The Business of Wine Professional Certificate helps prepare participants for success in wine-related occupations. Most classes are held at restaurants and wineries.
Who Should Attend?
The series is directed to: restaurant managers, owners, entrepreneurs, winery employees, event planners, bartenders, bar managers, distribution and retail sales employees, wine enthusiasts, and anyone interested in moving into hospitality careers. Must be 21 years of age to register for this program.
The Certificate
Choose five courses to earn your certificate from the following: Exploring Wine; Red, White, and Champagne; Wine Making Behind the Scenes; Dynamic Wine and Food Pairing I; Dynamic Wine and Food Pairing II; Wine Business Strategies; Bottle to Glass: From Winery to Consumer; and Connecting with Wine through Social Media.
Exploring Wine is recommended as the first course in the series. Dynamic Wine and Food Pairing I should be taken prior to Dynamic Wine and Food Pairing II.
Workplace Benefits:
Go "behind the scenes" to understand the complexities of the wine business
Explore the differences and various market segments from beverage wine to luxury wine
Deliver higher revenue to your business by understanding wine and marketing
Learn the latest data from experts who track the industry
Discuss the critical issues facing the wine business today with key experts discussing their strategies and solutions
Hear what experts predict will be key business issues facing the industry in the future and learn what steps they are taking to prepare for them
The Business of Wine Certificate at San Diego State University is going to prepare you for an exciting career in the wine industry and the hospitality industry. It is very true that the wine industry is burgeoning today and there's lots of opportunities for bright, young people. But bright isn't enough, you really need an important education. This certificate course is going to give you education in: culture, food, business, retailing, and much more. I really hope that more
programs like the Business of Wine Certificate at the College of Extended Studies at San Diego State sprout up. I think it's a great program and I'm very proud to host it here. Deborah Lezear is a wine educator and what's amazing about Deborah is not just her level of knowledge but her ability to connect with all of her students as well. So she's an expert in her field and she's an expert at teaching, too. I feel like a lot of the teachers in this course bring something different to
the table with all of their experiences and their levels and involvement with the industry. They all do bring different perspectives, so it really gives you a well-rounded education with the business of wine program. I really encourage you to take that opportunity and get a certificate from the College of Extended Studies and further your career in Hospitality and Wine.
Location of Classes
SDSU Extended Studies/Gateway Centers, corner of Campanile Drive and Hardy Avenue, unless otherwise noted.
For additional information please email extended.std@sdsu.edu or call (619) 594-6924.
Textbook/course material information is available at www.sdsubookstore.com/es; just use your five digit schedule number when selecting a course.
SDSU Research Foundation Program
Fall 2009 Courses
Exploring Wine
This course takes students on a journey around the world of wine. Topics covered include: history, grape varietals, viticulture, language and labeling, tastings, as well as guest speakers from the wine industry who offer their expertise. This is an extensive overview of the role and influence of wine in history and today’s culture.
Instructor: Lisa Redwine, CS, manager and wine director, The Shores Restaurant, La Jolla.
Noncredit Schedule No. 09FAWI 99437 PW Dates:
Tuesdays, August 25-Sept. 22, 6-9 pm
Location: SDSU Extended Studies/Gateway Centers, corner of Campanile Drive and Hardy Avenue. Fee:
$295 ($325 after Aug. 18)
Schedule Number 09FAWI 99437 PW is Closed
Sensory of Wine - Aroma and Palate
This new course is a baseline and cornerstone of wine knowledge. From capturing varietal aroma and palate, to understanding characteristics, wine making techniques and flaws, this course will be your ongoing reference for wine tasting, pairing, and appreciation. Gain new skills to use in restaurants, wine bars, wine country, or at home!
Instructor: Steve Hamlin, master chef, CMC, CEC.
Noncredit Schedule No. 09FAWI 99446 PW Date:
Saturday, Sept. 12, 9 am-4:30 pm
Location: Vail Ranch Steakhouse, 27600 Jefferson Avenue, Temecula, CA 92590 Fee:
$195 ($225 after Sept. 5)
Schedule Number 09FAWI 99446 PW is Closed
Connecting with Wine through Social Media
Millions of consumers now use the internet to gather information before making a buying decision. Traditional wine marketing is no longer enough. This new course will help you discover how the internet and social media are reshaping the wine market. You will be taught the fundamentals of using social media applications and platforms that facilitate interaction, collaboration and sharing of information among wine consumers.
Instructor: Rob Barnett, CEO and founder VinVillage.
Noncredit Schedule No. 09FAWI 99449 PW Dates:
Mondays, Oct. 5-26, 6-9 pm
Location: SDSU Extended Studies/Gateway Centers, corner of Campanile Drive and Hardy Avenue. Fee:
$295 ($325 after Sept. 28)
Schedule Number 09FAWI 99449 PW is Closed
Wine Making Behind the Scenes
This course will give true insight into the way wine is made by visiting a winery. Learn "from grape to table" the philosophy, manufacturing, and operations of the wine business. Basic knowledge of state regulations will be examined as well as discussion focusing on how climate, soil, and perception relate to profit. Classes will be held at a local winery.
Instructor: Mike Tingley, winemaker and enologist.
Noncredit Schedule No. 09FAWI 99444 PW Date:
Saturday, Oct. 17, 9 am-4:30 pm
Location: South Coast Winery Resort and Spa 34843 Rancho California Road, Temecula, California Fee:
$195 ($225 after Oct. 11)
Schedule Number 09FAWI 99444 PW is Closed
SDSU’s College of Extended Studies would like to express
special thanks to all Business of Wine guest speakers and to the
companies listed here for contributing to the program’s success.
Bernardo Winery
South Coast Winery Resort and Spa
Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association
Business of Wine Advisory Board
Tracy Wallace Certified Sommelier, Deborah Lazear Certified Specialist of Wine, Frank Mangio Certified Wine Connoisseur and Syndicated Columnist for A Taste of Wine, Lynn Alley Food and Wine Writer, Jim Swelgin Larkwood Cellars, Paula and Phil Cutting Mellow Wine Bar, John Alonge San Diego Wine and Culinary Center, Steve Hamlin SCH Consulting, William Byxbee SDSU College of Extended Studies Dean Emeritus, Carl Winston SDSU Hospitality and Tourism Management, Marshall Stuart Stuart Cellars, Jeff Rossman Terra Restaurant, Ron James Wine and Food Journalist, Linda Kissam Wine Consultant, Mike Tingley Winemaker/Enologist, and Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association
Last update
November 13, 2009
The statements found on this page/site are for informational purposes only.
While every effort is made to ensure that this information is up-to-date
and accurate, official information can be found in the University publications.
Professional Certificate in The Business of Wine
Textbook/course material information is available at 
Connecting with Wine through Social Media
