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Washington State University
Carson College of Business Wine Business Management Certificate Program

Wine Business Management

Professional Certificate Program

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.
To earn the certificate, you must complete all 6 modules and the final packet

January 16 – February 26, 2023Fundamentals of the Wine Business
March 13 – April 30, 2023Wine Business Marketing Management (Module is 7 weeks long to accommodate the residential weekend)
March 31 - April 2 2023WSU Wine Residential Weekend, Woodinville, WA
May 8 – June 18, 2023Wine Tourism Management
July 3 – August 13, 2023Small Business Management
September 11 – October 22, 2023Wine Business Law and Compliance
November 6 – December 17, 2023Wine 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

April Reddout
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