Rohnert Park, CA, June 22, 2011 - Over 150 alumni, faculty, staff, and community members attended as Sonoma State's School of Business and Economics kicked off a year of birthday celebrations and 25 years of graduating business and economics students last night. Legendary brewing company Lagunitas and local grocer Oliver's Market generously sponsored the event.

 Lagunitas is donating all proceeds from the event to support Sonoma State's Wine Business Institute. "When we visited the wine business classes and learned about the great student projects going on, we knew this was something we had to support. After all, it takes a lot of beer to make good wine, or in this case - to market and manage it!" said Ron Lindenbusch of Lagunitas. A second celebration fundraiser is scheduled for late August.

 Ray Johnson, director of Sonoma State's Wine Business Institute, also announced the winners of four wine business scholarships at the event. The students were selected for the tremendous effort they have already put into their wine business studies and the ambitious goals they have for their futures, which include growing a new wine brand and becoming the general manager of a small winery.

 Wine MBA candidates Shaun Richardson and Jacob Avery already have considerable experience working in the industry. They were both awarded the Donn P. Reisen Scholarship that was created to honor Reisen's passion for Zinfandel and his commitment to education. Their knowledge and skills in the industry show that both share the same desire for wine as Reisen. Richardson has held a variety of different positions in the industry, ranging from dealing with customers in retail to winemaking and management. Avery will graduate from the Wine MBA program in the fall and is working to launch his own wine label, Wautasha Wines, an organic wine that donates a dollar from every bottle sold to an environmental charity.

 Rachel Kau-Taylor, recipient of the Susan Cagann Scholarship, just finished her first semester at Sonoma State and plans to use her love for wine to become a wine buyer for a large chain.  The Women for WineSense Scholarship was awarded to Taylor Cramer, who is pursuing a degree in wine business to gain more knowledge of the industry so that she can eventually take over her family's winery.

 "This is a fitting celebration to recognize students and appreciate what the School has accomplished in our first 25 years. With impressive alumni at work in all levels of the industry and really promising students venturing out, we're excited about what we can achieve in our next 25 years," stated Johnson. More information on the student scholarships can be found at www.sonoma.edu/sbe<http://www.sonoma.edu/sbe>.

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 For more information, please contact: Annemarie Brown, 707-664-2221, annemarie.brown@sonoma.edu<mailto:annemarie.brown@sonoma.edu>

 High quality images of all scholarship recipients and other event photos can be downloaded here<http://www.sonoma.edu/sbe/2011/06/ssus-school-of-business-and-economics-celebrates-25th-birthday-at-lagunitas.html>!

The Wine Business Institute is pleased to announce the latest addition to its wine education programs - the Wine Business Management Certificate Series, an online program with a global perspective. Available beginning November 2011.

Advance your wine business knowledge. Advance your career.

In an ever-changing market, having an advanced understanding of the business of wine is essential. Inspired by the Sonoma State University Wine Business MBA, the Wine Business Management Certificate allows participants to strengthen their knowledge of wine business fundamentals, marketing and finance in an online format accessible in every corner of the world.

Created by professionals for professionals.

The academically developed levels, taught by wine business experts, were carefully crafted for business professionals seeking advanced knowledge of wine business operations.  Whether you're a current wine industry professional, a business professional wanting to enter the wine industry or a winemaker or viticulturist, the Wine Business Management Certificate is right for you.

Topics that matter. 

The Wine Business Management Certificate Series is made up of three levels: Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced. Each level builds upon the next and is designed to challenge participants while creating a superior understanding of wine business operations. Areas of focus include:

• Wine commerce and trade
• Wine marketing and sales
• E-commerce 
• Business issues associated with viticulture and winemaking
• Traditional business functions of strategy in building a wine business
• Finance, accounting and management applied to the wine industry
• Regulatory issues concerning wine
• Optional certification exam will be available to take at the successful completion of the advanced level.

One year of the two-year industry experience requirement will be waived for those seeking admission to Sonoma State University's accredited MBA in Wine Business with the completion of the Advanced Level and passing of the exam. Basic admission requirements apply. 

Be the first to know.

Email us at winebiz@sonoma.edu to be added to our mailing list and be amongst the first to receive information about fall registration. Class sizes are limited.

Sonoma State University's Wine Business Institute has announced the fall series of classes available in the Tasting Room Management Certificate Program.

"The classes offer practical guidance from industry professionals and cover a gamut of topics related to the customer's tasting room experience," noted Ray Johnson, Director of the Wine Business Institute.

Candidates for the Tasting Room Management Certificate are required to complete three core courses and five electives.  The program can be completed in one semester or at the participant's own pace.

The three topics covered by the core curriculum are Building a Profitable Wine Club Current and Upcoming Winery Compliance Issues (both on October 21), and Introduction to Tasting Room Management (October 28.  Electives reach beyond the tasting room to include successful selling to the trade and practical vineyard management from a business perspective.

 The following classes are offered during the fall of this year:

*       Building a Profitable Wine Club: October 21; 8am - Noon

*       Current & Upcoming Winery Compliance Issues: October 21; 1 - 5pm

*       Intro to Tasting Room Management: October 28; 8:30am - 12:30pm

*       Selling Wine to Restaurants & Retailers: November 4; 8am - Noon

*       Easy Ways to Successful Direct Marketing: November 4; 1 - 5pm

*       The Experts' Secrets to Selling Wine Grapes: November 18; 8am - Noon

*       Wine Marketing Basics-What Every Winery Should Know: November 18; 1 - 5pm

*       Practical Vineyard Management: December 2; 8am - Noon

*       Practical Strategies to Increase Wine Ecommerce Sales: December 2; 1 - 5pm

*       ReVision Your Customer Experience Management Program: December 9; 8am - Noon

*       Social Media and Wine Marketing: December 9; 1 - 5pm

These professional development courses are open to the public and may be taken individually.  There are no prerequisites and industry experience is not required.  The fee for each class is $150 and all are offered on the Sonoma State University campus.

