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 both weekend residential experiences. Students are responsible for their own travel and lodging while attending the two weekend experiences, as well as any required textbooks. |
Wine Business Management Schedule Online
| January 17 – February 27, 2022 | Fundamentals of the Wine Business | |
| March 14 – April 24, 2022 | Wine Business Marketing Management | |
| May 9 – June 17, 2022 | Wine Tourism Management | |
| July 4 – August 14, 2022 | Small Business Management | |
| September 2 - 5, 2022 | WSU Wine Residential Weekend, Richland, WA | |
| September 12 – October 23, 2022 | Wine Business Law and Compliance | |
| November 7 – December 18, 2022 | Wine Business Financial Management | |
| December 31, 2022 | Final Packet Submission |
Register
Contact
Byron Marlowe, Ph.D., MBA
Don Smith Distinguished Professor of Hospitality Business Management
Director, Wine and Beverage Business Management
Faculty Director Washington Wine History Initiative
Washington State University | Tri-Cities Campus
509-372-7436 | byron.marlowe@wsu.edu
Meet Our Faculty
Tim Hanni, MW
Fundamentals of the Wine Business
Website
Doug Charles
Wine Business Marketing Management
Website
Byron Marlowe
Wine Tourism Management
Dr. Jenni Sandstrom
Small Business Management
Website
Jesse Lyon
Wine Business Law and Compliance
Website
Dr. Ken Bartkus
Brand Management
Dr. Greg Jones
Wine Studies
Website
Wine Business Management Facts
U.S. wine market is the largest in the world
— at $38+ billion.
Washington has over 1,000 wineries, 60,000 acres of wine grapes, and 15 American viticulture areas.
WSU Tri-Cities is home to the
Ste. Michelle Wine Estates WSU Wine Science Center.
Since 2013, the number of U.S. permitted wineries has grown nearly 40%; breweries 140%.
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