Welcome to the world, Contra Costa AVA!

Base map via the TTB AVA Explorer (click to enlarge)

Base map via the TTB AVA Explorer (click to enlarge)

On March 15 (2024), the TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) of the United States announced the approval of the Contra Costa American Viticultural Area (AVA). The new AVA covers a portion of California’s Contra Costa County, located in the East Bay portion of the San Francisco Bay Area. Along with the approval of the new AVA, the San Francisco Bay AVA and the Central Coast AVA have been expanded so that they encompass the entirety of the new appellation. In other words, the Contra Costa AVA is a sub-appellation of both the San Francisco Bay AVA and the Central Coast AVA.

According to the original petition—submitted by Patrick Shabramon behalf of the Contra Costa Winegrowers Association in March of 2023—the distinguishing features of the Contra Costa AVA include its topography and climate—as described below.

Topography: The terrain of the Contra Costa AVA is—while interrupted in a few places by rolling hills—relatively flat. All of the area within the boundaries of the new AVA are below 1,000 feet, with most area below 100 feet. Hillside slopes—where they exist—are generally less than 5% gradient. As such, the area experiences a great deal of marine influence from the northeastern portion of the San Francisco Bay—including San Pablo Bay and Suisun Bay.

Base map via the TTB AVA Explorer (click to enlarge)

Base map via the TTB AVA Explorer (click to enlarge)

Climate: The Contra Costa AVA experiences an average of 3,000 to 4,275 GDD (growing degree days) over the course of a growing season, marking the area as a relatively warm (and sometimes very warm) region. However, the area’s proximity to the marine influence from the northeastern portion of the San Francisco Bay—including San Pablo Bay and Suisun Bay—mean that temperatures cool down quite a bit at night. This diurnal temperature fluctuation provides the area with a near-ideal grape-growing climate scenario of “warm days—cool nights.“

The Central Coast AVA covers a total of 167,146 acres; of these, approximately 1,700 acres are currently planted with commercial vineyards. Leading grape varieties include Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Mourvèdre, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay.

The area around Contra Costa County has been growing grapes and producing wine since 1846. By 1916, there were over 6,000 acres of vines in the area. Alas, most of these vines did not survive Prohibition. These days, Contra Costa County is home to at least 60 commercial vineyards and 14 wineries, including Viano Vineyards, Serendipity Cellars, and Hannah Nicole Vineyards & Winery.

Cline Cellars (now located in Sonoma) was established in this area (in the town of Oakley) in 1982. Cline Cellars still sources grapes from Contra Costa, and I am an enthusiastic fan of their Contra Costa County Old Vine Zinfandel.

When the Contra Costa AVA is brought into force—on April 15, 2024—the total number of AVAs in the United States will be 270; of these, 150 will be in California.

Welcome to the world, Contra Costa AVA!

References/for more information:

Post authored by Jane A. Nickles…your blog administrator: jnickles@societyofwineeducators.org

 

 

SWE’s Virtual Conference Agenda 2024

Save the Date Virtual Conf 2024It’s here! SWE is pleased to announce the agenda for our 2024 Virtual Conference—an online event scheduled for Friday, April 26 and Saturday, April 27 (2024). We have two full days of conference programming for you—with one day (Friday) dedicated to wine and one day (Saturday) dedicated to spirits. These events are based around live, interactive webinars created by our highest-rated and most accomplished conference presenters. These sessions are offered free-of-charge to all members of SWE, and you are welcome to attend as many (or as few) sessions as you like. To secure your spot, please contact Danielle LaRosa of the SWE Home Office at dlarosa@societyofwineeducators.org

Click here to download a pdf of SWE Virtual Conference 2024 – Taste Along Beverage Suggestions These products may be purchased locally and tasted along with the live webinars. Keep in mind, however, that these webinars will be fun and meaningful whether you choose to taste-along or not.