For more information about this program, visit the Wine Business Institute online at Short Courses and Online Programs<http://www.sonoma.edu/sbe/wine-business-institute/professional-development/> (http://www.sonoma.edu/sbe/wine-business-institute/professional-development/) or contact Marcia Harrigan at 664-3011 to enroll now.

In response to wine industry demand, Sonoma State is creating online wine classes focusing on the business of wine. "Throughout the United States and abroad, members of the industry have persistently requested access to our classes from a distance. These new programs will satisfy that demand across a broad series of wine business topics," said Wine Business Institute Director, Ray Johnson.

Existing wine business classes at Sonoma State have been migrating to a hybrid of online and in-person content. New classes have also been created, in particular those that are available to non-matriculating students who are not at a stage in life where they can commit to a full Bachelor's or Master's program of wine business study.

The first new offering, exclusively online, is the Wine Business Management Certificate. The Certificate Program was created for professionals already in the industry who want to advance their knowledge of wine business operations, winemakers or viticulturists wanting to expand their understanding of business strategies and principles, and professionals in other industries seeking to enter the wine industry. While the perceived glamour of the business draws many to the industry, it is business acumen that is vital to its long-term success and to the success of its owners and employees. The series consists of a Foundation level, along with Intermediate and Advanced levels, with optional certification at the completion of the Advanced level.

The inaugural session of the Foundation level kicks-off in early November and the deadline for applications is October 21. The four-week course will be presented through video lectures, course conference calls, and a unique WineBizSim business planning project, allowing the students experience in building a financial model for a wine business. At the end of this foundation level, participants will have gained an introductory understanding of global wine commerce, the strategies and decisions involved in getting from the vineyard to the retailer, the process and outlets for wine sales, as well as the major wine markets and their products.

Tim Hanni MW will teach the Foundation and Intermediate Levels in the new Certificate Program. Hanni MW, one of the first two Americans to earn the title Master of Wine, is an internationally recognized wine educator Hanni and sits on the Board of Directors for the Institute of Masters of Wine. He is an innovative researcher and wine educator whose wine and food principles have been adopted by the Wine & Spirits Education Trust in London.

"The wine business is an ever-changing market and people need access to solid business principles and strategies to be successful," noted Hanni. "I'm excited to teach the class online because it makes this knowledge easily available to people in every corner of the world."

Hanni's techniques for creating easy to use wine lists, including the invention of the Progressive Wine List format, and retail wine programs are combined with tried and tested culinary philosophies on "balancing" food and wine flavors, and are employed by thousands of restaurants and hotel outlets around the world. "Tim brings incredible expertise in the industry and in teaching that will really make this a powerful experience for participants," said Ray Johnson, director of the Wine Business Institute.

The follow-on Intermediate level will be offered in spring, building on the basis of knowledge gained in the Foundation course work. The Advanced level will feature elective courses, offered in the summer of 2012, in Production and Quality in the Wine Supply Chain, Strategic Wine Marketing and Global Wine E-commerce.  For those seeking admission to Sonoma State University's accredited MBA in Wine Business, completing the Advanced Level of the Wine Business Management Certificate (including passing the exams) waives the wine experience admission requirement. This will enable professionals in other fields to access to the Wine MBA program more readily. Two years of professional work experience in any industry is also required along with meeting the other basic admission criterion.

To learn more about the program, submit an application, or keep abreast of future online programs from the Wine Business Institute, visit Sonoma State online<http://www.sonoma.edu/sbe/wine-business-institute/professional-development/> (http://www.sonoma.edu/sbe/wine-business-institute/professional-development/).

* * * * * * * * * *

For more information, contact: Shalyn Eyer, 707-664-2260, winebiz@sonoma.edu<mailto:winebiz@sonoma.edu>

About Sonoma State University's Wine Business Institute:

Sonoma State University's Wine Business Institute is located in the heart of California wine country and was created through a public-private partnership between the university and the wine industry. Founded in 1995, it is the first program in the United States to offer undergraduate and graduate degrees focused exclusively on the business aspects of the wine industry. In addition to its academic programs, the Wine Business Institute offers an array of professional development courses for the industry. Its faculty members are published experts, active researchers, and requested presenters on pressing industry topics. The Wine Business Institute operates within Sonoma State's School of Business and Economics, a fully accredited AACSB institution.

Winter Semester at Sonoma State University Kicks Off with Wine Entrepreneurship Course

Taught by Anisya Fritz

Sonoma County, Ca. (December 20) – Beginning February 2, 2012 Wine Entrepreneurship will commence its weekly meetings, covering a broad array of topics focused on creating and managing businesses in the wine industry.  Seasoned professor Anisya Thomas Fritz, who has taught strategic management and entrepreneurship at other well-known universities, brings her first-hand experience of running the operations at Lynmar Estate to the students of the Wine Business Institute at Sonoma State University. 

