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


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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.

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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.

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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!



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Our Capstone California Education Panel


The curriculum and study guides have been developed by the Capstone California Education Panel, a prestigious team of globally recognized experts including journalists, Masters of Wine (MW), Master Sommeliers (MS) and leading wine educators. The Education Panel is comprised of renowned authors with a deep familiarity of their subject, and top wine writers with their finger on the pulse of the industry, providing current and verified information on the California wine industry.


Picture of Tim Gaiser, MS

Tim Gaiser, MS

Master Sommelier

"The California wine industry is constantly discovering new terroirs and grapes while reminding us of its great history. The move to sustainable viticulture by so many is also thrilling to watch."

Picture of Madeline Triffon, MS

Madeline Triffon, MS

Master Sommelier

"The evolving and emerging definition, and reputation, of growing regions within regions – like the Santa Rita Hills in Santa Barbara, the Red Hills in Lake County, and the various expressions of Sonoma Coast. The wines coming from the hands of thoughtful winemakers defy easy definition and reflect true New World terroir. Some may very well become classic expressions in time, that would be very neat to see."

Picture of Virginie Boone

Virginie Boone

Wine Enthusiast

"California wines have never been better, from both a qualitative perspective, but also from a thoughtfulness perspective. The attention to detail, especially on the farming side, is at an all-time high, with a lot of thought being put into how to do things better and for the long-term. There's so much more mindfulness when it comes to how to build a wine business, how to farm land, take care of employees and create new and rewarding experiences for wine lovers everywhere. While it's important to think about your local environment first, I think the wine industry as a global entity has never been more closely tied together. "

Picture of Sara d'Amato

Sara d'Amato

WineAlign

"Sales of California wines continue to grow in our market of Ontario, Canada, despite inflation and border closures firmly establishing that its presence is no fleeting trend. Our distances may be great but similar values seemed to have created a distinct cultural synergy that is prevalent today. What excites me most about the wines of California is a commitment to green through initiatives like the California Sustainable Winegrowing program and steadily increasing organic conversion."

Picture of Wayne Belding, MS

Wayne Belding, MS

Master Sommelier

"California has a perfect placement for wine. Because the topography is so diverse, vintners have broad choices of sites to plant. From the vast vineyards of the Central Valley to the steep slopes of the Coast Ranges and all the valleys in between, there is a perfect spot for any wine style."

Picture of Evan Goldstein, MS

Evan Goldstein, MS

Master Sommelier

"California is blessed with an ideal combination of diversity (regions, soils, grape varieties), a ranging and desirable set of climate conditions that are conducive to producing quality fruit, and that combination of creativity and innovation that is led by the winemakers’ inherent ‘why theorize when you can actually try’ approach. Add to that a cohort of super talented vignerons who lean into things with that inquisitive California flair and the state’s strong position on sustainability and you have eno-nirvana."

Picture of Deborah Parker Wong

Deborah Parker Wong

Slow Wine Guide

"As National Editor for the US edition of the Guide, I work with an equally inspiring team of field coordinators who visit and taste with producers operating under the Slow Food ethos of "Good, Clean, Fair" by farming without the use of synthetic herbicides and by pursuing organic, biodynamic and regenerative practices and certifications. The leadership and advocacy demonstrated by these California producers is an inspiration for us all."

Picture of Randy Caparoso

Randy Caparoso

Journalist/Photographer

"Nothing excites me more than the emerging wine regions that are in the process of establishing their own terroir-related identities through their vineyards and wines, in the tradition of the historical wine regions of Europe."

Picture of Sara Schneider

Sara Schneider

Freelance

"I am excited about the fact that in California, creating wines that reflect specific popular styles is no longer the goal. Instead, the focus is on the best a vineyard can give in a given year, and the result is many more wines of place. It helps that ripeness and alcohol levels are more restrained, and that freshness, savoriness, and minerality are valued. I think the wines emerging today—with that restraint layered over advances in viticulture and winemaking—are showcasing California's truer capability across seriously diverse regions and wine varieties, from world-renowned Napa Valley to the excitement of an emerging region like Lodi."

