What is a Certified Specialist of Wine?

When I share my business concept with people, their usual comment is, “Wow, you’re a sommelier?” Well, no. Not quite.

I am a Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW). It's a certification awarded by the Society of Wine Educators for passing a rigorous test designed for those focused on academic knowledge and education. A sommelier, on the other hand, is somebody that serves wine in a restaurant or winery business. Being a CSW allows me to legally and knowledgeably pour wine at private events.

So, what exactly is a CSW?

Earners of the CSW badge have validated their knowledge of wine and mastery of critical elements within the worlds of viticulture and wine production. Earners are entitled to use the CSW post-nominal as part of their professional signature. The exam is rigorous and requires almost a year of studying. It is a proctored and timed test - you have 60 minutes to complete it. There is a 50% fail rate for first-time test takers. I’m proud to say that I scored an 87 as a lay-woman (aka no prior industry experience).

My CSW Certificate

This certification is widely recognized and regarded by the international wine industry. It is a valuable and widely respected mark of a wine professional's commitment to personal career development and to the wine industry as a whole.