 “The wine industry is at a very interesting phase in its evolution, and the skills of managing people and resources are becoming more critical to survival and success.  Yet, because this industry sits at the nexus of agriculture, the management of cash and marketing, and has rigorous regulatory compliance requirements, there are nuances that are important to understand,” Anisya explains.

 The course will focus on the creation of a plan for a new business in the wine industry and the process and method for building a model for a successful venture. The emphasis will be on developing critical thinking and problem solving skills that can be used in any business context. Topics covered will include an assessment of the competitive landscape, models of profitability, financial and regulatory frameworks, distribution and wholesale versus direct-to-consumer sales and the elements of a successful brand. Well known industry guest speakers will include:

• Honore Comfort, Executive Director, Sonoma County Vintners
• Tammy Boatright, President, Ving Direct
• Clayton Fritz, President, Fritz Winery
• Charles and Diana Karren, Proprietors, Terra De Promisso
• Ken Freeman, Proprietor, Freeman Winery

About Anisya Thomas Fritz, Ph.D.

Anisya Thomas Fritz, Ph.D., is a Proprietor of Lynmar Estate, a family-owned producer of ultra-premium Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, where she serves as the Director of Marketing and Consumer Sales.

The author of numerous articles on competitive strategy, international entrepreneurship, and humanitarian relief, Dr. Fritz has published in leading journals such as the Harvard Business Review, Strategic Management Journal, and the Journal of International Business Studies. She has an extensive consulting and executive education background and has worked with a diverse array of international companies from Autocampo in Finland to Carnival Cruise Lines and the Disney Corporation.

Previously, Dr. Fritz was the managing director of Fritz Institute, a not-for-profit organization that works on improving the system of humanitarian aid and disaster relief around the world (www.fritzinstitute.org). In that capacity she worked with major disaster relief organizations such as the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, The World Food Program and UNICEF developing research, training and technology to increase the timeliness and appropriateness of relief supplies after major disasters such as the South Asian Tsunami. She was also a co-founder of Lynnco Supply Chain Solutions (www.lynnco-scs.com) where she is currently the CEO and Chairman of the Board.

 Prior to that Dr. Fritz was associate professor at Florida International University in Miami and a Visiting Professor at the Stockholm School of Economics in Stockholm, Sweden. She received her B.A. at Loyola College in Maryland and her M.S. and Ph.D. at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia.

To learn more about the program, or keep abreast of future online programs from the Wine Business Institute, visit Sonoma State online (http://www.sonoma.edu/sbe/wine-business-institute/professional-development/).

For more information, contact:

Shalyn Eyer, 707-664-2260, winebiz@sonoma.edu

Staying ahead of flaws in the cellar and quantifying differences and preferences are critical to a winery’s bottle line.  Following the conclusion of Unified, Sonoma State’s Wine Business Institute will partner with VESTA to offer a workshop focusing on sensory evaluation and sensory test methods.
 
The workshop will cover a number of topics in the arena of sensory evaluation, including tasting methodology, wine components, a special emphasis on wine flaws, errors in the perception of wine and sensory test methods, including difference and preference testing.

The workshop will weave lectures with practical tasting exercises, including a myriad of wine flaws, varying levels of wine components and a sampling of divergent styles of wine from around the globe.  Likewise the modules on sensory test methods will employ hands-on activities to teach participants how to conduct difference and preference testing at the winery.

This workshop will benefit winemakers, cellar workers and others in the industry t seek a deeper understanding of these topics and their impact on a winery’s success.

Pat Henderson, Senior Winemaker at Kenwood Vineyards and David Sandri of Winesecrets will guide the participants through the complexities of sensory evaluation and the identification of wine flaws.  Ray Johnson, Director of Sonoma State University’s Wine Business Institute, will facilitate a segment on world wine styles and their relationship to tolerance of flaws outside the range of typical California standards. The three will also teach the important work of test methods that assist winemakers in quantifying differences between samples of wine and assessing the preferences of consumer segments that wineries are targeting.

The workshop will be held in Santa Rosa at the Landmark Executive Center (home of Chloe’s French Café) on January 27 and 28, from 8-5 on Friday and 8-1 on Saturday.  The center is located at 3883 Airway Drive, Santa Rosa, CA 95403.

Cost of the 1.5 day workshop is $249 per person.  Pre-registration is required.  Follow this link to access the registration form:  Sensory Evaluation Workshop.  For questions, please contact Emily Gray, Coordinator at the VESTA National Center by email EmilyGray@missouristate.eduor phone 417-836-8967.
 
A light breakfast will be included on site both mornings and a simple lunch will be included on Friday.

"There is no place on earth quite like Sonoma," read the opening slide in Honore Comfort's presentation at the Sonoma County Vintners last Wednesday. The words of James Laube were an apt framework for the twenty graduate wine business students from around the world who are here to learn from leaders across the North Coast wine industry.  The two-week session hosted by Sonoma State's Wine Business Institute is year one of a collaboration between two of the top wine business programs in the world. 

Tasting through the wines, Comfort gave an overview of the distinctive features of Sonoma's AVAs and the students had an opportunity to see the different expressions of the grapes grown in Sonoma County. In addition to practical lessons for the students, the program provides a voice for regional leaders into the 20 countries the students represent, to the people who are influencing others in the trade and consumers around the world.

"Coming to Sonoma allows us as a group to learn key insights of the Northern Californian wine industry, the challenges that they face with the U.S. domestic market, what they face when it comes to exporting outside California, and how the wineries deal with marketing their wine," said Krister Bengtsson of Stockholm. 

