Is a wine tasting class the same as a wine education course? At SDSU, our wine courses combine wine tasting and wine education. It's 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 exam and helps you train for success in wine-related occupations.
The Professional Certificate in the Business of Wine is designed to prepare participants for success in wine-related occupations. Through engaging discussion and directed tastings, The Business of Wine courses let you experience the world of wine twofold: wine education and business education. Building your wine knowledge gives you a competitive edge in your career. Must be 21 years of age to take these courses.
| Core Courses (complete all 4) | Hours | Cost | Day | 18SP | 18SU | 18FA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WI 0001 Exploring Wine (prerequisite for all other courses) | 24 | $499 | M | 1/22-2/26 | 5/14-6/25 | ✔ |
| WI 0007 Wine Making Behind the Scenes | 9 | $249 | ✔ | |||
| WI 0019 Business Opportunities in the Wine Industry | 15 | $349 | M | 4/23-5/21 | ||
| WI 0023 Dynamic Wine and Food Pairing | 6 | $309 | Sa | 4/28 | ||
| Elective Courses (complete 2) | Hours | Cost | Day | 18SP | 18SU | 18FA |
| WI 0021 Wine List Creation | 9 | $249 | ||||
| WI 0022 The Character of Wine | 9 | $249 | ||||
| WI 0030 Wine Flaws and Faults | 6 | $219 | ||||
| WI 0032 Sensory Evaluation | 6 | $219 | ||||
| WI 0034 Importing and Distribution | 15 | $339 | W/Th | 2/22-3/21 | ||
| WI 0040 Vineyard Management | 15 | $339 | Th/Sa | 5/3-5/12 | ||
| WI 0041 Marketing Wine | 15 | $339 | Th | 3/22-4/19 | ||
| CB 0012 Beer and Wine: Service and Selling | 9 | $249 | ||||
| Intensive Courses (complete 3) | Hours | Cost | Day | 18SP | 18SU | 18FA |
| WI 0017 Intensive: California Wines | 9 | $259 | Th | |||
| WI 0020 Intensive: French Wines | 9 | $259 | M | |||
| WI 0024 Intensive: Italian Wines | 9 | $259 | Tu | 5/2-5/16 | ||
| WI 0026 Intensive: Spanish Wines | 9 | $259 | M | |||
| WI 0027 Intensive: Burgundy Wines | 9 | $259 | M | |||
| WI 0028 Intensive: Dessert Wines | 9 | $259 | ||||
| WI 0029 Intensive: South American Wines | 9 | $259 | Tu | 4/3-4/17 | ||
| WI 0031 Intensive: Australian Wines | 9 | $259 | 7/19-8/2 | |||
| WI 0035 Intensive: Sparkling Wines | 9 | $259 | ||||
| WI 0033 Intensive: Austrian/German Wines | 9 | $259 | 8/21-9/4 | |||
| WI 0038 Intensive: Organic and Biodynamic Wines | 9 | $259 | W |
*Dates subject to change
Enrolling in the Program
Enroll in the program at any time, even before registering for a course. It’s free, and offers many benefits:
- Secure your curriculum (should the requirements change in the future).
- See upcoming courses when you log into your student account.
- Track your progress.
Enrolling in a program doesn’t mean you’re registered for courses. You still must register and pay for each course you wish to take.
These comprehensive courses are geared for professionals and entrepreneurs in the wine, food, and hospitality fields who want to quickly expand their knowledge of wine topics. The certificate is directed to: restaurant owners and staff, winery employees, event planners, distribution and retail sales employees, wine bar owners and staff, anyone interested in moving into wine or hospitality careers, and wine enthusiasts who desire a professional level education.
For additional information please email wine.ces@sdsu.edu or call Kelly McEtchin at (619) 594-3946.
A reduced fee for SDSU alumni is available. Please call the CES registration office at (619) 594-5152 to register using the SDSU alumni discount. Double discounts or retroactive discounts are not allowed.
Student Testimonials
All of the classes expanded my knowledge of wine and helped me get to where I am now. The certificate program instructors work in the business and are very knowledgeable. They are very willing to answer questions. They make sure everything is clear.
— Eddie Zavestoski
Two of the best things about the wine classes are the intimacy and the relaxed nature of the instructors. You can feel their passion and knowledge. This passion spurred me to take more classes, and learn more about wine. Every class was a surprise and every glass was a surprise. I realized how good wine could be with knowledge; how uniform it is. I also learned that wine people are cool.
— Michael Cheatham
One of the best most incredibly useful classes I have ever taken.
— Michael Bulmey
The teachers have a lot of knowledge in the business. The exhibitors they had in every class were perfect for the topic.
— Jose Espinoza
Business of Wine Advisory Board
- Jesse Rodriguez, AIWS, M.Ed., sommelier, CWE, director of wine, Montage Palmetto Bluff
- Lisa Lipton, past national chair, American Institute of Food & Wine
- Michael A. Cheatham, CSW, CSS, WLS, CSWE, independent wine educator and consultant
- Linda Kissam, owner, Kissam Consulting
- William Byxbee, dean emeritus, SDSU College of Extended Studies
- Carl Winston, director, SDSU’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management
- Peggy Evans, executive director, Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association
- Lisa Redwine, advanced sommelier, sales rep, Regal Wine Co.
- Gus Vizgirda, winemaker, Wilson Creek Winery
- Deborah Lazear, CSW, owner, Wine and Food: Uncorked
- Ken Mills, CEO/president, Wine Steals
SDSU's College of Extended Studies would like to express special thanks to all Business of Wine guest speakers and to the companies listed here for contributing to the program's success.
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Wilson Creek Winery |
South Coast Winery Resort & Spa |
Orfila Vineyards and Winery |
San Diego City Beat |
SDSU Research Foundation Program