RICHLAND, Wash. – Beginning next January, Washington State University Tri-Cities will offer a one-year online professional certificate program in wine business management.
Beginning in January of 2017, the new non-credit certificate program will be offered in six modules developed and taught by WSU business faculty with interests in wine business, as well as industry professionals with unique expertise in wine business marketing, financial management and specific legal, compliance and trademark issues.
“This combination of academic and practitioner instruction provides both rigor and applicable focus to the field,” said Robert Harrington, WSU Tri-Cities professor of hospitality and wine business management. “The certificate program includes a unique focus, with rigor and quality application of wine business strategic planning, marketing, financial consideration, legal issues, management and wine tourism management.”
In addition to the online classes, the program requires two weekend experiences in Washington Wine Country. Harrington said the experiences provide students with opportunities to network and learn with wine industry professionals, faculty and fellow students on the business of wine. Students will be responsible for their own travel and lodging while attending the two weekend experiences.
The program was developed in coordination with the viticulture and enology certificate programs already offered through WSU. The program is offered through WSU’s School of Hospitality Business Management, which is housed in the WSU Carson College of Business.
“I am excited that WSU now offers three certificate programs for the wine industry, viticulture, enology, and wine business,” said Thomas Henick-Kling, WSU director of viticulture and enology. “Together, the three programs offer a strong and unique education option.”
Ted Baseler, president and chief executive officer of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, said the new wine business management certificate program “provides wine professionals with a solid understanding of the wine industry.”
To apply for the certificate program, visit https://business.wsu.edu/departments/hospitality/wbm-certificate-program/.
For more information, contact Harrington at 509-372-7487 or rharrington@tricity.wsu.edu.
Contacts:
Robert Harrington, WSU Tri-Cities professor of hospitality and wine business management, 509-372-7487, rharrington@tricity.wsu.edu
Maegan Murray, WSU Tri-Cities public relations specialist, 509-372-7333, maegan.murray@tricity.wsu.edu