The day in Sonoma County continued with a visit to Korbel where Gary Heck and his team walked the cohort through the complexities of sparkling wine production at the winery on the Russian River. Here, a key lesson was in production size and how to balance the nuances of large scale production while maintaining consistent quality.

Later, Paul Hobbs and his team discussed the business of import and export of their luxury brands in California and Argentina. On another day, the students stopped at Sonoma Cellars where they appreciated the distinctive licensing arrangement where multiple wineries are represented in one venue operating as a wine bar, in addition to tasting room.

While here, the students will also see Napa Valley from Carneros to Calistoga and meet leaders from Michael Mondavi, Treasury Wine Estates, and Chateau Montelena.  

"Participating in this program gives me broad international exposure, an understanding of customer needs and tastes that vary across the world and the chance to know each of the different consumer markets better," said Irving So of Hong Kong, who is currently based in Japan. 

These field lessons are combined with classroom lessons in wine marketing, strategic management, corporate finance and supply chain management from industry experts Lewis Perdue, Tim Hanni, Mario Zepponi, Pete Scott, and Jim Bielenberg, as well as distinguished faculty from Sonoma State Armand Gilinsky, Janeen Olsen, Liz Thach, and Tom Atkin.

"The skills and the experience of the faculty are why we chose to partner with Sonoma State.  I knew that they use the latest information in the classroom with our students because they are at the forefront of research in the wine industry," states Hervé Remaud, academic director for Bordeaux Management School, who guides the group through all the segments of the program.  In addition to Sonoma and Bordeaux, these include visits to Adelaide and London, as well as online classes.

The students conclude their North Coast intensive on January 20th and will return to their home countries - from London and Lebanon to Argentina and Australia, from Taiwan to Portugal - with strengthened relationships with California industry leaders and a deeper appreciation of the United States wine market, a market that we call home. 

About Bordeaux School of Management:

Founded in 1874 by the Bordeaux Chamber of Commerce and Industry, BEM is one of the oldest Management Schools in France. Located in Bordeaux, Paris, Dakar and Malaysia, BEM offers 12 management programs ranging from Bachelor to MBA courses.  It now has 3,200 students, 12 diploma programs and 110 partnerships with schools in 40 countries. Recognized for its expertise in supply chain management, purchasing, wine and creative industries, BEM stands out from other schools with its pioneering commitment to produce responsible managers. A member of the "Conférence des Grandes Ecoles", BEM awards certificates which are either recognized or approved by the State. BEM is accredited by EQUIS, AMBA and AACSB.  Learn more at www.bem.edu. 

Paul Hobbs shares insights on luxury brands during a tasting and tour at the winery.

Honore Comfort of Sonoma County Vintners walks Bordeaux students through the distinctions of Sonoma County grapes.

Louie DeVincenzi, AVP for Sales & Marketing at Korbel, continues lessons on sales management over lunch.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 2, 2012

Applications for Online Wine Business Management Close Monday

Rohnert Park, CA:  Sonoma State’s Online Wine Business Management Certificate launches its second round of foundation classes next week.  Monday, February 6, is the last day to apply.  This new certificate program kicked off in the fall and concluded with great feedback on the four-week foundation level course taught by Tim Hanni. 

“Like any business there is a foundation of knowledge needed in the wine business that is particular to this industry. This course set the relevant expectations and provided a good foundation of understanding the complexities and financial resources needed to participate,” said Rickey Trombetta of TrombettaFamily Wines.

The foundation course that runs from February 13 to March 9 is presented via online video lectures, course conference calls, and a unique WineBizSim business planning project that allows students to build a financial model for a wine business. Specific topics cover production, marketing and sales fundamentals, wine styles of the world, distribution, and global wine markets.

“The wine business is an ever-changing market and people need access to solid business principles and strategies to be successful,” noted instructor Tim Hanni MW, who teaches both the Foundation and Intermediate Levels in the Certificate Program.  “The online format makes it accessible to everyone.”  Last fall, 79 students from across the US and the world participated in the inaugural round.  Apply for the February 13^th Foundation Level course now.

The Wine Business Management Certificate offered exclusively online was created for professionals already in the industry who want to advance their knowledge of wine business operations, winemakers or viticulturists wanting to expand their understanding of business strategies and principles, and professionals in other industries seeking to enter the wine industry. While the perceived glamour of the business draws many to the industry, it is business acumen that is vital to its long-term success and to the success of its owners and employees. The series consists of a Foundation level, along with Intermediate and Advanced levels, with optional certification at the completion of the Advanced level. The Intermediate class begins in March.

“As someone looking to make a career change and enter the wine industry I was looking for a reputable and flexible way to gain some necessary education. Tim Hanni is a fantastic instructor and offers in-depth industry knowledge that has fueled my interest in the industry even more and I look forward to the next level,” said career changer Jeff Zielinski.

