ROHNERT PARK, CA. – Sonoma State University’s (SSU) Wine Business Institute (WBI) announces its Fall 2024 offerings of wine business courses. Whether you’re seeking a career change or looking to advance in the wine industry, our online programs are designed to help you succeed in this dynamic field. These courses offer in-depth insights into key aspects of the wine business, including marketing, sales, finance, and production, equipping you with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive. Taught by industry experts, our programs combine practical, hands-on learning with valuable networking opportunities. Accessible online from anywhere in the world, these courses can be taken individually or as part of a certificate in Wine Business Management or Wine Business Finance and Accounting, providing flexibility for professionals at all stages of their careers.
Wine Business Management (short courses):
Survey of Key Drivers in Wine Business: Strategies for Success in a Competitive Market
Four Weeks
August 29 to October 24
This course provides wine professionals with practical insights and strategies to improve operations. Through real-world applications, students will better understand regulations, production, distribution, and marketing, enabling informed decisions and future opportunities. The course blends current practices with forward-looking strategies for success in a competitive wine market.
Wine Sales Management: Mastering Route-to-Market and Client Relations
Eight Weeks
October 1 to November 26
This course equips wine professionals with essential skills to navigate the route-to-market landscape. Over eight weeks, students will develop client-facing sales, territory management, and sales strategies across retail, restaurant, and e-commerce channels. The course covers pricing strategies, distribution management, and effective sales presentations, providing practical knowledge and actionable strategies to boost sales performance and capitalize on opportunities in the wine market.
Wine Import and Distribution: Crafting Your Path to Success in the U.S. Market
Four Weeks
November 6 to December 11
This course will introduce the concepts of becoming an importer / distributor of alcohol with focus on the necessary steps from concept to inception of the wine industry. This covers the business applications and operating policies to operate within the US. Using real world examples and costing models, the students will explore and prepare a business plan demonstrating a particular aspect of the wine importing / distribution activity.
Wine Industry Finance & Accounting (short courses):
Cost Analysis and Pricing Strategy: Financial Precision for Sustainable Wine Pricing
Four Weeks
October 23 to November 20
This four-week course equips wine professionals with the tools to accurately assess product costs and develop profitable pricing strategies. By mastering cost accounting methods and calculating cost of goods sold, students will be able to implement sustainable pricing models tailored to various wine business scenarios. The course covers key topics such as margin analysis and inventory tracking, ensuring that participants leave with a solid foundation in financial precision to drive profitability and growth in their wine business.
For more information about the Wine Business Institute, Wine Business Courses, please click here.
