Category Archives: Exam Prep

Conference Agenda: SWE’s Virtual Mini-Conference—A Deep Dive into Pinot Noir!

  By admin | September 25, 2024 - 11:53 am | ,
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SWE Mini Conference - Pinot NoirComing on Saturday, October 19: SWE’s Virtual Mini-Conference—A Deep Dive into Pinot Noir!

This event is offered free-of-charge for members of SWE. Space is limited, however, and pre-registration is required. If you have any questions about this event (or to request a spot), please contact Jane Nickles at jnickles@societyofwineeducators.org

The Conference Website (including speaker information, handouts, and a link to the webinar platform) will be emailed to registered attendees on October 14. We hope to see you there!

CONFERENCE AGENDA (all times central)

  • Saturday, October 19—10:00 am: Pinot Noir in South Africa with Jim Clarke. Pinot Noir first came to South Africa in the 1920s, but it wasn’t until intrepid growers began exploring the Cape South Coast in the 1970s that the grape began to find its home and show off what it’s capable of in the Rainbow Nation. Today it’s still only found in small quantities, but punches far beyond its weight when it comes to reputation and critical regard. Wines of South Africa Country Manager Jim Clarke, author of the Classic Wine Library’s Wines of South Africa, will lead viewers through the story of Pinot Noir in South Africa, exploring its history, taking apart prominent regions where the grape excels, and highlighting the grape’s leading producers.
  • Saturday, October 19—12:00 noon: Exploring Chile and the Future of World-Class Pinot Noir with Elijah B. Smith. While Chile gets a lot of attention for its Cabernet Sauvignon and brawny red blends, the country also contains a plethora of cooler-climate wine regions—including the well-known Casablanca Valley and the up-and-coming southern reaches—where Pinot Noir can shine. In this session, join Elijah B. Smith CWE on a tour of the many producers and regions of Chile that are primed to produce world-class Pinot Noir.
  • Saturday, October 19—2:00 pm: Oregon—The Future of Premium Pinot Noir with Carrie Kalscheuer. Discover all the reasons—including the climate, location, soils, and resources—why Oregon enjoys its well-deserved reputation as a leading producer of premium Pinot Noir. We’ll look at the state’s viticultural history—including the rise of Oregon Pinot Noir—as well as its well-documented diversity in terms of terroir. Join In this session, join Carrie Kalscheuer (Chief Brand Officer of Ponzi Vineyards) for an in-depth look at Oregon’s commitment to sustainability, quality, and affordability. 
  • Saturday, October 19—4:00 pm: Pinot Noir Across Terroir with Tanya Morning Star. Discover the rich diversity of Bourgogne’s red wines with Tanya Morning Star, CWE. Pinot Noir is one of the most ancient and captivating grape varieties on the planet! Native to the famed region of Bourgogne in Eastern France, Pinot Noir is a true chameleon of the wine world, effortlessly adapting to its surroundings and crafting wines that sing with the unique essence of each terroir, from village to village, plot to plot. This grape has been beloved since Roman times, and for good reason – its ability to translate the land into a bottle of wine, from humble table wines to the world’s most prized bottles, is nothing short of magical. Join Tanya Morning Star for a deep dive into the heart and soul of one of the world’s most expressive grapes, uncovering Pinot Noir’s remarkable ability to shape-shift and tell the stories of its origins.

The 2024 CSW is Here!

  By admin | December 19, 2023 - 8:31 am | ,
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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

 

 

 

The 2024 CSS is Here!

  By admin | December 14, 2023 - 9:46 am |
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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

Dispatch from the Lessini Mountains (and the Monti Lessini DOC)

  By admin | June 5, 2023 - 10:50 am | , ,
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Rural landscape on the hills near Riolo Terme and BrisighellaThe Lessini Mountains (Monti Lessini)—located in Italy’s Veneto, tucked between the cities of Verona (to the south) and Vicenza to the east—are the southernmost mountain group of the Eastern Alps. This hilly area stretches out in a fan-like shape along the east shores of the Adige River just as the river heads out of the higher Alps and takes an eastward turn towards its mouth on the Adriatic Sea. The northern portion of the mountain range encompasses the wild and rugged Parco Naturale Regionale della Lessinia (Lessinia Regional Nature Park).

