Academy of Wine & Spirits
| Duration: | Classroom: 7 hours. Online: 7 hours. |
|
| Includes: | Classroom: 12 Wine Samples, Digital Text Book, Online Exam, Digital Certificate. Online: Self Study Online Platform or Online Zoom Platform, Digital Book, Online Exam, Digital Certificate . Want the full experience? You can add a printed course booklet, official printed certificate, and a lapel pin to your booking during checkout—just tick the box before completing your order. |
|
Step into the world of California wine with this immersive 5-hour foundation course, designed for curious enthusiasts, hospitality professionals, and wine students alike. Whether you're just starting out or looking to sharpen your knowledge, Level 1 offers a dynamic introduction to the people, places, and wines that define the Golden State.
A Storied Legacy
Trace the journey of California wine from the early Mission era to its rise as a global powerhouse.
Discover how the Pacific Ocean, mountain ranges, and microclimates shape the unique terroirs of California’s top wine regions.
Learn the basics of California viticulture, from grape-growing practices to the key varieties that thrive in its diverse landscapes.
Understand the American Viticultural Area (AVA) structure and get to know iconic regions like Napa Valley, Sonoma County, and Santa Barbara.
Get introduced to legendary wineries including Ridge Vineyards, Frog’s Leap, and Robert Mondavi, whose wines helped put California on the map.
Taste at least 8 diverse Californian wines, using professional methods to assess quality, style, and regional character.
Explore California’s role in the global wine market—covering production, exports, and what makes it a major player in the world of wine.
As part of this foundational course, you'll taste your way through 12 expertly selected California wines, each chosen to represent the diversity, depth, and regional character of the Golden State.
This curated lineup includes:
Classic Varietals – Taste benchmark examples of California’s most iconic grapes, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Zinfandel.
Regional Expressions – Explore how wines from Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Paso Robles, and Santa Barbara reflect their unique terroirs and climates.
White Wines with Range – From crisp Sauvignon Blanc to creamy barrel-aged Chardonnay, learn how winemaking styles influence structure and complexity.
Red Wines with Personality – Compare bold, fruit-forward reds from the Central Coast with elegant, restrained styles from cooler regions.
Surprises & Rising Stars – Discover lesser-known varietals or emerging producers that showcase California’s innovation and diversity.
Each tasting is guided using professional sensory techniques to help you build confidence in identifying styles, quality markers, and regional signatures.
This is not just tasting—it’s your first step into understanding California through the glass.
The Capstone California Level 1 Course is ideal for hospitality professionals, wine students, sommeliers, retailers, and wine enthusiasts looking to build a strong foundation in California wine.
Whether you're pouring in a tasting room, guiding guests at a restaurant, selling on the shop floor, or simply passionate about wine, this course will give you the knowledge and tasting skills to speak confidently about one of the most dynamic wine regions in the world.
No prior experience required—just curiosity and a clean glass.
o successfully complete the Capstone California Level 1 Course, participants must pass a multiple-choice theory examcovering key course content, including:
History and key milestones of California wine
Major grape varieties and regional styles
AVA system and geography
Basic viticulture and winemaking practices
The exam ensures a solid grasp of the foundational knowledge needed to confidently continue on to Level 2.
Upon passing, participants receive an official Capstone California Level 1 Certificate, marking the first step on your journey through the Golden State’s world-renowned wine regions.
Upon successful completion of the Capstone California Level 1 Course and final assessment, participants will receive the official Capstone California Level 1 Certificate, issued by the California Wine Institute.
This globally recognized certification affirms your foundational knowledge of California wine, including its history, regions, grape varieties, and wine styles.
It’s an ideal credential for anyone working in wine, hospitality, or retail—and a valuable first step toward more advanced levels in the Capstone California program.
Classroom: $295
Online: $195
