About the Capstone California Program
Since 1934, Wine Institute (WI) has been supporting California’s wineries and winemakers. This website, developed by California Wines under the auspices of Wine Institute, is an up-to-date information resource on California wine with contributions from many of the state’s 4,200 wineries along with an outside team of top industry professionals, educators, and authors. For consumers and professionals interested in a more structured learning experience, Capstone California offers four levels of study: Introductory; Intermediate; Advanced; and Expert/Ambassador. Upon completion of each level, successful students receive a certificate and other exciting benefits.
For wine professionals and consumers interested in a more structured learning experience, Capstone California offers four levels of study: Introductory; Intermediate; Advanced; and Expert/Ambassador. Upon completion of each level, successful students receive a certificate and other exciting benefits.
About 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.
Comprehensive Wine Study
A structured learning experience for professionals and enthusiasts
Four Levels of California Wine Certification
Capstone California offers four levels of study: from Introductory to Expert levels. Upon completion of each level, you will receive a certificate of completion and privileged access to tastings and other events.
A Global Faculty of Wine Experts
Content developed by a team of internationally recognized authorities on the California wine industry, including Masters of Wine (MW), Master Sommeliers (MS), leading wine educators, lauded authors and journalists.
Study at Your Own Pace
Classes are a convenient mix of self-study and online classes, designed to complete according to your own schedule. After successful completion of an exam, you will receive a Capstone California wine certificate.
Our certification course is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week online - register here. If you prefer to take an in-person or a hybrid course, find a wine school near you!
Find A School
“First of all, I want to congratulate the whole team for getting Capstone California off the ground – what a great achievement!
We are very excited about the launch. I am just coming back from the Swiss launch event, which went well and we are looking forward to the German launch.”
Konstantin Baum
MASTER OF WINE, GERMANY
About 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.