SDSU Business of Wine Courses Prepare Students for Jobs in a Lucrative Industry

According to a report by the Wine Institute and California Association of Winegrape Growers, the California wine industry has an annual impact of $51.8 billion on the state’s economy, and an economic impact of $125.3 billion on the U.S. economy.

San Diego State University’s College of Extended Studies offers a Professional Certificate in the Business of Wine that is designed to prepare students for occupations in this booming industry.

“The biggest strength of the Business of Wine certificate program was the breadth of the courses,” said Grant Tondro, co-owner of The Barrel Room, Urge GastroPub, and Brothers Provisions. “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.”

The comprehensive Business of Wine courses are geared for professionals and entrepreneurs in the wine, food, and hospitality fields who want to quickly expand their knowledge of industry topics. The certificate is directed to restaurant owners and staff, winery employees, event planners, distribution and retail sales employees, wine bar owners and staff; plus anyone interested in moving into wine or hospitality careers, and wine enthusiasts who desire a professional-level education.

“Anyone interested in moving forward in the restaurant industry or even just for personal enrichment will gain valuable lessons and knowledge,” said former student Ben Probe, a bartender/server. “I couldn’t even say Pinot Noir the correct way when I started. Now I’m able to recognize what it tastes like in a blind tasting and even narrow down what part of the world it came from and how old it is.”

Sandy Hanshaw, owner of The Wine Pub in San Diego, added: “The classes gave me the confidence and knowledge I needed to realize that I could have my own wine business sometime in the future. About a year after I completed the certificate program, I was laid off from my career in hotel sales. It was at this time that I made the change and opened up The Wine Pub. The certificate program was a definite stepping stone to its success.”

SDSU is offering three Business of Wine classes during the remainder of summer:

Importing and Distribution, Wednesdays, July 8-29, 6-9 pm
Intensive (Spanish Wines), Mondays, July 13-August 3, 6-9 pm
Intensive (Austrian/German Wines), Mondays, August 10-24, 6-9 pm

For more information, email eyousif@mail.sdsu.edu, visit neverstoplearning.net/wine, or call (619) 594-1138.

SDSU’s College of Extended Studies reaches out to San Diego, the nation, and the world with a wide variety of lifelong learning opportunities, and more than 50 certificate programs for career advancement. Topics range from contract management, construction, and craft beer, to grant writing, marketing, and human resources. And many programs are available online. The CES also offers one of the largest ESL programs in the U.S. through the American Language Institute; and university-quality courses to students age 50 and better through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. Other opportunities include seminars, study abroad, corporate education and access to regular SDSU classes through Open University. For more information or to register, visit neverstoplearning.net or call (619) 265-7378 (SDSU).