Capstone & M.W.S

Melbourne Wine School in collaboration with Capstone California uncorks the secrets of The USA's largest wine producing region.

Discover the rich history and diverse flavours of some of America’s finest wines with the Capstone California courses, taught by Melbourne Wine School and now available in Melbourne for the first time.

The California Wine Institute

About these courses:

Wherever you are in your discovery of California wine, we have a class that’s right for you. We offer four levels, from novice (no wine knowledge required) to expert. Each level builds upon the previous one and covers history, geography, climate, soils, grapes, viticulture, vinification, aging/maturation, wine law, official classifications, terminology, producers, vintages and the business of wine.

How the program works:

  • Start with the Level 1 Capstone California course
  • Progress through all for levels one at a time
  • Earn your certificates by passing each level's exam

Capstone California's goal is to create an accessible course for as wine enthusiasts and professionals as possible all over the globe!

The program was originally developed for online self-study, with four levels, but since 2022, the program has been brought into the classroom with interaction and tasting components.

Upcoming Capstone Courses:

Course Details and Information

Who is the California Wine Institute?

Wine Institute (WI), established in 1934, is the leading advocate for the California wine industry. Founded shortly after the repeal of Prohibition with just 42 members, WI is now an association of over 1,000 California wineries and wine-related businesses that initiate and advocate public policy. 

Notable recent successes include: opening up most states for direct-to-consumer wine shipments, creating the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance and growing California wine exports. Underlying all WI activities is the need to educate both the trade and the public at large. This website and companion certification program are part of that long-standing educational mission.

Description

We offer four levels, from novice (no wine knowledge required) to expert.

Each level builds upon the previous one and covers history, geography, climate, soils, grapes, viticulture, vinification, aging/maturation, wine law, official classifications, terminology, producers, vintages and the business of wine.

Classes are a convenient mix of taught, self-study and online classes, designed to complete according to your own schedule.

Upon successful completion of an exam, you will receive a Capstone California wine certificate, providing the knowledge to move on to the next level.

What's Included?

These relaxed sessions includes the history, wine styles and grape varieties and culture of California, and more with each class including a tasting of premium Californian wines.

Syllabus

• Major eras in the history of California wine, including the Mission era, post-Gold Rush, Prohibition, and modern times.
• Learn how California's geography, the Pacific Ocean, and mountain ranges affect viticulture and wine styles.
• Acquire fundamental knowledge of grape-growing practices, including the ability to identify and describe the important grape varieties grown in California.
• Receive an introduction to the American Viticultural Area (AVA) system, including the world-famous AVAs of Napa Valley, Sonoma County, and Santa Barbara County.
• Explore California's iconic wineries.
• Learn about the key statistics for California wine in global production, consumption, and exports.

Certification & Exam

Theory Examination, 50 multiple-choice questions

Passing grade: 60%

Entry Requirements

You must complete each level in order to progress to the next.

All attendees must be at least 18 years of age.

There are no other requirements for these courses.