From a wine-lover’s perspective, the Lessini Mountains are home to the Moni Lessini and Lessini Durella DOCs and located just to the north/northeast of the Valpolicella and Soave appellations. The region also has some news for wine lovers, as there has been a bit of re-shuffling of the rules.

Here are the details: the Monti Lessini DOC has recently (as of May 2023) been updated to include quality sparkling wines (vino spumante di qualità) in addition to its previous line-up of still wines. This move is a bit more complicated than it sounds, as sparkling wines have been produced in the region for a while and were previously allowed under appellation rules before being spun-off in a separate appellation (Lessini Durello DOC) in 2011. With this new revision, they are allowed back in the Monti Lessini DOC, while they remain a product of the Lessini Durello DOC.

Relief map of Veneto_Page_2There are a few subtle differences between the two sparkling wine appellations. For one, the Monti Lessini DOC is approved only for quality sparkling wines made using the traditional production method; wines of the Lessini Durello DOC may be traditional method or Charmat (bulk method). There is also a difference in the minimum alcohol…Monti Lessini DOC requires 11.5% minimum abv; the minimum for the Lessini Durello wines is 11%.

  • The newly-approved quality sparkling wines of the Monti Lessini DOC must all be made using the traditional production method—meaning the second fermentation and lees aging must occur in the same bottle the wine is sold in. All of the sparkling wines of the appellation must be produced using a minimum of 85% Durella grapes; the remaining 15% may comprise Garganega, Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay, or Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir) as secondary varieties. A range of sweetness (from dry [zero dosage or pas dosé] to demi-sec [semi-sweet, 30 to 50 g/L of residual sugar]). Within these parameters, three styles of sparkling wine may be produced:
    • Monti Lessini Spumante—these wines are described as having “fine, persistent foam;” straw-yellow color; and a slight hint of yeast-derived aromas.
    • Monti Lessini Spumante Riserva—these wines are described as having “intense, fine bubbles;” color ranging from straw-yellow to gold, and intense, complex aromas as derived from extended yeast aging.
    • Monte Lessini Crémant—these wines are described as having “fine, creamy bubbles” and will typically show yellow-gold colors and intense aromas derived from extended yeast aging.
  • The Monti Lessini DOC continues to allow for the production of a range of still (non-sparkling) styles of wine, including the following:
    • Monti Lessini Bianco (minimum 50% Chardonnay, the remainder may comprise Chardonnay or any combination of Durella, Garganega, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, or Pinot Noir (vinified as a white wine)
    • Monti Lessini Durello (min. 85% Durella)
    • Monti Lessini Pinot Nero (min. 85% Pinot Nero [Pinot Noir])
    • Monti Lessini Passito (min, 85% Durella; grapes must be dried for a minimum of two months prior to vinification)

References/for more information:

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

El Programa HBSC está Disponible en Español (The HBSC is available in Spanish!)

  By admin | March 31, 2022 - 5:18 pm |
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Cover_smallLa Society of Wine Educators se complace en anunciar que el Certificado de Especialista en Bebidas (HBSC, por sus siglas en inglés) se encuentra disponible actualmente en español. Es la primera vez que uno de nuestros recursos educacionales está disponible para la audiencia hispana, en su idioma nativo, y se puede acceder a él a través de nuestro Portal.

El Hospitality/Beverage Specialist Certificate (HBSC) (denominado en español Certificado de Especialista en Bebidas), se ofrece como un programa de autoaprendizaje, a ritmo propio. Se trata de un certificado de nivel básico diseñado para satisfacer las necesidades de las industrias culinaria y hotelera, y sus empleados.  Es, a su vez, un excelente curso de iniciación para aquellos quienes planean obtener niveles más altos de certificaciones en vinos, cervezas o licores.

La SWE ofrece este programa para la audiencia de habla hispana debido a la importancia de este grupo dentro de los Estados Unidos, así como para brindar acceso a quienes quieran convertirse en profesionales en el mundo de las bebidas en América Latina, España y el resto de los países de habla hispana. Según la estimación de población del 2020 de la Oficina del Censo de Estados Unidos, hay 60.5 millones de hispanos viviendo en Estados Unidos, lo que representa el 18.4 % de la población total del país.