  • Friday, April 26 (all times central)
    • 10:00 am (central time): Unknown Rhône, presented by Jane A. Nickles, CSE, CWE, MBA. From the sands of the Camargue to the méthode ancestrale sparkling wines of the Clairette de Die AOC, this session will focus on some of the fascinating obscurities to be found in France’s Rhône Valley. Topics will include wine, food, grapes, places, a bit of history, and a museum of chocolate!
    • 12:00 noon (central time): Franciacorta Unveiled—A Journey through Italy’s Prestigious Sparkling Wine Region. At the heart of Franciacorta lies a commitment to excellence and an unwavering dedication to producing world-class sparkling wines. Join May Matta-Aliah—DipWSET, CWE, and US Educator for Franciacorta—as she takes us on a tour to this hidden gem nestled amidst gentle hills and moderated by lake breezes. Marrying time-honored techniques and modern innovation, winemakers in Franciacorta craft wines of elegance, depth, and complexity. The seminar will explore the diverse styles of Franciacorta, from the refreshing Brut to the silky Satèn, and from the vibrant hues of Rosé to the range of single vintage wines.
    • 2:00 pm (central time): The Art of Blending—A Winemaker’s Touch. Join us for an exclusive exploration into the world of winemaking with Elizabeth Kester, the esteemed Winemaker and Director of Winemaking from Wente Vineyards. In this presentation, Elizabeth will unveil the secrets behind the art of blending, offering insights into the meticulous process that transforms grapes into extraordinary wines. With over 15 years of experience, Elizabeth will share how she balances science and intuition to make award-winning wines. Even if a wine is varietally labeled, most have some amount of blending. Why do winemakers blend, and how do they do it? Learn more during this captivating webinar from the expert herself. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or an aspiring enthusiast, this event promises an enriching experience, shedding light on the craftsmanship behind some of the world’s finest wines.
    • 4:00 pm (central time): Malbec Argentino, a History of Success. Located in wide valleys and on sloping plains, the wine regions of Argentina form a strip at the foot of the Andes Mountain range that extends from north to south, latitudes 23 ° to 45 °. In recent years, restless producers have pushed the wine frontier—to the west, into the heights, and towards the south and east—looking for the cooler temperatures of the southern latitudes or the influence of the ocean. From the high-altitude vineyards in the North, down through the aridity of Cuyo and the plains of Patagonia, to the new projects on the edge of the Atlantic, Argentine wines offer an endless range of flavors that reflect the identity of each region. Join Veronica Kathuria on a trip through the diversity of Argentina, as each region prints a distinctive character and profile on its grapes… especially as experienced by Malbec.
  • Saturday, April 27 (2204)
    • 10:00 am (central time): German Grown—A look at the spirits of Germany, presented by Ben Coffelt, CSS, CSW. While Italian and French products seem to dominate the conversation, Germany also makes some significant contributions to the world of spirits. In this session, we will review some of the bitters, spirits, and apéritifs  produced in Germany. While discussing the history, production, and uses of spirits that are German Grown, we’ll get to know Kirschwasser, Himbeergeist, Steinhäger, Underberg, and even the much maligned (but still beloved) Jäegermeister.
    • 12:00 noon (central time): The Four Great Brandies of France. A review of French Eau-de-Vie, Cognac, Armagnac, and Calvados presented by Hoke Harden, CSE
    • 2:00 pm (central time): Tequila Additives—A Big Deal? Presented by Hugh Lander, CSS. Learn why the industry is buzzing about additive-free Tequila. 20 years ago, Tequila began its move into premiumization as 100% Blue Agave brands replaced the lower quality mixto formulations.  Today, with over 2,000 brands in the market, Tequila is differentiating itself based on the use of additives.  In this presentation you will learn about why some distillers use additives, what additives are allowed, and what the future of Tequila regulation might look like.
    • 4:00 pm (central time): Smoke Signals—Peat and its Influence on Whisky. Presented by Gary Pikard, CSE. This session will dive into the world of smoky flavors. We will break down the mystery behind peat and the flavor compounds contained therein, how it is utilized and measured within whisky production, discuss the long-term environmental effects of peat reliance, and take a look at some products on the market affectionately known as Smoke Monsters. 

 

Welcome to the World, Campo de Calatrava DO!

Photo via: www.vinocampodecalatrava.com

Photo via: www.vinocampodecalatrava.com

The EU has spoken, and—as of February 2024—it has granted its approval for a new appellation for Spanish wine: the Campo de Calatrava DO (Denominación de Origen).

Wine has been produced in the Campo de Calatrava area—located in the Ciudad Real province within the autonomía of the Castilla-La Mancha—since the Bronze Age ( ). In modern times, the wines of the area have been bottled under the classification Vino de la Tierra-La Mancha (which covers the entire autonomía). At last count, there are eight commercial wineries in the region.

