Wine Industry Management, BS

The wine industry management prepares wine studies students to participate in a variety of exciting wine business professions. The wine industry management curriculum focuses on the business of wine to include administration and management, wine distribution, wine law and compliance, marketing and sales, advanced digital marketing and more.

The program prepares graduates for an exciting career in the dynamic wine industry such as tasting room management, wine marketing and sales, wine club management, wine tourism and events, winery management, wine program development and management, professional sommelier, distribution, consulting and so much more.

Admission Requirements
Students must be 18 years of age to apply for the major. All classroom courses involving wine tasting will require students to taste and spit per Washington State legislation RCW 66.20.010 (12) a-f.

Students wishing to declare a major in Wine Studies must be an incoming first-year or transfer student or have a cumulative CWU GPA of 2.5.

Upon admittance to the program students must agree to, and sign, a written statement regarding professional ethics, conduct and responsibility.

Program Learner Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Identify and describe the history, terroir, grape varietals, wine styles, wine laws, and practices of wine-producing regions worldwide, including the influence of viticulture and enology on wine style and quality.
• Evaluate wine using professional sensory techniques to assess its characteristics, and potential use in wine programs, events, and pairings that align with industry service standards.
• Explain the grapevine’s physiology and growth cycle, summarize viticultural and enological techniques, and analyze their impact on grape quality, wine characteristics, and environmental sustainability.
• Create business plans, marketing strategies, and budgets while applying management, leadership, and operational practices to wine industry scenarios.
• Explore designated wine regions, trends, financial considerations, legal issues, and global trade and distribution systems through internships and field experiences.