El HBSC provee una amplia base de conocimiento de producto en las bebidas comerciales más relevantes, no solamente vinos y destilados. El contenido del programa cubre café, té, cerveza, sake, sidra, perada, vinos y destilados. Se incluyen también detalles sobre evaluación sensorial, notas de cata y estándares de servicio para cada tipo de bebida, así como un capítulo sobre el servicio responsable de bebidas alcohólicas.

Spanish HBSC-CabLa Guía de Estudio del Certificado de Especialista en Bebidas fue escrita por Jane Nickles, MBA, CWE, CSE, Director of Education de la Society of Wine Educators. La totalidad del contenido fue traducido y editado por Elizabeth Yabrudy, Comunicadora Social, CWE, CSS, y miembro del Board of Directors de la SWE.

Si deseas ordenar el libro, una versión electrónica del Certificado de Especialista en Bebidas (así como la HBSC Study Guide Second Edition, en inglés) está disponible en Amazon.

The HBSC is available in Spanish!

The Society of Wine Educators is pleased to announce that the Hospitality/Beverage Specialist Certificate (HBSC) is now available in Spanish. It is the first time that one of our educational resources is available for the Hispanic audience, in its native language, and can be accessed through our learning portal.

Spanish HBSC-CoffeeThe Hospitality/Beverage Specialist Certificate (HBSC) (called in Spanish Certificado de Especialista en Bebidas), is presented as an online self-paced, self-study resource. This entry-level beverage knowledge program designed to fulfill the needs of the hospitality and culinary industries and their employees. It is also an excellent base course for those planning to pursue higher levels of wine, beer, or spirits certifications.

The SWE is providing this program for the Spanish speaking audience due the importance of this group within the United States as well as to provide access to aspiring beverage professionals throughout Latin America, Spain, and the rest of the Spanish-speaking world.  According to the 2020 US Census Bureau population estimate, there are 60.5 million Hispanics living in the United States, representing 18.4% of the U.S. total population.

The HBSC provides a broad base of knowledge, covering all commercially relevant beverages, not just wine or spirits. The program’s content covers coffee, tea, beer, sake, cider, perry, wine, and spirits. Details about sensory evaluation, tasting notes, and service standards for each beverage type are included, as well as a chapter on the responsible service of beverage alcohol.

The HBSC study guide was written by Jane Nickles, MBA, CWE, CSE, Director of Education of the Society of Wine Educators. The entire content was translated and edited by Elizabeth Yabrudy, Journalist, CWE, CSS, and also member of the Board of Directors of the SWE.

If you wish to order the book, an ebook version of the Certificado de Especialista en Bebidas (as well as the HBSC Study Guide Second Edition) is available on Amazon.

News Flash! Format Update regarding the CWE Exam (Tasting Portion)

  By admin | March 25, 2022 - 11:00 am | ,
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News Flash CWE Tasting UpdateIn today’s world, identifying a wine in a blind tasting—or, in the context of SWE’s Certified Wine Educator (CWE) exam, a semi-blind tasting—seems to be losing relevance as an accurate gauge of the skillset involved in the sensory evaluation of wine.

As such, we have decided to revise the format of the varietal/appellation identification portion of the CWE exam and rename it as simply the CWE Tasting Exam.

The reality is this: we are seeing definitive changes in what was once considered to be the benchmark or typical style in many iconic wines. Good examples of this shift-in-progress include Rioja, Oregon Pinot Noir, New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, Sancerre, and even Bordeaux. Soon, the wine world may need to accept that many regions are seeing such changes due to regulatory revisions, advances in wine making technology, adaptations in viticulture, stylistic development, and/or climate change.

  • Effective immediately, the new format of the CWE Tasting Exam will be as follows:
    • Candidates will be presented with a flight of four unidentified wines. Using the SWE Wine Tasting Grid—CWE—which will be provided and available for use during the exam—candidates will be asked to provide a written analysis and tasting note of each wine. The total time allotted will be one hour.
    • Each wine assessment will be worth up to 30 points, as detailed on the tasting grid. In addition to providing descriptions of the appearance, aroma, taste components, and quality of the wine, candidates will be asked to match the identity of each wine using a provided list of possible answers. Only one point (out of the 30 possible for each wine) will be dependent upon the accurate identification of the wine.
    • The minimum passing score—combining the responses for all four wines—will be 90 points (out of a possible 120).