The Campo de Calatrava DO is located atop a unique geological feature known as the Campo de Calatrava Volcanic Field (La Región Volcánica del Campo de Calatrava). The region contains over 300 individual volcanic landforms, including lava domes, pyroclastic cones, and low-relief volcanic craters known as maars. While the area is believed to be dormant—the last known volcanic eruption dates to 3.600 BCE—the area contains the most significantly volcanic soils in the Iberian Peninsula. Topsoil is dark and stony, aiding in heat retention and drainage.

The Campo de Calatrava DO allows for a long list of wines styles to be produced. These include dry white, red, and rosé wines, quality sparkling wine, and sweet (late harvest) wines.

The list of allowed grape varieties is long and varied—and quite similar to those found in the nearby DOs of La Mancha and Valdepeñas.

  • Approved red grapes include Bobal, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Garnacha (Tinto), Graciano, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Syrah, and Tempranillo.
  • Approved white grapes include Airén, Albariño, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Macabeo (Viura), Moscatel de Alejandría, Moscatel de Grano Menudo, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Verdejo, and Viognier,

We will post a map as soon as the newly crafted DO creates one.

Welcome to the world, Campo de Calatrava DO!

References/for more information:

Post authored by Jane A. Nickles…your blog administrator: jnickles@societyofwineeducators.org

Dispatch from the Léon DO

Leon DO graphicSpain’s Tierra de Léon DO (Denominación de Origen) made some news back in 2019 when it officially changed its name to Léon DO. Since then, it has continued to make news by competing in—and winning—major wine competitions and by attracting the largest crowd ever (over 25,000) to attend the annual DO León Wine Fair.

These days (February 2024) the DO is again making news by gaining approval from the EU for a range of updates and revisions to its wine rules and regulations. In short, the appellation has approved a new grape variety for use in its red wines and has added an additional wine type—sweet wines—to its roster.

The latest red grape of the Léon DO: The Negro Saurí grape variety (also known as Merenzao) has been added to the list of grape varieties authorized for use in the red and rosé (rosado) wines of the Léon DO. This grape is added to the list of previously approved grape varieties, including Prieto Picudo and Mencía (as recommended varieties) and Garnacha and Tempranillo (as authorized varieties).

Map of the DO Leon via www.doleon.es

Map of the DO Leon via www.doleon.es

Negro Saurí is an obscure local variety grown mainly in Léon. It requires a good deal of sunshine to thrive, is relatively thin-skinned, and light in color. The grape has been added to the roster in the hopes of preserving the heritage of the region’s indigenous vineyards, to increase the area’s biodiversity, and due to the spicy, complex character it brings to the wines.

The sweet wines of the Léon DO: With these recent changes, the Léon DO is approved to produce off dry (semidulce) and sweet (dulce) wines in red (tinto), white (blanco), and rosé (rosado) styles. Wines labeled as semidulce will contain between 1.8% and 4.5% residual sugar (RS); those labeled as dulce will contain at least 4.5% RS.

The newly approved sweet wines of the Léon DO will be based on the same grape varieties used in the dry wines of the region. In addition to the approved red varieties (discussed above), the white grapes of the DO include Verdejo, Albarín Blanco, and Godello (as recommended  varieties) and Malvasía and Palomino (as authorized varieties; Palomino is not approved for new plantings).

Note: as with all such updates, it may take a while for these updates to work their way through the various governing bodies (and even longer for the final documentation to become available for public perusal). However, the EU is spoken, so it seems these changes will soon become apparent in the marketplace.

References/for more information:

Post authored by Jane A. Nickles…your blog administrator: jnickles@societyofwineeducators.org

Welcome to the World, Terre d’Abruzzo IGT!

Teramo, Abruzzo

Teramo, Abruzzo

As announced in the January 3 (2024) edition of the EU Journal, Italy has a new Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT) classification for wine: the Terre d’Abruzzo IGT (aka Terre Abruzzesi). The new appellation is approved for a range of wine styles produced from grapes grown anywhere within the administrative region of Abruzzo.

BUT WAIT! Before all the wine students of the world (including me) let out a collective sigh and bemoan the growing number of appellations to study, note this: The Terre d’Abruzzo IGT is intended to replace the 8 IGTs currently scattered across Abruzzo. (We’ll have to wait to see the paperwork on this development, but it sounds promising.)

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Wine styles allowed under the Terre d’Abruzzo IGT include red (rosso), white (bianco), and rosé (rosato) in still (non-sparkling), frizzante (slightly sparkling), and passito (dried grape; red or white only) editions.