Picture of Tim Gaiser, MS

Tim Gaiser, MS

Master Sommelier

"The California wine industry is constantly discovering new terroirs and grapes while reminding us of its great history. The move to sustainable viticulture by so many is also thrilling to watch."

Picture of Madeline Triffon, MS

Madeline Triffon, MS

Master Sommelier

"The evolving and emerging definition, and reputation, of growing regions within regions – like the Santa Rita Hills in Santa Barbara, the Red Hills in Lake County, and the various expressions of Sonoma Coast. The wines coming from the hands of thoughtful winemakers defy easy definition and reflect true New World terroir. Some may very well become classic expressions in time, that would be very neat to see."

Picture of Virginie Boone

Virginie Boone

Wine Enthusiast

"California wines have never been better, from both a qualitative perspective, but also from a thoughtfulness perspective. The attention to detail, especially on the farming side, is at an all-time high, with a lot of thought being put into how to do things better and for the long-term. There's so much more mindfulness when it comes to how to build a wine business, how to farm land, take care of employees and create new and rewarding experiences for wine lovers everywhere. While it's important to think about your local environment first, I think the wine industry as a global entity has never been more closely tied together. "

Picture of Sara d'Amato

Sara d'Amato

WineAlign

"Sales of California wines continue to grow in our market of Ontario, Canada, despite inflation and border closures firmly establishing that its presence is no fleeting trend. Our distances may be great but similar values seemed to have created a distinct cultural synergy that is prevalent today. What excites me most about the wines of California is a commitment to green through initiatives like the California Sustainable Winegrowing program and steadily increasing organic conversion."

Picture of Wayne Belding, MS

Wayne Belding, MS

Master Sommelier

"California has a perfect placement for wine. Because the topography is so diverse, vintners have broad choices of sites to plant. From the vast vineyards of the Central Valley to the steep slopes of the Coast Ranges and all the valleys in between, there is a perfect spot for any wine style."

Picture of Evan Goldstein, MS

Evan Goldstein, MS

Master Sommelier

"California is blessed with an ideal combination of diversity (regions, soils, grape varieties), a ranging and desirable set of climate conditions that are conducive to producing quality fruit, and that combination of creativity and innovation that is led by the winemakers’ inherent ‘why theorize when you can actually try’ approach. Add to that a cohort of super talented vignerons who lean into things with that inquisitive California flair and the state’s strong position on sustainability and you have eno-nirvana."

Picture of Kana Yamamoto

Kana Yamamoto

Wine shop & Cafe Ile de Colline

"I think the way California Wines express the blessings of the sun is very unique. Winemakers in California have the freedom to make wine without any constraints, and that uniqueness allows them to focus on taking their wines in a better direction."

Picture of Miyuki Morimoto

Miyuki Morimoto

Conrad Tokyo

"At present, I'm paying attention to Lodi and there are several reasons why. First, it is not an exaggeration to say that Lodi is the starting point for the California wine industry. Second, in 2015, Lodi achieved the “Wine Region of the Year” by Wine Enthusiast magazine. The reason I was most attracted to the region is that its old vine Zinfandels are made from vines that are not grafted. It’s a wonderful taste that overturns the stereotypes of Zinfandel. I think that the land is still more affordable than other places, so it's an amazing region that gives young people the ability to dream."

Picture of Yoko Obara

Yoko Obara

Vinicuest, Wine Educator & Writer

"California is one of the leading wine regions for pursuing sustainability. Various programs such as Napa Green and Fish Friendly Farming enable California to care about not only their wineries but also their surroundings. Additionally, “lifestyle wineries” such as Wente Vineyards with golf course or Francis Ford Coppola Winery with swimming pool can shine more. The combination of great wine, experience, and beautiful nature enhance the joy of visiting wine region. I miss California!"

Picture of Taku Iguro

Taku Iguro

Director of Japan Sommelier Association

"Every year, young and talented winemakers pop out from California. I love how the young guns and experienced winemakers exchange their thoughts and encourage each other."