Learn about the Certificate and other professional development offerings at Sonoma State’s Wine Business Institute Professional Programs

* * * * * * * * * *

For more information, contact:

Annemarie Brown, 707-664-2221, annemarie.brown@sonoma.edu

About Sonoma State University’s Wine Business Institute:

Sonoma State University’s Wine Business Institute is located in the heart of California wine country and was created through a public-private partnership between the university and the wine industry. Founded in 1995, it is the first program in the United States to offer undergraduate and graduate degrees focused exclusively on the business aspects of the wine industry. In addition to its academic programs, the Wine Business Institute offers an array of professional development courses for the industry. Its faculty members are published experts, active researchers, and requested presenters on pressing industry topics. The Wine Business Institute operates within Sonoma State’s School of Business and Economics, a fully accredited AACSB institution. Learn more at www.sonoma.edu/sbe

About Tim Hanni, MW:

Tim Hanni MW, one of the first two Americans to earn the title Master of Wine, is an internationally recognized wine educator and professionally trained chef who consults to wine and hospitality businesses. Hanni is a recognized leader in developing marketing and education programs that break down barriers which have historically hindered the unfettered enjoyment of wine. He is also involved in cutting edge sensory and behavioral research projects focused on understanding wine consumer preferences, attitudes and behaviors. Hanni has a unique perspective and passionate curiosity in the worlds of food, wine and sensory sciences. Hanni teaches wine marketing programs at Sonoma State University and the Wine & Spirits Education Trust in London, England, has adopted his wine and food principles in their international curriculum.  Learn more about Hanni at www.timhanni.com.

Sonoma State University’s Wine Business Institute will launch its latest series of classes in the Tasting Room Management Certificate Program.  Dan Berger, Michael Houlihan and Martin Jones will join the team of industry experts currently teaching in the program.

Candidates for the Tasting Room Management Certificate are required to complete three core courses and five electives.  The program can be completed in one semester or at the participant’s own pace.

The three topics covered by the core curriculum are Building a Profitable Wine Club (February 24), State Compliance for Direct Shipping and Introduction to Tasting Room Management (both offered on March 2).  Electives reach beyond the tasting room to include additional topics in wine marketing, compliance and human resources. 

Regular contributors returning to teach this semester include:  Wendy Bruce, Jil Child, Steve Cuellar, Gary Finnan, Marie Gewirtz, Steve Gross, Nyk King, David Sandri and Elizabeth Slater. 

In partnership with the Napa Valley Vintners, two of the electives will be offered at the

Vintners’ headquarters in St. Helena:  Innovative Wine Marketing & Brand Momentum and Practical Strategies to Increase Wine e-Commerce Sales on March 16.

On the university campus in Rohnert Park, seven electives will be offered, including:  Winning Distribution Strategies, Exit Strategy:  Brand Building and Value, Managing Performance of Tasting Room Employees, Introduction to IRI/Nielsen Scan Data, Wine Marketing, Selling Through the Tasting Room, The DNA of Consumer Experience and Federal Wine Compliance: Taking the Mystery Out of the Process. 

These professional development courses are open to the public and may be taken individually.  There are no prerequisites and industry experience is not required.  Tuition for each class is $150.

For more information about this program, visit the Wine Business Institute online at

Sonoma State’s Wine Business Institute Professional Programs (http://www.sonoma.edu/sbe/wine-business-institute/professional-development/tasting-room-management-certificate.html) or contact Marcia Harrigan at 664-3011.  Register directly through the following link:  Spring Registration (http://www.certain.com/system/profile/form/index.cfm?PKformID=0x1194303b607).

Sonoma State University is bringing its Executive Masters of Business Administration program (EMBA) to the Napa Valley this spring. Applications are due Wednesday, February 29. "We're partnering with Napa Valley Vintners (NVV) to make the program accessible to wine professionals in the region who want to support their career growth," said program director Robert Eyler. Classes begin April 12 and will be held in St. Helena at NVV's headquarters.

The program provides students with an accredited MBA degree in 17 months, starting with an orientation weekend from April 12-14, 2012. The executive format is alternating Fridays and Saturdays, from 8am - 5pm, where students attend year-round except for a harvest break from September 1 to November 8, 2012. Courses end on Aug 31, 2013. "Students complete the program as one group or cohort, meaning they gain additional learning from the small- and large-group dynamics and benefit from the extended network that develops out of that," noted Dr. Rob Eyler, EMBA program director at Sonoma State.

This will be the fourth cohort of business leaders to undertake this executive degree program, but the first to emphasize wine industry issues. Courses include strategic brand management, global wine operations, using social media as a strategic tool in marketing throughout the distribution chain, compliance and government relations, financial statement analysis, talent management, and much more. In addition to an off-site experience where the attendees travel to San Diego for a team sailing exercise as a metaphor for business operations and leadership, there is also an international travel and business experience associated with the global operations course. Books, materials, travel, and other needs are all included in the program fees. The culminating experience is a strategic plan for a new or existing business, which provides budding wine entrepreneurs a way to have their ideas mentored, shaped, and potentially funded.

Wine industry professionals with at least five years of professional experience are encouraged to apply. Other experienced professionals seeking to change careers will also be considered.

The application and additional information can be found at www.sonoma.edu/emba. Please contact Program Director Dr. Robert Eyler at 707-664-4256 or emba@sonoma.edu.

About Sonoma State University's School of Business and Economics:
Sonoma State University School of Business and Economics' mission is to create extraordinary learning experiences for our students and to advance best business practices in the North Bay and beyond.  Its vision: to be the educational nucleus of a thriving North Bay economy.  Its Wine Business Institute is recognized around the world for its expert faculty, business-focused research, and the first undergraduate and graduate degree programs in wine business in the United States.  With undergraduate, graduate and executive programs serving over 1500 students each year and concentrations in Accounting, Finance, Management, Marketing, Wine Business, and Economics, the School offers the most in-demand degree on the Sonoma State campus.  The School of Business and Economics is accredited by AACSB (the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), making it one of 15% of all business schools in the world to meet these standards for excellence.  For more information visit, www.sonoma.edu/sbe

About the NVV:
The Napa Valley Vintners is the non-profit trade association responsible for promoting and protecting the Napa Valley appellation as the premier winegrowing region. From seven founding members in 1944, today the association represents more than 420 Napa Valley wineries and collectively is a leader in the world-wide wine industry. To learn more about our region and its legendary American wines, visit www.napavintners.com

Rohnert Park, CA: Did you know that more than 67% of winery owners believe that the right suppliers help their business maintain a competitive edge? This finding plus many more interesting facts and statistics are now available in a new study recently completed by the Wine Business Institute at Sonoma State University in California. 