The list of grape varieties is long and varied. It includes several obscure, local varieties such as Mostosa, Passerina, and Pecorino; in addition to quite a few better-known Italian grapes such as Garganega, Moscato, Sangiovese, and Primitivo. International varieties—including Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio—are on the list as well. (For a complete catalog of approved varieties, see the disciplinare, attached below.)

Blends (typically bottled under the appellation name) are allowed as well as certain varietals (which—per EU standards—must contain a minimum of 85% of the named variety). Red wines may be produced in the novello (young, lively, and fruit-forward) style.

Welcome to the World, Terre d’Abruzzo IGT!

References/for more information:

Post authored by Jane A. Nickles…your blog administrator: jnickles@societyofwineeducators.org

 

New EU Wine Labeling Laws in Effect!

European Union flag in front of the Berlaymont building, headquaFor several years, the Agricultural and Rural Development Council of the European Union (EU) has been working on a new set of labeling laws for wine and aromatized wine products. These laws—which are in effect as of December 8, 2023, and will apply to all wine released in the EU as of the 2024 vintage—are meant to provide consumers with additional information on a wine’s nutritional value and the ingredients used in the production of the wine.

  • For context, EU wines have always required the following information to be declared on wine labels, and will continue to do so:
    • The designation of the category of grapevine product (type or style of wine product)
    • The region of origin, which may be an appellation or simply indication of provenance
    • ABV (alcoholic strength percentage by volume)
    • The name of the bottler, producer, or vendor
    • Net contents
    • For sparkling wines, sugar level/content
  • Under the new laws, the following information must also be clearly stated on the wine label:
    • List of any ingredients that may cause allergies or intolerances; these include sulfites, eggs and egg-based products, milk and milk-based products
  • Under the new laws, the following information must be declared; however, it may be stated on the wine label OR available via electronic means such as a QR code:
    • Nutritional values including average values of energy (calories) as well as the amounts of fat, saturated fat, carbohydrates, sugar, protein, and salt.
    • List of ingredients, presented in descending order of weight, as recorded at the time of their use in the manufacture of the product. (Ingredients that make up less than 2% of the finished product may be listed in any order.) Additives must be listed according to the functional category, such as acidity regulators, preservatives/antioxidants, enrichments (such as concentrated grape must), or stabilizing agents. Yeast and alternative gases (as may be used in bottling) are considered processing aids and do not need to be listed as an ingredient.
    • Use-by date for de-alcoholized products

These rules—which in their current incarnation far exceed the labeling declarations required of wines produced or distributed in the United States—will apply to all wine (including American wine) distributed in the European Union.

References/for more information:

Post authored by Jane A. Nickles…your blog administrator: jnickles@societyofwineeducators.org

 

Glühwein for a Holiday Glow

Christmas market outdoor stands, Winter season holiday celebrationStrolling through a German Christmas Market—such as Nuremberg’s Christkindelsmarkt—with a glass of steaming Glühwein warming up your hands is a dream come true (or a fantasy yet to be fulfilled) for lovers of Christmas, European travel, and cold winter nights. Glühwein—the name actually means glow wine, noting the warm glow one should feel along with the first sip—is a big part of the German Christmas Market experience.

Of course, Christmas markets are a tradition all over Europe, and you can sip a version of Glühwein in Paris, London, Vienna, or wherever your travels take you. It might be known by a local name—such as vino caliente, glögg, vin brulé, bisschopswijn, vin chaud, or vinho quente—but whatever you call it, you are likely to end up with a comforting and spicy glass of warm wine in your hands.

Tasty aromatic mulled wine on wooden table, closeupIf you’d like to try and create your own home-kitchen version of Glühwein, try riffing on this formula (or follow one of the more formal recipes linked to the bottom of this post):

  • First step: make a simple syrup by combing ¼ cup sugar with ¾ cup water in a large saucepan. Place over low heat and stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Add the zest of one orange, the juice of one orange, and your favorite spices—a good recommendation includes 2 or 3 cloves, a grate of nutmeg, and one cinnamon stick—to the pan. Simmer on very low heat for two minutes.
  • Next: add one bottle of dry red wine. Keep in mind that this is one time where you can get away with using an inexpensive bottle. Using a very low setting, allow the mixture to heat. Keep the temperature low enough to avoid simmering and continue heating the mixture for at least 20 minutes.
  • The flourish: Strain the mixture and serve in a small mug with a handle. Garnish with cinnamon sticks, orange peel, dried lemons, orange slices, or anything you like. Some people like to add a shot of rum or brandy to each glass.