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Edwin Raben

Edwines School

"I believe the wines of California need more attention in the Netherlands. They are really underrated and sometimes misunderstood. I will do my best to promote the wines."

Picture of Heidi Hansen, MW

Heidi Hansen, MW

Kulinarisk Akademi

"I think all the development seen in California is very interesting and I love the fact that Californian wines are growing rapidly in the Norwegian market so that we are able to access a very wide range of wines."

Picture of Adam Pawłowski, MS

Adam Pawłowski, MS

Wine Academy

"I'm excited the most about cool climate wines from vineyards located close to the coast. Those show an amazing purity of fruit combined with freshness and great capability to age."

Picture of Tatiana Selivanova

Tatiana Selivanova

Fort Wine and Spirits

"The size, the speed, and the level of expertise. Today many Old World winemakers come to study viticulture and enology in California, and it really makes sense."

Picture of Sybille Troubleyn

Sybille Troubleyn

WineWise

"When we talk about California in our wine classes, we find that Californian wines often capture the imagination. Many have never tasted a Californian wine because, in their perception, it is not affordable. If we do a blind tasting, same price range, same grape, and we put a Californian wine in the flight, I can guarantee you that it will score well. Our challenge is to give California a well-deserved place on wine lists and shop shelves. Of course, the California wineries must also give our country the opportunity to import their wines."

Picture of Jacky Blisson, MW

Jacky Blisson, MW

Master of Wine

"I am continually impressed by the ambitious commitments Californian wine producers - from boutique estates to bigger wineries - are making in terms of sustainability. The holistic nature of these actions, from the vineyard to the community, is particularly noteworthy."

Picture of Mark DeWolf

Mark DeWolf

Saltwire Network, Association de la Sommellerie Internationale

"California's movement towards sustainability even if driven by necessity places California in elite company in the wine world of regions that understand our industry must be forward thinkers in the fight against climate change. California is becoming a steward of sustainability and its current mentality of working with the environment rather than against it, positions California as part of meaningful, even a leader, in this conversation that is so important to the wine world."

Picture of Eugene Mlynczyk

Eugene Mlynczyk

Arterra Wines Canada

"When wine lovers worldwide think of the New World (as opposed to Europe), they think of US wines. And in terms of "US wines" there is only California. I know that is a touch unfair to other US regions, which I also love for different reasons, but if the core of the US wine nation is not humming, then I doubt the rest of the industry can thrive as well. From the perspective of Canada, I see the power of California and its wines undiminished. Wine collectors and casual drinkers alike gravitate to the Golden State with its glorious sunshine and diverse coastal and hillside/valley origins etched like postcard images in their minds. There is a solid reason why California's wines are as succulent, flavourful and structured (in the best examples) as they are: this place is a fortuitous confluence of ocean, rock, sunshine and above all the expertise and passion of their makers. "

Picture of Rene Langdahl Jorgensen

Rene Langdahl Jorgensen

Vinakademiet, Denmark

"California is one of the most open-minded wine industries in the world."

Picture of Tomi Naarvala

Tomi Naarvala

Wineserver

"California is a must-know wine region for all professionals and enthusiasts. It is a world leader in wine science and sustainability and offers a range of wines all the way to the highest of quality. With Capstone California Wine Certification program, you will learn more and get certified for your efforts."

Picture of Konstantin Baum, MW

Konstantin Baum, MW

meinelese.de

"The California wine industry is still seen as a monolith in Europe. Education is immensely important to introduce wine drinkers to the diversity and variability of styles, grape varieties, and personalities from California."

Picture of Dietmar Maisenholder

Dietmar Maisenholder

Vinophilium Wine Academy

"I am very convinced of the sustainable concepts of the wineries. I like that many producers combine traditions with very progressive approaches. This saves valuable resources. The wines are an incredible asset to the global wine market - on par with many iconic wines of the world!"

Picture of Stefan Neumann, MS

Stefan Neumann, MS

Stefan Neumann Ltd

"The diversity and the mindset of the current generation in charge and the one to follow. You find now everything from top sparkling wines to delightful still wines, white or red; and even some carefully crafted low-intervention wines. California got it all."


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.