Who We Are and What We do

Driven by curiosity. Built for those who want to understand, not just memorize.

French wine isn’t just something you learn, it’s something you live.

It carries language, landscape, and legacy.

We started Paris Wine Academy because we believe the best way to understand wine is at the source, walking the rows of vines, sharing meals with growers, and seeing how culture and craft shape what ends up in the bottle.

This isn’t tourism dressed up as education. And it’s not education stripped of context.

It’s for people who want both: structure and soul. Who wants to know not just what the rules are, but why they exist and how they’re evolving.

We bring certified wine programs into real-world settings. That means serious coursework, guided by experienced instructors, with layered cultural experiences that bring the curriculum to life.

If you’re a curious traveler or a wine professional looking to deepen your connection to France and its wines, not just pass a test, this is your place

Our Team

Nicolas

Nicknamed “The Professor” by students and friends, Nicolas holds the WSET Diploma and spent several years in the Master of Wine program. He teaches WSET certification and several wine courses at institutions across France, including the Burgundy School of Business and INSEEC. Nicolas is an official ambassador for the Wines of Provence. Born in Paris but fluent in English and German, he’s lived in Burgundy, traveled widely through European wine regions, and brings deep academic knowledge balanced by real-world perspective. He thrives in diverse, international classrooms believing the best learning happens when ideas are exchanged across cultures, not just delivered from the front of the room.

Emily Erin

Emily is a certified sommelier, French Wine Scholar and the voice behind the Paris Wine Girl blog. She has led hundreds of travelers through France’s wine regions, designing immersive experiences rooted in storytelling, landscape, and connection. With a background in anthropology, performance, and wine marketing, she brings a sharp eye and a creative touch often behind the camera, capturing the quiet details that make a place unforgettable. She specializes in helping English-speaking travelers feel at home in the complexities of French wine and culture.

What We Offer

We teach official Wine Scholar Guild® certification programs in a format that connects theory to lived experience.

Our offerings include:

French Wine Essentials (FWE) – a short-format certification designed for curious wine lovers and professionals alike
French Wine Scholar (FWS) – a comprehensive advanced program for serious students of French wine

Available in Paris and Lyon, these courses are offered in two formats:

Immersive Format (with cultural activities and wine region day trips)
Classroom-Only Format (once a year, in Paris)

We keep our cohorts *intentionally small with a max of 6 people because depth, conversation, and shared experience matter. It’s how we protect the quality of what we offer, and how we make sure every student feels seen, challenged, and supported.