Is a wine tasting class the same as a wine education course? At SDSU, our wine classes combine wine tasting and wine education. The wine certification program is a combination of lecture, reading, and tasting – a holistic approach to wine. If you're considering taking sommelier classes, our Professional Certificate in the Business of Wine program prepares you for the Sommelier certification exam and helps you train for success in wine-related occupations. Learn about the wine business in a series of informative and engaging wine education classes.
After two remarkable decades, we're concluding the Business of Wine program after summer 2024. The program's impact on the industry and our global student community fills us with pride. We extend heartfelt thanks to our community for their invaluable contributions.
Looking ahead, we encourage existing students to reach out and plan their path to completing the program and earning their certificates. Although new students won't be able to finish the program, they can still enjoy classes and explore the world of wine with our instructors over the next few months. We will continue to offer courses through the summer 2024 term.
Our gratitude to everyone who played a role in making this program a success. Join us in savoring the final courses and toasting to the rich legacy of our shared vinous journey.
Core Courses
This course takes students on a journey around the world of wine. Topics covered include: history, grape varietals, viticulture, language and labeling, tastings; as well as an introduction to food and wine pairing, wine service and temperatures, and the wine-making process. This is an overview of the role and influence of wine in history and today's culture, a foundation for further wine education.
January 22 - March 11
February 17 - February 24
February 27 - March 26
January 17 - February 7
Elective Courses
November 4 - November 11
October 21 - October 21
April 11 - May 16
In this class, you’ll learn how to create a strong business model and start building a portfolio to match. You’ll also learn about different resources that wine industry professionals have used to build their businesses. Through real-world advice, guided wine tastings, and a close examination of different brands, styles, and packaging, you’ll learn what it takes to stand out in a crowded field and find success in importing and distribution.
“Wine is sunlight, held together by water.”
~ Galileo
October 18 - November 15
April 5 - May 13
Courses
- Dive into the history and traditions of California wines to gain a solid understanding of the evolution of California wines. This is an imperative knowledge base for anyone seeking employment in the wine industry as they begin to sell, produce, or market wine in California.
- Gain knowledge of California grapes
- Develop an understanding of viti/viniculture practices, including the science, study, and production of grapes, as well as wine styles.
- Get a glimpse into the future of California wines.
June 8 - June 29
Student Testimonials
The program is fun, the instructors are passionate … and it’s wonderful to see new courses being added as the program continues to grow and evolve. I also believe the program is a great networking vehicle for wine enthusiasts and industry professionals.
The program is fun, the instructors are passionate … and it’s wonderful to see new courses being added as the program continues to grow and evolve. I also believe the program is a great networking vehicle for wine enthusiasts and industry professionals.
The program far exceeded my expectations. It would have been impossible to get these results out of a book on my own. I wouldn’t have known where to start. Each class takes you beyond the surface and really helps develop an understanding of cultures, geography, and history of the region of study. The instructors bring so much passion and personal experience into their teachings that I walk out of class feeling like I was just in France.
– Brittany Barton, Entrepreneur
The program far exceeded my expectations. It would have been impossible to get these results out of a book on my own. I wouldn’t have known where to start. Each class takes you beyond the surface and really helps develop an understanding of cultures, geography, and history of the region of study. The instructors bring so much passion and personal experience into their teachings that I walk out of class feeling like I was just in France.
The program is great for building a foundation of knowledge if you’re looking for a career change. Or if you’re looking at this more as a hobby, it’s educational and fun!
– Erin Woodard, Fine Wine Specialist, Henry Wine Group
The program is great for building a foundation of knowledge if you’re looking for a career change. Or if you’re looking at this more as a hobby, it’s educational and fun!
My company specializes in wine education programs on cruise ships, and SDSU’s program has given me an outstanding background of knowledge about the wine industry, wine making, and wine regions of the world. The courses are educational, entertaining and interactive; and the professors are, without exception, top leaders in the Southern California wine industry.
– Jeffrey Maltzman, Founder, Blend Craft Wines’ Winery at Sea Program
My company specializes in wine education programs on cruise ships, and SDSU’s program has given me an outstanding background of knowledge about the wine industry, wine making, and wine regions of the world. The courses are educational, entertaining and interactive; and the professors are, without exception, top leaders in the Southern California wine industry.
The biggest strength of the Business of Wine certificate program was the breadth of the courses. If someone like me who’s already an industry professional has gaps to fill, there’s a course for them. The program is absolutely worth it and you can get out of it as much as you put into it.
– Grant Tondro, Co–Owner, The Barrel Room, Urge GastroPub, and Brothers Provisions
The biggest strength of the Business of Wine certificate program was the breadth of the courses. If someone like me who’s already an industry professional has gaps to fill, there’s a course for them. The program is absolutely worth it and you can get out of it as much as you put into it.
SDSU Research Foundation Program