Wine Business and Marketing courses

“The successful wine marketer aims to sell the last bottle of wine at the highest price just before the next vintage release.” – K. Moulton

Our e-learning courses, designed for both novices and wine enthusiasts, fall into two categories: those for individuals with no prior wine knowledge and those for individuals with existing wine expertise.

For those with prior wine knowledge, our initial courses delve into sensory evaluations, wine styles, international wine regions, labels, classifications, sommeliership, cellar management, wine and food pairing, terroir, viticulture, and wine production. Additionally, we explore grape varieties, climate influences, and various wine types.

Important: In the individual descriptions of our courses, we do not give full details of the various topics or subject matter covered in our lectures. More details are available upon specific request from genuinely interested persons. Our courses are designed by experienced wine professionals who know which specific topics are required for that course.

International Certificate in Wine Essentials, Business & Marketing
(40 e-learning lectures – no prior wine knowledge required)

This modular program caters to aspiring wine business professionals, providing fundamental wine knowledge and training, followed by specialized modules in wine marketing, business, management, and trading.

Module 1 includes lectures on essential wine topics, such as sensory evaluation, wine styles, international wine regions, health effects, cellar management, food pairing, terroir, spirits, whisky, and brandies. It also covers viticulture, climate impact, and wine types.

Module 2 delves into specialist topics like marketing principles, distribution, pricing, marketing communications, consumer behavior, stock management, wine packaging, direct sales, and labor relations.

The program includes mandatory wine tasting sessions, an essay, and online examinations for each module. Optional tutored workshops and field trips provide additional hands-on experiences.

Diploma in Essential Wine Business & Marketing
(80 lectures – no prior wine knowledge required)

This advanced e-learning course is tailored for individuals with limited or no wine experience who aspire to forge careers in the wine industry, particularly in business and marketing roles. It also provides insights into the basics of wine tourism.

Structured as a modular program, this course enables participants to first acquire foundational wine knowledge and tasting skills online. It is followed by specialized modules focusing on wine marketing, business management, wine trading, and exporting/importing, ultimately certifying students as qualified wine business professionals.

Key Components:

80 lectures and assignments distributed across various modules.

Module 1 covers essential wine topics, including sensory evaluations, wine styles, food pairing, terroir, spirits, and viticulture as well as wine production.

Module 2 delves into wine tourism and explores successful wine regions from a tourism perspective.

Modules 3 & 4 are specialized segments that dive deep into wine marketing and business. Topics encompass marketing essentials, consumer research, , imports, exports, international wine trading, retail/wholesale operations, stock management, workplace safety, business law, environmental and social considerations, business management principles, economics, financial analysis, investment, and more.

Mandatory tasting sessions involving 60 different wines.
Compulsory essay.
On-site training for 40 hours, where necessary
Mandatory online examinations at the end of each module.

Associate Degree in Wine Essentials, Business & Marketing
(120 e-learning lectures – no prior wine knowledge required)

This comprehensive e-learning course, similar to the Certificate course but significantly more detailed, focuses on wine marketing and business aspects. It commences with an Essential module covering essential wine knowledge such as wine tasting, reading labels, sparkling wines, viticulture, and wine production.

Designed for individuals interested in starting a wine-related business or pursuing professional wine careers in trading, importing, exporting, sales, management, or retail, this program offers an in-depth understanding of the wine industry.

Key Components:

120 lectures and assignments distributed across various modules.

Module 1 covers essential wine topics, including sensory evaluations, wine styles, food pairing, wine production and viticulture. This module also offers insights into the impact of climate on viticulture and includes lectures on sweet wines, fortified wines, Champagne, and sparkling wines.

Module 2 investigates major wine-producing countries.

Modules 3 & 4 are specialized segments that delve into wine marketing and business, covering topics such as marketing essentials, consumer research, wine trading, managing human resources, stock management, supply chain management, workplace safety, business law, business management principles, economics, investment, and more.

Mandatory tasting sessions involving 120 different wines.
Compulsory essay.
On-site training for 40 hours, where necessary
Mandatory online examinations at the end of each module.

Optional:

Tutored workshops and wine tastings for in-depth discussions, problem-solving, and tasting experiences (participation may vary by location and number of participants).
Field trips offering hands-on exposure to viticulture and winemaking practices (availability depends on student interest).

For the successful completion of these courses, students must pass online multiple-choice module examinations, fulfill wine tasting requirements, and submit essays, ultimately earning the EWA’s “Diploma in Wine Business & Marketing” or “Associate Degree in Wine Essentials, Business & Marketing.”

These courses assume that students already possess a strong foundational knowledge of wine, encompassing sensory evaluations, wine styles, wine regions, labels, sommeliership, cellar management, food pairing, terroir, viticulture, and wine production.

Diploma in Wine Business & Marketing
(60 lectures – prior wine knowledge required)

This comprehensive program has expanded from the previous 40-lecture Certificate course to address new wine sales and marketing challenges brought about by recent events. It consists of 3 modules and is designed for individuals with a solid foundation in wine seeking expertise in international and local wine marketing, import-export, and business management.

It includes:

60 lectures covering general wine business and marketing principles, major wine regions, consumer research, branding, pricing, distribution, and more.
Tasting a portfolio of 60 wines.
A mandatory essay.
Up to 20 hours of on-site training if needed.
Compulsory online examinations at the end of each module or the course.

Associate Degree in Wine Business & Marketing
(90 lectures – prior wine knowledge required)

This advanced program equips students for middle- to senior-level marketing careers in the global wine and spirits industry, and it’s also suitable for those planning wine-related businesses. It assumes students have basic wine knowledge, which can be acquired through our Basic Essentials of Wine course if necessary.

It includes:

90 lectures in four modules covering wine marketing, business, and management.
Topics encompass wine marketing essentials, market research, reputation management, pricing, wine media, advertising, distribution strategies, and more.
Tasting a portfolio of 90 wines.
A mandatory essay.
Up to 40 hours of on-site training if necessary.
Compulsory online examinations at the end of each module.
Optional tutored workshops.

Wine Tourism

Certificate in Wine Tourism
(40 lectures)

Wine tourism involves exploring wineries, vineyards, and restaurants offering unique vintages, participating in wine tours and festivals, and enjoying special events. Wine regions worldwide have embraced wine tourism, making it an essential part of wine promotion.

Our e-learning course prepares students to become International Wine Tour Professionals by covering wine tourism topics, including enhancing the wine tourism experience, its impact on Cellar Door sales, marketing to Millennials, customer interaction, e-Marketing, regional development, Wine Festivals & Tours, and more.

This course requires a compulsory essay, 60 wine tastings, and a final online examination. Optional tutored workshops and field trips are also available.

Diploma in Wine Marketing and Tourism
(60 lectures – no prior wine knowledge required)

This advanced e-learning course builds comprehensive knowledge for those aspiring to become International Wine Marketing & Tour Professionals. It covers essential wine topics, viticulture, wine production, wine marketing, consumer behavior, marketing strategies, and more.

The course includes mandatory assignments, a compulsory essay, 60 wine tastings, and a final online examination. Optional tutored workshops and field trips provide additional opportunities for practical experience.