Wine Business Management
The one-year, online, non-credit certificate program in Wine Business Management will benefit students who are seriously interested in working in the wine industry and want to expand their knowledge to enhance their current position or change in career.
About the Certificate
This certificate program provides a unique focus on the following areas of the business of wine:
-
- Financial Consideration
- Legal Issues
- Marketing
- Small Business Management
- Strategic Business Planning
- Wine Tourism
Cost |
$4,995 for entire certificate program OR $995 for individual modules |
Length |
12 months with 6 modules |
Format |
Online classes with one residential weekend |
Objectives |
To provide core content and experiences that allow those interested in the business of wine to develop skills and knowledge in key aspects of wine business planning, management, and marketing. This program also applies to other types of beverage businesses including beer, distilled beverages, ciders, and others. |
Assessment |
Students will develop a wine or beverage-oriented business plan providing an overall outcome and relevant components as part of each module. Additional assessment may include exams, written work, and other related projects. |
Certificate Completion |
Students must successfully pass each course and attend the weekend residential experience. Students are responsible for their own travel and lodging while attending the weekend experience, as well as any required textbooks. |
Wine Business Management Schedule Online
Modules can be taken in any order and you can start the program at any time. |
|
| September 12 – October 23, 2022 | Wine Business Law and Compliance |
| November 7 – December 18, 2022 | Wine Business Financial Management |
| January 16 – February 26, 2023 | Fundamentals of the Wine Business |
| March 13 – April 30, 2023 | Wine Business Marketing Management (Module is 7 weeks long to accommodate the residential weekend) |
| March 31 - April 2 2023 | WSU Wine Residential Weekend, Woodinville, WA |
| May 8 – June 18, 2023 | Wine Tourism Management |
| July 3 – August 13, 2023 | Small Business Management |
| September 11 – October 22, 2023 | Wine Business Law and Compliance |
| November 6 – December 17, 2023 | Wine Business Financial Management |
Final Packet Submission due within 30 days of completion of your last module |
|
Register
Contact
Jenni Sandstrom, PhD, CHE
Associate Professor
Tod and Maxine McClaskey Endowed Chair
School of Hospitality Business Management
Washington State University | Vancouver Campus
360-546-9109 | jennifer.sandstrom@wsu.edu
Meet Our Faculty
Tim Hanni, MW
Fundamentals of the Wine Business
Website
Doug Charles
Wine Business Marketing Management
Website
Sarah Wolcott
Wine Tourism Management
Website
Dr. Jenni Sandstrom
Small Business Management
Website
Jesse Lyon
Wine Business Law and Compliance
Website
TBD
Wine Business Financial Management
Wine Business Management Facts
U.S. wine market is the largest in the world
— at $51.35 billion.
(source: Statista)
Washington has over 1,050 wineries, 60,000+ acres of wine grapes, and 20 American viticulture areas.
(source: Washingtonwine.org, June 2022)
WSU Tri-Cities is home to the
Ste. Michelle Wine Estates WSU Wine Science Center.
(source: Washingtonwine.org, June 2022)
90% of Washington wineries are small, independent wineries producing under 5,000 cases
(source: Washingtonwine.org, June 2022)
Student Testimonials
Had I not taken these classes, I would have naively just taken out a monster loan to start a winery or naively bought land to plant vines and build a tasting room. Yikes!!!! That could have been a disaster!!!
– Judy Morrison 20’
I found the WSU Wine Certificate Program to be the “Goldilocks” story for me as a busy professional searching for a quality education in the wine industry, but not having the time to devote to living on campus. The course was engaging and challenging. The professors and staff passionate and provided a broad perspective of the field. During the year I was able to become acquainted with many talented people in the industry. These contacts from the school and in the business community, many whom have become friends, will continue to be great resources long after the class is completed… because business never is.
– David Talbott 18’– Centennial Cellars