For serious students of wine and spirits: You might be interested to know that two versions of (commercially produced) German Glühwein have Protected Geographical Indication (GI) status in the EU. According to the exacting standards of the EU, these products—Thüringer Glühwein and Nürmberger Glühwein—are aromatized wine-based drinks made with EU wine and flavored mainly with clove and cinnamon. Here are the details:

  • Thüringer Glühwein: Produced in the region of Thuringia, Thüringer Glühwein is based on red wine that has been sweetened and flavored with cloves, cinnamon, vanilla, bitter orange, and/or lemon zest (other flavorings are also allowed).
  • Nürmberger Glühwein: Produced in the city of Nuremberg, Nürmberger Glühwein is based on red wine that has been sweetened and flavored with cinnamon, cloves, and blueberries (other flavorings are also allowed).
  • Nümnberger Glühwein aus Weisswein: Also produced in the city of Nuremberg, Nürmberger Glühwein aus Weisswein is based on white wine and flavored with some combination of cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, mace, nutmeg, star anise, vanilla, lemon zest, and bitter orange.

Recipes, references, and more information:

Post authored by Jane A. Nickles…your blog administrator: jnickles@societyofwineeducators.org

The 2024 CSW is Here!

Cover graphic 2024What do all of these items have in common: White wine produced under the Entre-Deux-Mers AOC, appellation-specific sparkling wine from Brazil, and newly-revised regulations for the Manzanilla Sanlúcar de Barrameda DO?

Answer: You’ll find all of these updates (and more) in the just-released 2024 version of the Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) Study Guide and Workbook!

Click here to find the 2024 CSW Study Guide on Amazon. The cost is $49.

Click here to find the 2024 CSW Workbook on Amazon. The cost is $39.

CSW Exam Availability: CSW Exams based on the 2024 edition of the Study Guide will be available at Pearson VUE Testing Centers and via at-home, online proctoring beginning on January 2, 2024. Click here for more information on the timing and availability of CSW exams.

CSW Online Prep Course: Our next instructor-led CSW Online Prep Course is scheduled to begin the week of January 7, 2024. The aim of the prep course is to get attendees “as prepared as humanly possible” for a successful sitting of the CSW Exam. Online prep courses are available, free-of-charge, to Professional members of SWE who have a valid CSW Exam attendance credit.

Addendum: Click here for an addendum listing the substantive changes between the 2023 and 2042 versions of the CSW Study Guide: CSW Study Guide 2024 – Addendum

Flashcards and Practice Quizzes: Our popular online flashcards and practice quizzes have also been updated for 2024 (while previous versions remain available as well). The cost for these products is $19 each. Click here for the digital flashcards and practice quizzes. Please note that this is a separate website from the SWE homepage and will require a separate login.

Click here for more information on the Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) program.

Click here for information on the newly-released 2024 edition of the CSS (Certified Specialist of Spirits) materials.

If you have any questions regarding these materials, please contact our Director of Education at jnickles@societyofwineeducators.org

 

 

 

Welcome to the World, Emilia Romagna DOC (aka the Pignoletto Chronicles)

PignolettoWelcome to the World, Emilia-Romagna DOC!

Also known as: The Pignoletto Chronicles or Pignoletto: It’s a Grape (not a Place)! 

First things first: we are here to announce a significant event…the EU has approved and registered a new Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) appellation for Italian Wines: The Emilia-Romagna DOC. This new appellation is approved for white wines based on the Pignoletto grape variety. A range of white wine styles are allowed—including dry-and-still (non-sparkling) wine, sparkling wine, frizzante (slightly sparkling/fizzy) wine, and passito (dried-grape, sweet) wine. These wines will be labeled with some variation of the term Emilia Romagna Pignoletto DOC.

Be advised, however, that the story behind this new appellation is long, complicated, and fascinating. TL/DR: It’s complicated, but the Pignoletto DOC was never approved by the EU, and has changed its name to Emilia-Romagna DOC (which has been approved by the EU). 

Here goes…after several years of deliberation, the EU has spoken, and they have decided that Pignoletto is a grape, but not a place (and it cannot be an appellation). In accordance, the use of the term Pignoletto cannot be limited to any certain location, and the EU has denied Italy’s request to create the Pignoletto DOC. In addition, the disciplinare for the Pignoletto DOC has been removed from the website of Italy’s Ministry of Agriculture.