Developed by Dr. Janeen Olsen and Dr. Liz Thach, MW, the study highlights the opinions of more than 117 winery owners, winemakers, and purchasing managers. Positive supplier relationships have always been important in the wine industry, but with increased global competition and pressure to reduce costs, wineries often scrutinize suppliers more closely to obtain better pricing.

This study describes the factors that drive a winery's decision in supplier selection, as well as the types of areas in which they hope to add suppliers. Published by the Wine Industry Network Advisor, a free copy of the study results is available at: http://wineindustrynetwork.com/blog/2012/02/21/to-buy-or-not-to-buy-factors-impacting-winery-supplier-choice/.

Wednesday, April 11 in the 5:00 hour.  Tim has quite a story and will be addressing the students at the annual Spring Mixer. Read more about Tim.
 
Join the event, bring a bottle of wine to share and meet our students.  If you have a position opening up this would be a great time to snag some talented undergrad and Wine MBA students.  There’s a seminar at 4:30 specific to recruiting, internships and more.  Even if you’re not planning on a new hire soon, come and make some connections for the future during the mixer.  Please RSVP by March 30th to Tracy Navas: tracy.navas@sonoma.edu or 707-664-2377. A map and parking information will be provided when you RSVP.
 
4:30 - 5:00 - "Top 10 Reasons to Hire SSU Students"  
Student Union Multi-Purpose Room 
5:00 - 6:30 - Mixer and Guest Speaker: Tim Bucher, CEO & founder of TastingRoom.com
University Commons 

Now accepting applications for the first level Foundation course which starts June 18, 2012.

The Wine Business Institute is pleased to announce the latest addition to its wine education programs - the Wine Business Management Certificate Series, an online program with a global perspective.

Advance your wine business knowledge. Advance your career.

In an ever-changing market, having an advanced understanding of the business of wine is essential. Inspired by the Sonoma State University Wine Business MBA, the Wine Business Management Certificate allows participants to strengthen their knowledge of wine business fundamentals, marketing and finance in an online format accessible in every corner of the world.

Created by professionals for professionals.

The academically developed levels, taught by wine business experts, were carefully crafted for business professionals seeking advanced knowledge of wine business operations. Whether you're a current wine industry professional, a business professional wanting to enter the wine industry or a winemaker or viticulturist, the Wine Business Management Certificate is right for you.

Topics that matter. 

The Wine Business Management Certificate Series is made up of three levels: Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced. Each level builds upon the next and is designed to challenge participants while creating a superior understanding of wine business operations. Areas of focus include:

• Wine commerce and trade
• Wine marketing and sales
• E-commerce 
• Business issues associated with viticulture and winemaking
• Traditional business functions of strategy in building a wine business
• Finance, accounting and management applied to the wine industry
• Regulatory issues concerning wine
• Optional certification at the successful completion of the advanced level.

One year of the two-year industry experience requirement will be waived for those seeking admission to Sonoma State University's accredited MBA in Wine Business with the completion of the Advanced Level and passing of the exam. Basic admission requirements apply

Sonoma State Cellars 2010 Dry Creek Valley Cuvée is the culmination of a partnership between Kokomo Winery and the Wine MBA students of Sonoma State University.

Over the past two years, over a dozen wine business students have worked with the team at Kokomo Winery and Timber Crest Farms in Dry Creek Valley to create the first Sonoma State wine.  The idea for the brand was first considered by a group of four MBA students working with Dr. Armand Gilinsky, Jr.,  Professor of Business at Sonoma State University.  Liza Goldstein, Kendal Georgeson, Abigail Smyth and Leah McNally, who have since graduated and grown in their careers, conducted a feasibility study to assess the viability of the proposed brand during the summer of 2010.

During the following semester, a second group of MBA students worked with Dr. Gilinsky to develop a business plan for the new venture.  Jacob Avery, Stephanie Gremban, Sean Headden, Kendall Hoxsey, Dylan Karahalios, Marin McElhany, Brian Perkins, Andrew Pimentel and Nick Rood outlined the start-up necessities and a path to sustainability.  At the end of the semester, the students created a 40 page report and delivered their final  presentation to members of the wine business faculty, administration and the wine industry.

Attending the presentation that evening was Erik Miller, owner and winemaker at Kokomo Winery in Dry Creek Valley.  Erik was impressed by the students’ enthusiasm and immediately offered his support.  After crush was over, he set aside a barrel of his 2010 Red Cuvée to provide the foundation for the program and the first release of the future Sonoma State Cellars.

Over the course of the following year, he coached the students on the start-up of a winery and the building of the brand.  One of the student team members went on to work with Erik and his assistant winemaker Josh Bartels, while others contributed to the project whenever they could, squeezing in hours between study and work.   In the fall of 2011, Ruth Waltenspiel, the proprietor of Timber Crest Farms, hosted a launch party where the students shared their story with a group of 60 friends and supporters. 

