Germanic Wine Specialist™

Part of the Advanced Sommelier and Master Certification Tracks. Mondays, April 13th to June 8th.

The Germanic world of wine has a shared history, linguistic roots, and distinctive terroirs. This program explores how these five regions—Germany, Alsace, Austria, Switzerland, and Luxembourg—reflect both common traditions and strikingly individual identities. Students will engage with the evolution of vineyard culture, political and cultural influences, and the balance of tradition and innovation that defines Germanic wines today.

Over eight weeks, you will build a comprehensive understanding of these interconnected regions, learning to analyze their climates, soils, winemaking practices, and cultural significance. The course develops both a technical foundation and a critical perspective on how Germanic wine traditions have shaped—and been shaped by—European history.

Eight-Week Class Breakdown

Class 1: Germany – Foundations and Frameworks
We begin with Germany as the anchor of the Germanic wine world. This session introduces the geography of German vineyards, the evolution of classification systems, and the cultural ideals that continue to influence winemaking today.

Class 2: Germany – Terroir and Regional Expression
An exploration of Germany’s regional differences, from river valleys to southern slopes. We analyze how geology, microclimates, and vineyard management create distinct identities across Germany’s major regions.

Class 3: Germany – Tradition, Modernity, and Global Reach
This class examines stylistic evolution in Germany, tracing the tension between tradition and innovation. We discuss how German winemaking has responded to shifting markets, from classical expressions to modern global styles.

Class 4: Germany – Contemporary Challenges and Climate Change
Germany’s vineyards are on the front line of climate change. This session considers how rising temperatures, new varietal plantings, and evolving techniques are reshaping the identity of German wine in the 21st century.

Class 5: Alsace – Between Borders and Cultures
Alsace reflects both French and German influences, with centuries of shifting political borders shaping its wine culture. This class explores how Alsace created a unique identity that bridges and diverges from its neighbors.

Class 6: Austria – Imperial Heritage and Modern Innovation
From Habsburg vineyards to contemporary wine law reforms, Austria’s history reveals a culture that blends tradition with scientific rigor. This session examines Austria’s journey from crisis to resurgence and its role in today’s Germanic wine world.

Class 7: Switzerland and Luxembourg – Alpine and Borderland Traditions
These two small but distinctive regions illustrate how scale, geography, and political context shape wine identity. We compare Switzerland’s alpine viticulture with Luxembourg’s borderland influence, showing their place within the Germanic framework.

Class 8: Germanic Wines in Context
The concluding session draws the threads together, comparing Germanic regions and their shared cultural DNA. Students will evaluate how these wine traditions continue to evolve and how they fit into the broader European and global wine landscape.