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.
Estimated Total Cost
Min. Completion Time
Course FormatThe 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 | 19SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WI 0001 Exploring Wine (recommended as the first course in the series) | 24 | $499 | M | 1/28-3/18 |
| WI 0007 Wine Making Behind the Scenes | 9 | $279 | ||
| WI 0019 Business Opportunities in the Wine Industry | 15 | $349 | M | 5/6-6/10 |
| WI 0023 Dynamic Wine and Food Pairing | 6 | $309 | Sa | 3/23 |
| Elective Courses (complete 2) | Hours | Cost | Day | 19SP |
| WI 0021 Wine List Creation | 9 | $279 | ||
| WI 0022 The Character of Wine | 9 | $279 | ||
| WI 0030 Wine Flaws and Faults | 6 | $309 | ||
| WI 0032 Sensory Evaluation | 9 | $279 | ||
| WI 0034 Importing and Distribution | 15 | $339 | ||
| WI 0040 Vineyard Management | 15 | $339 | Th/Sa | 2/21-3/2 |
| WI 0041 Marketing Wine | 15 | $339 | ||
| CB 0012 Beer and Wine: Service and Selling | 9 | $279 | ||
| Intensive Courses (complete 3) | Hours | Cost | Day | 19SP |
| WI 0017 Intensive: California Wines | 9 | $279 | ||
| WI 0020 Intensive: French Wines | 12 | $339 | Th | 3/14-4/4 |
| WI 0024 Intensive: Italian Wines | 9 | $279 | W | 2/6-2/20 |
| WI 0026 Intensive: Spanish Wines | 9 | $279 | ||
| WI 0028 Intensive: Dessert Wines | 9 | $279 | ||
| WI 0029 Intensive: South American Wines | 9 | $279 | ||
| WI 0031 Intensive: Australian Wines | 9 | $279 | ||
| WI 0035 Intensive: Sparkling Wines | 9 | $279 | ||
| WI 0033 Intensive: Austrian/German Wines | 9 | $279 | ||
| WI 0038 Intensive: Organic and Biodynamic Wines | 9 | $279 |
*Dates and prices 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 (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
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.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