Throughout the project, the MBA students were guided by the leaders of the Wine Business Institute Alumni Council, whose members work in key positions throughout the North Coast.  The alumni will provide continuity to the nascent program over successive semesters and generations of students.  With the label approval from the TTB, Sonoma State Cellars is now ready to launch. 

A limited quantity of wine is available to the public. For details, visit Sonoma State Cellars Allocation.  Contact Jessica Heing 707-664-3347, jessica.heing@sonoma.edu, with questions about this and other activities at Sonoma State’s Wine Business Institute.

Sonoma State

partners with the upcoming

Wine Tourism Conference

Use the link below to get $75 off the registration cost! 
SSU Special Rate

November 14 - 15, Flamingo Hotel, Sonoma County

The conference will appeal to:

• Wineries
• Wine and tourism promotion agencies and chambers of commerce
• Tour operators, travel agencies, transportation companies, event planners, hotels, and restaurants
• Public relations professionals and other consultants
• Academics and students
• Media and bloggers

Keynote speakers include:

• Jean-Charles Boisset, Proprietor- Boisset Family Estates
• David Bowman, VP of Marketing- FIJI Water, JUSTIN Winery, Landmark Vineyards
• Annette Rinwood Boyd, Director- Virginia Wine Board
• Todd Davidson, Executive Director- Oregon Tourisom Commission
• Amir Eylon, VP of Partnership Development- Brand USA
• Morgen McLaughlin, President & CEO, Finger Lakes Wine Country
• Colby Smith, Executive Director- Concierge Alliance of Napa Valley and Sonoma (CANVAS)
• Traci Ward, Director of Marketing- Visit California
• Steve Warner, Executive Director- Washington State Wine Commission

For more information visit: http://winetourismconference.org/
For information on SSU's Wine Business Institute: http://www.sonoma.edu/sbe/wine-business-institute/

The Wine Business Institute at Sonoma State is graduating its first group of students in the new online Wine Business Management Program. The inaugural group of 22 students has progressed through three levels of instruction over 28 weeks. Those who successfully complete the cumulative final exam will graduate and earn the Wine Business Management Certificate.

Students in the program included those already working in the wine industry as well as those looking to change careers and transition into the industry.  “This is a great course whether you're a beginner or a leader in the wine industry. I was the beginner in a course full of professionals and felt the course was just as relevant to me as it was to the professionals already in the industry,” noted student Julie Overstreet, CSW.

A survey was given to students at the completion of each level, and the results showed that the majority of the students felt that the certificate would enable them to move into the wine industry or to take a higher position within it. One student said it helped him secure a job with a distributor while another student is using the knowledge to advance her career, “ the program was very helpful to me in my career advancement in wine marketing and provided me with a broader understanding of the unique challenges present in the industry,” said Alexis Traverso, Account Manager, Williams-Sonoma Wine.

The Foundation and Intermediate Levels were taught by Tim Hanni MW, who is the one of the first two Americans to earn the title Master of Wine. He is also an internationally recognized wine educator and joined Sonoma State’s wine industry faculty for the launch of the new program. He is involved in cutting edge sensory and behavioral research projects focused on understanding wine consumer preferences, attitudes and behaviors.

The Foundation Level offers a systematic overview of the wine business – how wine is produced, distributed and sold – using an online wine business planning and financial program.  The Intermediate Level expands on the Foundation Level, providing an in-depth exploration of the various components of the wine business, including global statistics, business issues with viticulture and enology, wine marketing, branding, distribution, sales, public relations, and exporting.

In the Advanced Level students completed two courses, the first titled Strategic Wine Marketing and the second titled Production and Quality in the Wine Supply Chain. The marketing course was taught by Sonoma State Wine Business faculty member, Janeen Olsen whose work in wine marketing research has produced numerous published articles. The production and quality course was also taught by a Sonoma State Wine Business faculty member, Tom Atkin whose research on sustainable business practices in the wine industry has produced numerous published articles as well.

Applications are being accepted for the next series of courses which begins on September 10.  The deadline to apply for the fall Foundation Level Course is September 5.

For more information and to apply online, visit Wine Business Management at Sonoma State

Contact Jessica Heing 707-664-3347, jessica.heing@sonoma.edu, with questions about this and other programs at Sonoma State’s Wine Business Institute.

Foundation Course Dates: September 10^th – October 5^th
Application Deadline September 5^th

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About Sonoma State University's Wine Business Institute
Sonoma State University's Wine Business Institute is located in the heart of California wine country and was created through a public-private partnership between the university and the wine industry. Founded in 1995, it is the first program in the United States to offer undergraduate and graduate degrees focused exclusively on the business aspects of the wine industry. 

In addition to its academic programs that include the first undergraduate and graduate degrees with a concentration in wine business, the Wine Business Institute offers an array of professional development courses for the industry. Its faculty members are published experts, active researchers, and requested presenters on pressing industry topics.  The Wine Business Institute operates within Sonoma State's School of Business and Economics, a fully accredited AACSB institution.  Learn more at sonoma.edu/winbiz 

The Wine Business Institute has released their fall seminar schedule and is now accepting enrollments.

Andrew Healy from Three Rock Marketing, Jack Ryno of Winery Transitions and Liza Zimmerman, wine journalist, will be joining the team of industry experts currently teaching in the program. Regular contributors returning to teach this semester include: Elizabeth Slater, Nyk King, Aaron DeBeers, Wendell Lee, Gary Finnan, Nick Frey, Jil Child and Paul Wagner.

