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Champagne Specialist Certification Course Intensive

Sat, March 29, 2025 (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM)

Capital Wine School
5207 Wisconsin Ave NW, Ste. 7
Washington, DC 20015
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Cost: $795.00

Includes 2 full-day in person class sessions, 14 wines for tasting, a PDF study booklet, online course prep modules, and the final exam.


In partnership with Comité Champagne, the Capital Wine School is pleased to offer this 2-day intensive course at the Capital Wine School on March 29 and 30, 2025.


Taught by Jay Youmans MW and Claudia Chamberlain, WSET Diploma, Advanced Sommelier CMS, Champagne Master Level WSG, this course offers an in-depth exploration into the world of Champagne, covering its rich history, unique terroir, production methods, and diverse styles. Participants gain specialized knowledge and skills essential for understanding and recommending one of the world’s most renowned sparkling wines, recognized globally for its quality and heritage.


Please note that the building in which we are located does not have an elevator, and there are several sets of stairs to navigate to get to our classrooms on the second floor.


Schedule:


Saturday & Sunday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (lunch not included)


Course Overview


This 2-day intensive course, certified by the Comité Champagne, provides in-depth knowledge of Champagne’s history, terroir, production methods, and styles. Designed for professionals and enthusiasts, it equips participants with the skills to recommend, serve, and pair Champagne expertly.


Course Structure


  • Pre-Course Preparation (7 hours):
  • Complete the Champagne MOOC (link will be sent to participants once registered)
  • Read the Learner’s Guide (PDF guide will be provided to participants closer to the course start date)
  • In-Class Learning (14 hours):
  • Day 1:
  • Education: Introduction, tasting techniques, Champagne terroir, and the Champenois method.
  • Workshops: Perfect Pairing | The Champagne Game.
  • Tasting: 6 Champagne wines.
  • Day 2:
  • Education: Recommending, serving, and storage techniques.
  • Workshops: The Cellar Master | The Wine Merchant.
  • Tasting: 6 Champagne wines.
  • Assessment: A 1-hour, 45-minute closed-book exam (multiple-choice, short answers, and wine tasting).

Key Learning Objectives


  • Understand and interpret Champagne labels.
  • Describe and assess Champagne wines.
  • Store and serve Champagne under optimal conditions.
  • Recommend Champagne based on customer needs.
  • Pair Champagne with food harmoniously.

Target Audience


This certification is ideal for wine industry professionals, sommeliers, retailers, importers, tourism professionals, and students in related fields.


Assessment


  • Theory Test (1 hour):
  • 30 multiple-choice questions (30 points).
  • 2 short-answer questions (30 points).
  • Practical Test (45 minutes):
  • Tasting and describing 2 Champagnes (40 points).
  • Presenting a sales argument and food-pairing suggestion.

Scoring:


  • Below 54%: Fail
  • 55%–69%: Pass
  • 70%–79%: Good
  • 80%+: Excellent

Benefits of the Course


  • Hands-on workshops to practice skills.
  • Advisory and service expertise for recommending, serving, and selling Champagne.
  • Up-to-date content from the Comité Champagne.


To ensure a quality experience for all participants, each class or course requires a minimum number of registrations. If this minimum is not met, we may need to cancel the session. In such cases, registered students will be notified as soon as possible and provided with options for rescheduling or a full refund.


By purchasing your ticket(s), you agree to our payment, refund, cancellation, and reschedule policy.

Tags

  • event
  • wine
  • champagne
  • certification
  • intermediate
  • advanced
  • specialist
  • comite champagne
  • in person
  • training
  • industry
  • expert
  • sparkling
  • Things to do in Washington, DC
  • Maryland Wine & Food Events
  • Washington Wine & Food Events

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Capital Wine School

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