Spring 2026 French Wine Essentials Course

Monday, April 6, 2026 From 5:00 PM To 8:00 PM Add to Calendar 2026-04-06 17:00:00 2026-04-06 20:00:00 Spring 2026 French Wine Essentials Course Join us in our Victorian Founder's Room for the first French Wine Essentials collaboration with the Commonwealth Wine School! French Library, 53 Marlborough Street, Boston, MA America/New_York

At French Library

Join us in the elegant Victorian Founder's Room for an educational offering from the French Library's Gastronomy and Wine Program and The Commonwealth Wine School.

Whether you're a wine professional, inquisitive wine enthusiast, or energetic epicurean looking to enhance your experiences through food and wine, French Wine Essentials provides students with a solid foundation on the wines of France.

French Wine Essentials, taught by Jo-Ann Ross, is the creation of the Wine Scholar Guild. It includes 8 1/2 class hours over 3 sessions (including an optional exam). The 15+ wines accompany the “need to know” regions, grape varieties, and wine styles. This is a passport to French wine and a stepping-stone to the internationally acclaimed French Wine Scholar, a professional certification program on the wines of France.

We will guide you on a wine-focused journey through France, learning about legendary wines, foods, landmarks and cultural attractions as you “travel” around the country. Within each section, a tantalizing palette of wines are showcased. The program is divided into five sections:

1. Introduction to France, French History, and French Wine Laws

2. Sparking Wines

3. Northern France

4. Central France

5. Southern France

Who is the French Wine Essentials course for?

Inquisitive wine enthusiasts and avid travelers wanting to become more familiar with the intricacies of French wine
Aspiring wine professionals
Hospitality professionals new to the world of French wine
Anyone wishing to become more knowledgeable about France, and its wine and food culture

Why choose French Wine Essentials?

This engaging and informative course will enable you to:

Acquire fundamental French wine knowledge in just weeks
Refine your tasting skills
Master the essential grapes and appellations of France’s major wine regions
Navigate the seemingly complicated French wine classification system
Be perfectly poised to continue your studies with the prestigious French Wine Scholar (FWS) certification program

What does the program cover?

France is home to over 400 individual wine appellations. French Wine Essentials introduces you to the most important regions and wine styles. Each wine is presented within a regional and cultural context while landmarks and traditional cuisine are highlighted to complete the curriculum.

What is included?

Classroom instruction
Extensive tastings
A beautifully designed 100+ page study manual
Access to interactive e-learning and support from expert educators guiding you through an inspiring adventure across France.
Light bites will be served at each session.

Dates: April 6, April 13, and April 27

French Wine Essentials Course

$600

There are no refunds or exchanges available for the Gastronomy and Wine Program events.

About Jo-Ann Ross

Jo-Ann Ross, lifelong wine enthusiast, took a hobby and turned it into a career as a Wine Educator. In addition to holding a Diploma of Wine and Spirits from Great Britain’s Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET), she is also a Wine Master Educator issued by the Wine Scholar Guild. Jo-Ann proudly brought the Wine Scholar Guild’s Italian Wine Scholar™ and French Wine Scholar™ programs to Massachusetts. Various wine regions, such as Bordeaux, Napa Valley, Languedoc, and Rhone Valley, have partnered with Jo-Ann to provide educational programs for staff and customers of retail stores and restaurants. Jo-Ann is the Director of Education for the Boston Sommelier Society as well as one of the original faculty members of the Commonwealth Wine School in Cambridge

Upcoming Events

See All Upcoming Events

Food & Wine

Pâtisserie class with Chef and Champagne

GASTRONOMY & WINE PROGRAM: YOUR FRENCH CULINARY ARTS AND WINE JOURNEY

Thursday, November 19, 2026

The French Library is delighted to present this cooking class from our Gastronomy & Wine program. Guided by excellence, this program is designed to educate you in the fine art of cooking and oenology with experts.

Food & Wine

French Culinary Atelier with Chef Cécile Penot Dietrich

In French, for all levels

Wednesday, December 9, 2026

Take a culinary journey to Alsace and learn to prepare traditional Bredele, the beloved Christmas cookies of the region, in this hands-on baking class taught in French.

Performing Arts & Screenings

Behind the Curtain : Le Porteur d'Histoire

In partnership with the French Theater Project

Thursday, November 12, 2026

Join us for a special preview of Le Porteur d’Histoire, Alexis Michalik’s award-winning play, ahead of its November 13–15 performances at the Calderwood Pavilion in Boston.

See All