Seminars are offered individually or can be taken as part of the Tasting Room Management Certificate. Candidates for the certificate complete three core seminars and five electives. The program can be completed in one semester or at the participant’s own pace. The three topics covered by the core curriculum are Building a Profitable Wine Club (October 26), Current and Upcoming Winery Compliance Issues (November 9), and Introduction to Tasting Room Management (November 30).

Electives reach beyond the tasting room to include additional topics in wine marketing, e-Commerce, selling wine grapes, social media and vineyard management.

All seminars are offered on the university campus in Rohnert Park and are open to the public. There are no prerequisites and industry experience is not required. Tuition for each class is $150.

Seminar Dates: Fridays (8am -12pm or 1pm -5pm); October 26 – December 14.  
View Schedule
Registration Deadline: Two days before the seminar date 
Register Here

For more information, please contact:
Jessica Heing, 707-664-3347, jessica.heing@sonoma.edu

 Practical Vineyard Management and The Experts Secrets to Selling Wine Grapes

Rohnert Park, CA- Business principles don’t start and stop in the winery, but must be applied to the vineyard as well. These short, 4-hour seminars will bring together leading industry professionals that have years of experience with the business aspects of running and managing a working vineyard.

Practical Vineyard Management- Friday, November 2^nd, 1pm – 5pm
This seminar will be led by Aaron DeBeers, general manager at Teucer in Coombsville. As owner and founder of Vinoptic Consulting, he has worked with renowned vineyards such as Duckhorn Vineyards, Cakebread, Opus One and Paul Hobbs. Aaron will bring his knowledge of vineyard and winery management and development to help you recognize and develop your own personal system to measure your inputs versus outputs in relationship to your vineyard health and performance, grape quality, and your buyers' expectations.

Register Here- use class #3947
More Information

 The Experts Secrets to Selling Wine Grapes – Friday, November 30^th, 8am – noon
Nick Frey, President of the Sonoma County Winegrape Commission will lead a panel of experts including Dave Magnasco, Director of Grower Relations at Constellation and Randy Luginbill, VP of Winery Relations at Silverado Premium Properties, in a discussion on how to successfully market wine grapes. In a competitive environment knowing how to best market your grapes to potential buyers is key in making sales and creating lasting contracts. Nick and the panelists will also provide helpful insights into contract negotiations and other issues important to grape growers.

Register Here- use class #3952
More Information 

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For more information, please contact:
Jessica Heing, 707-664-3347, jessica.heing@sonoma.edu

About Sonoma State University's Wine Business Institute:

Sonoma State University's Wine Business Institute is located in the heart of California wine country and was created through a public-private partnership between the university and the wine industry. Founded in 1995, it is the first program in the United States to offer undergraduate and graduate degrees focused exclusively on the business aspects of the wine industry. In addition to its academic programs that include the first undergraduate and graduate degrees with a concentration in wine business, the Wine Business Institute offers an array of professional development courses for the industry. Its faculty members are published experts, active researchers, and requested presenters on pressing industry topics.  The Wine Business Institute operates within Sonoma State's School of Business and Economics, a fully accredited AACSB institution.  Learn more at sonoma.edu/winebiz

The Spring schedule has been released. Seminars will begin February 8^th. Also, introducing the Wine Industry Finance and Accounting Certificate.

For more information on our seminars, advanced seminars, and certificates, please visit us online. 

If you have any questions, contact Dana Swilley at swilley@sonoma.edu or (707) 664-3347.

The Spring seminar schedule has been released! We will be offering short, 4 hour, seminars on Fridays starting February 8^th. Course offering cover various industry topics from direct shipping, staffing, marketing, wine club management, sales, to accounting and budgeting. With these seminars, you will have the opportunity to enhance your career by earning our Tasting Room Management Certificate or our new Wine Industry Finance and Accounting Certificate.

The new Wine Industry Finance and Accounting Certificate gives an overview of the financial and accounting concepts that will enable you to make better business decisions. Taught by industry professionals in the finance and accounting fields, each seminar is tailored to provide the individual with core concepts that are presented with wine industry examples. The program can be used as a refresher or to gain more understanding in the finance and accounting aspects of the wine industry, but no previous experience is required.

Seminar Dates: Fridays (8am -12pm or 1pm -5pm); February 8 – April 26.  
View Schedule

Registration Deadline: Two days before the seminar date 
Register Here

Sonoma State Online Wine Business Management Certificate
Application Deadline February 1 for the Foundation Course  
 

Inspired by the Sonoma State University Wine Business MBA, the Wine Business Management Certificate allows participants to strengthen their knowledge of wine business fundamentals, marketing and finance in an online format.

The Foundation Course is an overview of global wine commerce - how wine is distributed and sold around the world. It is taught by Tim Hanni MW who is one of the first two Americans to earn the title Master of Wine. He is also an internationally recognized wine educator involved in research projects focused on understanding wine consumer preferences, attitudes and behaviors.

At the conclusion of the Foundation Course, participants will gain an understanding of the strategies, costs and key decisions that go into growing, producing, marketing and selling wine. From there, the Intermediate and Advanced courses will provide an in-depth exploration of the components of wine business.
 

Application deadline:  February 1, 2013
 
Course Dates:  February 11^th  –  March 8^th
 
Price: $590

To learn more about the Online Wine Business Management Certificatevisit the website.

To Apply:APPLICATION-Foundation Level Course.

If you have any questions please call Dana Swilley, (707) 664-3347, or email swilley@sonoma.edu.