Next intake

July 2025

Duration

10 weeks

Location

Le Bouveret

About the program

Registration and Inquiries

Are you ready to explore the world of winemaking while surrounded by the breathtaking UNESCO world heritage Lavaux vineyards and the vineyards of Valais? Switzerland's largest winemaking region provides a fantastic opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the wine culture.

With its rich culinary connections, this region provides hands-on experiences and an in-depth understanding of food and wine pairing and wine and chocolate pairing. Learn everything there is to know about winemaking and wine business management while earning the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 2 Award in Wines.

Certificate in Wine Business Management. Bottles

HIGHLIGHTS

Wine Business Management Certificate Program Overview

The Wine Business Management Certificate Program thoroughly introduces the exciting field of wine management and entrepreneurship. During the training, participants will experience numerous benefits, as explained below:

Program benefits

Why Study Wine Business Management?

Still unsure of what wine business management can offer you?

The wine business management program provides a mix of traditional business education and business planning specifically tailored for the wine industry. Through this program, you will gain insights into the global wine market, consumer behavior, distribution channels, and specific marketing strategies for wine products.

What can you learn in a wine business management program?

The wine business management program covers all the essential topics needed for success in the wine industry. Participants will learn about vineyard management, wine production techniques, and the intricacies of viticulture.

Once you learn the basics, you will also learn the wine marketing and sales strategies, distribution logistics, and the global wine markets’ regulatory landscape. Graduates will have a comprehensive understanding of the business and cultural aspects of wine, and be ready to pursue careers in vineyard management, winery operations, marketing and sales, distribution, and hospitality management.

What Can You Do with a WSET Wine Certificate?

Earning a Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) certificate opens doors to many career opportunities within the wine industry. This globally recognized certification validates your expertise in wine production, tasting, and business fundamentals.

In addition, the WSET curriculum equips participants with practical skills in sensory evaluation, wine service, and food pairing, all essential for hospitality and culinary careers. However, beyond operational roles, this wine business certificate is valuable in marketing, sales, and distribution, allowing professionals to communicate and promote wine products to diverse audiences.

Hence, the certificate holders are highly qualified and desirable candidates for many roles, including sommeliers, wine educators, retail managers, and wine consultants.

Courses in Wine Business Management

Our wine business management program covers a diverse range of topics essential for success in the wine industry. This 10-week course is comprised of 5 modules:

Winemaking & Sustainability and Learning to become a taste expert

WSET Level 2, 18h, external international wine award received upon successful examination
Wine immersion experience walking and working the vineyards
Workshop on sustainability in the wine industry from renowned expert

Wine and Food Pairing

Food & wine pairing lunches
Champagne pairing escape game
Cheese and Wine Matching experience with specialists
Chocolate & Wine Matching masterclasses with pastry chefs, chocolate experts and wine experts

Building a Brand

Marketing theory on branding
Swiss Wine Specialist certificate
Accredited Bordeaux Expert certificate
Champagne Expert certificate
Austrian wine expert certificate

Wine Commerce, Marketing, and Wine Tourism

Swiss wines promotion
Vinery visits of cantons Valais and Vaud
UNESCO Lavaux experience
Wine trip crafted by students

Starting a Wine business

Business incubator experience
Lectures with renowned Wine Brand representatives such as champagne Perrier-Jouët
Wine Label Competition as a final project

Admission Requirements

If you are ready to start the admission process, here are all the requirements you need to fulfill:

Minimum age of 18 years old.
English Language Entry Requirements: The program is conducted 100% in English and requires English proficiency. You need to communicate with fluency and ease to grasp the material of the certificate.
All applications will be considered on an individual basis: The program welcomes candidates with various prior learning and workplace backgrounds: the only prerequisite is passion or curiosity for the wine and beverage business.

Apply early: If you need a student visa, please be sure to allow 8 – 12 weeks between the application and the program start date.

Wine Business Management Program Cost

The WSET wine certificate program spans five modules over 10 weeks. The total cost of tuition, food, and accommodation amounts to CHF 14,000. Accommodation is mandatory during these 10 weeks, and during term breaks, students have the option to stay on campus for an additional fee of CHF 360 per week.

FAQs

What is wine management?: Wine management involves overseeing the production, storage, and distribution of wines to ensure their quality, profitability, and customer satisfaction.
Is wine a good business?: Wine can be a profitable business if managed correctly. It requires a deep understanding of the industry, market trends, and customer preferences.
How do you become a wine manager?: To become a wine manager, you will need to acquire the right education and experience in viticulture, oenology, business management, and marketing. Obtaining certifications like a Wset Wine Certificate is highly recommended.
Do wineries make money?: Wineries can be profitable, but success depends on various factors such as production cost, marketing strategies, distribution channels, and the quality of the wine itself.

Upcoming dates

We highly recommend applying early. If you need a student visa, please be sure to allow 8 – 12 weeks between application and program start date.

WSET Wine Certificate - Wine Business Management Certificate Program