Congratulations to Ian Goh Xin Hua , FWS for passing the French Wine Scholar exam with highest honors with Lim Hwee Peng School of Wine in Singapore!
About Ian Goh Xin Hua:
''Growing up in a family of foodies and winos, it was natural that I developed a zest for F&B at an early age. A carafe of house pour red is not an uncommon sight at family dinners or gatherings. Upon enrollment into the Singapore Hotel and Tourism Education Centre (SHATEC) where I undertook a Diploma in Culinary Arts, my passion for wine was sparked. Through the course of my studies at SHATEC, I was introduced to the fundamentals of wine-making and the multitudinous wine laws and appellations of the major wine-producing regions throughout the globe. It was from this experience that I decided to pursue my interest in wine. Four years (and numerous bottles of wine later), I have finally graduated as a French Wine Scholar.
Prior to taking the French Wine Scholar exam, I’ve also passed the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 3 as well as the Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) program.
The French Wine Scholar Program has widened my perspective about French wines mainly because of its sole focus on the country compared to the programs that I have completed in the past where they covered the various global regions. On first glance, the study of French wines may appear uncomplicated but there is much content to recall ,from the different percentages of wine blends, to the different soils for different lieu-dits etc. Attaining this certification has certainly reinforced my understanding on France as a whole.
In the near future, I hope to enroll myself into the Italian Wine Scholar (IWS) course as well as the Certified Sommelier Certification by the Court of Master Sommeliers.
What I thoroughly enjoyed about the FWS Program was its depth of detail, and the effort Lisa Airey took to not only explain the many intricacies about the French Wine laws but also the history and gastronomic aspect of France. This was undeniably a breath of fresh air compared to both the programs that I have previously done. With the aid of the FWS text, the well-structured contents and key points allowed smooth revision for my examination. I believe that this rigour has given me an edge with regards to potential courses in the future.
I believe that having competent wine and beverage knowledge is paramount for people wishing to peak in the F&B industry. In my most humble opinion, there is a great lack of individuals who have even the most basic beverage proficiency required to serve discerning guests. Despite working at the back of the house, I believe that wine knowledge is still important when it comes to the planning of menus and recipe development. One should not be too entirely dependent on the outlet’s Sommelier and both sides of the restaurant should be able work hand-in-hand when it comes to Research and Development. Armed with the knowledge in French Wines upon completion of this program, I believe that I am ready to assist on command should there be any queries during menu planning.''
