SDSU's Business of Wine Certificate Program Prepares Students for Success in Popular California Industry

The booming California wine industry continues to rank behind only Italy, Spain, and France in wine production, according to the latest report by the Wine Institute.

“California is the fourth leading wine producer and seventh largest wine exporter worldwide,” Wine Institute President and CEO Robert P. (Bobby) Koch told the wineinstitute.org.

To prepare students for success in this expanding industry, San Diego State University’s College of Extended Studies offers a Professional Certificate in the Business of Wine. Spring semester courses start Jan. 6.

The College will be hosting a spring semester open house from 6-7:30 pm Monday, Jan. 25 at Splash Wine Bar, 3043 University Ave., San Diego. Attendees will meet instructors and fellow students, as well as learn more about the SDSU wine program.

“I recommend the SDSU Business of Wine program to anyone who is serious about working in the wine industry,” said student Jeffrey Maltzman, founder, Blend Craft Wines. “Regardless whether you plan to work at a winery, work in a restaurant, or start your own wine wholesale company, the program offers an excellent background in the wide world of wine.”

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 a wine or hospitality career, and wine enthusiasts who desire a professional-level education.

“The program has far exceeded my expectations,” said student Brittany Barton, a bartender at the La Jolla Shores Hotel. “It would have been impossible to get these results out of a book on my own. I wouldn’t have known where to start. 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.”

To earn a certificate, nine courses must be completed within two years. Core courses are Exploring Wine, Wine Making Behind the Scenes, Business Opportunities in the Wine Industry, and Dynamic Wine and Food Pairing. Also required are five electives, including three intensive courses. Newcomers are recommended to begin with the introductory course: Exploring Wine, which starts March 28.

Students must be at least 21 years of age. 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).