practices. They also highlight the artistry behind blending grape varieties to craft Champagne’s unique style.

Several articles

This is your main source of information throughout the course.

Study Guide

Every student receives a printed version of the 130+ page manual.

Study Guide Reading

Foreword by Andrew Jefford: pages 11-13
The History of the Champagne Region: pages 19-54
Viticulture: pages 55-70
Winemaking: pages 71-85, 89-90, 119-121, 127-130
Geology: pages 99-104, 113-115
Business of Champagne: pages 91-95
House Styles: 85-87

This full list can be found on the online classroom.

Study Guide Reading

Montagne & Val de Reims: pages 105-108, 131-132

This can also be found on the online classroom.

Study Guide Reading

Montagne & Val de Reims: pages 105-108, 131-132

This can also be found on the online classroom.

Study Guide Reading

Montagne & Val de Reims: pages 105-108, 131-132

This can also be found on the online classroom.

Essi Avellan MW

Exploring house styles

Join Steve Charters MW explain the business of Champagne

Join Peter Liem as he explores the geology and terroir of Champagne in these three videos:

1. Montagne Overview with Peter Liem.2. Grande Montagne with Peter Liem.3. Montagne North and West with Peter Liem.4. Interview - A Tour of the Region: the Rebirth of Terroir with Jean-Baptiste Lecaillon.

4 Videos

Three videos to explore this history of this exciting region

History

1. Blending to degorgement with Nick Lane: 2. Interview - Blending: A White Page Every Year with Jean-Baptiste Lecaillon

Two videos

Champagne Welcome

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Transcript