SWE acknowledges the diversity of human sensory perception and will accept a range of descriptive vocabulary in candidate answers. We are looking for responses that are demonstrative, logical, consistent, and appropriate for each specific wine.

Note: The format of this exam may be modified for use in a virtual setting, which may involve verbal assessments in place of—or in addition to—the written exercises.

If you have any questions, please contact Jane Nickles at jnickles@societyofwineeducators.org.

 

Guest Post: Pearson VUE Testing – A Candidate’s View!

  By admin | May 28, 2014 - 5:36 pm | ,
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Today we have a guest post by a recent CSW candidate who has generously agreed to share her Pearson VUE testing experience with us! Hopefully this will give all you CSW and CSS aspirants out there a realistic, personal insight into what you can expect from a Pearson VUE test.  In a nutshell:  it’s great!

computer keyboardOur intrepid reporter goes by the code name “Candi” Candidate, CSW. (Spoiler alert:  she passed!) Read on to hear Candi’s experience, and her useful tips as well:

I began studying for the CSW exam in January, 2014. By early May, I decided that late May would be my target time for the test. Conveniently, the remote testing option at Pearson VUE became available, so I scheduled my test on the first day that the scheduling was “live.” Without my Pearson VUE option, the nearest test site would have been about 50 miles away, with unpredictable traffic. Pearson VUE, with choice of location, date, and time, was a much better alternative.

My test site was 10 miles from my home. I was able to schedule my first choice of date and location with about 2 weeks’ notice.

As suggested, I arrived 30 minutes before the scheduled test time. Upon arrival, I learned that I was the first CSW candidate at this test site. I was the alpha! Once the identification and security process was complete, I was able to begin testing early.

Testing was done in a room with about 12 small cubicles. I chose to use the provided noise-canceling headset. Dead silence. I received instructions on the testing software via a short tutorial program. The tutorial will review your options for proceeding with the test. The software was straightforward; if you’ve taken online tests or even Internet quizzes before, you can easily do it.

Everyone has their own test-taking strategy. I chose to take my time, answer every question, and then review all of my answers. Answering all of the questions took 40-45 minutes, reviewing took about 10 minutes, and I submitted my answers with about 5 minutes to spare. Done! Deep breath!

Computer Testing CenterAfter leaving the testing room, I went back to the area where I initially checked in. There, I was given a 2-page printout of the results. Immediate feedback! My eyes focused on two words in the middle of the page: GRADE: PASS.

Another deep breath! A big smile to the friendly guy who checked me in and out!

Would I use the Pearson VUE testing option again? Absolutely. Convenient location and scheduling. Professional staff. Simple testing software. And did I mention immediate feedback?

Based on my experience, here are a few suggestions:

  1. Verify driving directions. I received directions with my scheduling confirmation, but they were not as specific as typical online driving directions. Since you may be driving under (ahem) some stress, why not get more information before test day?
  2. Expect tight security. The Pearson VUE experience included detailed identity verification, a candidate photograph, multiple palm prints, demonstrating that my pockets were empty, and video/audio monitoring in the testing room. While this may seem like overkill, Pearson VUE provides a wide range of testing for many organizations. It appears that all candidates are subjected to the same, rigorous procedure. Personally, the worst part was being photographed. I did not see the photograph. I did not want to see the photograph. I am sure it was just as charming as the one that appears on my driver’s license.
  3. Follow Pearson VUE instructions. Your confirmation will tell you what is needed and what is not allowed. After my identity was confirmed, I was required to secure all items in a provided locker. I was allowed one form of ID in the testing room.   Nothing, and I mean nothing, else was allowed.
  4. champagne toastUse the tutorial. While the software seemed simple to me, why not take advantage of everything available to help you along the way?
  5. Develop a plan. You will have 100 questions to answer within 60 minutes. The tutorial will show you your options for proceeding. What worked for me might not be your best strategy. Just as everyone learns differently, everyone tests differently.

Now, time to celebrate with a special glass of vin/vinho/vino/wein/wine. Cheers!

Click here for more information on CSS and CSW Exams at Pearson.