Wine Business Institute

The School of Business and Economics at Sonoma State University is the first in the United States to offer an undergraduate degree (since 1998), an MBA (since 2008), and most recently an Executive MBA (since 2012) focused on the business of wine. Today, our full slate of degree and certificate programs serve the wine industry and those aspiring to be a part of it.

Our alumni and board of directors are industry leaders. Our faculty is globally respected.

Our location, at the intersection of Sonoma County, Napa County, and San Francisco, is second to none.

Upcoming Highlights

October 6: Online Program in Wine Sales Management
Spring 2021: Online Certificate in Wine Industry Finance & Acctg
Spring 2021: Certificate in Wine Entrepreneurship
January 2021: Online Certificate in Wine Business Management
February 28: Sonoma Wine Executive MBA Application Deadline
April 30: Sonoma Professional MBA Application Deadline
April 30: Sonoma Wine MBA Application Deadline

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Connect with Us: 707.664.3347 | winebiz@sonoma.edu | Wine Spectator Learning Center

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Today’s wine industry is changing rapidly. More than simply meeting the industry’s needs, the Sonoma MBA in Wine Business —offered at both the Professional and Executive levels— is helping shape how the industry evolves within the demands of globalization, technology, and changing regulations.

Students are equipped with wine business knowledge and industry-specific tools and strategies to deliver results for organizations competing in today's global marketplace. Study alongside wine industry professionals and practitioners, from winemakers and viticulturists, to brand managers and distributors, to vineyard owners and winery executives.

Felicia Prater '17, Sonoma Executive MBA in Wine Business

The program is designed to elevate all students to their highest potential and our administrators make sure we have every tool and resource we need to succeed.

Felicia Prater '17, Sonoma Wine Executive MBA | Founder & Chief Wino, The Urban Taste

"We're starting a wine business from the ground up, so I wanted to sharpen my overall knowledge with an MBA, while specifically studying the wine business. I now have so many different lenses with which to look at our business every day. Evening classes freed me to work hard alongside my family by day, experience amazing faculty who were ready to share their expertise, and study with some bright peers with whom I'll be in touch for the rest of my career."

George Hamel III '14, Sonoma Wine MBA | Managing Director, Hamel Family Wines

Shannon Donnell '14, Sonoma Executive MBA in Wine Business

"I chose the Sonoma Wine Executive MBA at SSU to accelerate my career. It developed my big picture view – from finance and strategy to people development - and gave me the language to converse at the highest level. One of the best outcomes was evaluating my leadership style and learning how to enhance those traits to truly succeed in working with high performing teams."

Shannon Donnell '14, Sonoma Wine Executive MBA | Grower Relations & Vineyard Operations Manager, Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards

“I was given the tools to align my business plan with my mission and vision, and grow a network of wine industry professionals. The instructor’s passion and desire for our success was the push I needed to launch my own wine label. It wouldn’t have happened without this program."

Tim Burgess '14/'16, Certificate in Wine Entrepreneurship/Sonoma Wine Executive MBA | Owner, Rally Point Wines

"The business of wine is multi-faceted and increasingly complex. And with some 130,000 brands in the marketplace, the wine industry is one of the most competitive industries on earth. The need to have talented people who are well-prepared to successfully navigate the complexities and challenges of the wine industry is more important than ever. The Wine Business Institute is the only program of its kind in the U.S. dedicated to developing future wine business leaders."

Alex Ryan, President & CEO, Duckhorn Wine Company | Wine Business Institute Board Member

Undergraduate & Professional Programs in Wine Business

B.S. in Business Administration, Concentration in Wine Business Strategies

B.S. in Business - Concentration in Wine Business Strategies

Online Certificate in Wine Business Management

Online Certificate in Wine Industry Finance & Accounting

Wine Business Workshops

Wine Entrepreneurship Certificate

French Language Certificate for Wine Business

Wine Spectator Learning Center

The Wine Spectator Learning Center, the home of the Wine Business Institute, is an education and industry hub designed around advanced-technology classrooms, a student commons and gardens, and a collaborative space for faculty and business leaders.
Thank you to everyone who made this building possible!

More about the Center

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Upcoming Highlights

Wine Spectator Learning Center

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