31776357 - white wine in a glass on a backgroundThe rest of the story: Italy’s Ministry of Agriculture made an application (to the EU) back in 2014 for a new appellation to be known as the Pignoletto DOC. This occurred when it was discovered that the variety known in Emilia-Romagna as Pignoletto is identical to Grechetto di Todi, and nearly identical to Grechetto di Orvieto—a grape widely grown in Umbria and Marches (and elsewhere). In an attempt to limit the use of traditional name (Pignoletto) to the central area of Emilia-Romagna, a new appellation was proposed: Pignoletto DOC.

At the same time, a modification to the Colli Bolognesi DOC was published. The idea was that all of the Pignoletto-based wines—including dry, still, sparkling, and sweet styles—previously produced in the Colli Bolognesi DOC (and surrounding areas) would be labeled under the Pignoletto DOC. This would, in theory, define Pignoletto as a region, and as such, other areas would be prohibited from using the term Pignoletto to refer to Grechetto grapes.

The proposed modifications to the Colli Bolognesi DOC were accepted and registered by the EU in 2014. As a result, the Colli Bolognesi DOC is now approved for the production of red, white, and sparkling wines from a range of approved grapes; these include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Trebbiano, Pinot Blanc (Pinot Bianco), Barbera, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon—but NOT Pignoletto.

However, as we now know, the EU chose NOT to approve the registration of the Pignoletto DOC. This left Italy with a conundrum: should they re-consolidate the separated DOCs? That sounds complicated and fails to solve the unique Problema Pignoletto.  Accordingly, a relatively simple solution was suggested: change the name. What could have/would have been the Pignoletto DOC will move forward as the Emilia-Romagna DOC.

Note: Another Pignoletto-based appellation—the Colli Bolognese Pignoletto DOCG—was created in 2004. The Colli Bolognesi Pignoletto DOCG is an ultra-small production appellation approved for Pignoletto-based white wines only (dry or off-dry [non-sparkling] wines only). The Colli Bolgonese Pignoletto DOCG has stricter standards—as per yield, planting density, and aging) as compared to the Pignoletto-based wines of the larger Emilia-Romagna DOC.

It was a long and winding road, but…Welcome to the World, Emilia Romagna DOC!

References/for more information:

Post authored by Jane A. Nickles…your blog administrator: jnickles@societyofwineeducators.org

The 2024 CSS is Here!

CSS 2024 Study Guide INTERIOR v4_Part1_Page_1What do all of these items have in common: A change in the regulations concerning the production of Cognac, Amaro Bràulio (an Italian amaro produced in the Valtellina Valley), and Absinthe Suissesse?

Answer: You’ll find these topics included—as updates and expanded information—in the just-released 2024 version of the Certified Specialist of Spirits (CSS) Study Guide and Workbook.

Click here to find the 2024 CSS Study Guide on Amazon. The cost is $49.

Click here to find the 2024 CSS Workbook on Amazon. The cost is $39.

CSS Exam Availability: CSS Exams based on the 2024 edition of the Study Guide will be available at Pearson VUE Testing Centers and via at-home, online proctoring beginning on January 2, 2024. Click here for more information on the timing and availability of CSS exams.

CSS Online Prep Course: Our next instructor-led CSS Online Prep Course is scheduled to begin the week of February 4, 2024. The aim of the prep course is to get attendees “as prepared as humanly possible” for a successful sitting of the CSS Exam. Online prep courses are available, free-of-charge, to Professional members of SWE who have a valid CSS Exam attendance credit.

Addendum: Click here for an addendum listing the substantive changes between the 2023 and 2024 versions of the CSS Study Guide: Addendum for the CSS 2024 Study Guide

Flashcards and Practice Quizzes: Our popular online flashcards and practice quizzes have also been updated for 2024 (while previous versions remain available as well). The cost for these products is $19 each. Click here for the digital flashcards and practice quizzes. Please note that this is a separate website from the SWE homepage and will require a separate login.

Click here for more information on the Certified Specialist of Spirits (CSS) program.

Note: We expect the 2024 edition of the Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) Study Guide and Workbook to be available within a week.

If you have any questions regarding these materials, please contact our Director of Education at jnickles@societyofwineeducators.org