Wine Foundation Program

Our flagship diploma program, the Diploma Oenotropae is named after the granddaughters of Dionysus, the Greek god of wine. While they could turn water into wine, the Diploma transforms wine into knowledge.

To earn the Diploma Oentropae, the student must earn the two Core Certificates, four Advanced Certifications, and complete the Thesis Oenotropae.

Core Certificates

The two programs that comprise the Core Certification are a complete education in wine. For all students of wine, these are essential programs. The programs can be taken individually, or can be taken together as the Core Certificate Program.

Wine Foundation Learn to unravel the hidden flavors of wine, and to develop the coveted skill of blind tasting. Graduates can often beat seasoned sommeliers in blind tasting challenges.

Global Intermediate A highly detailed program, this program offers our students everything needed to master the global vineyard. Graduates will be famliar with all the major varietals and wine regions of the world.

Advanced Wine Certificates

The Diploma student must successfully complete four of the available certifications listed below. At least one Advanced Wine Program is offered every Fall, Winter, and Spring semester.

• Advanced Cru, The Winemaker's Art
• Advanced Cru, The Elements of Terroir
• Advanced Spain, General Studies
• Advanced Spain, Rioja
• Advanced Italy, General Studies
• Advanced Italy, Tuscany
• Advanced Italy, Piedmont
• Advanced France, General Studies
• Advanced France, Bordeaux
• Advanced France, Burgundy & Rhone
• Advanced California, General Studies
• Advanced Pacific Northwest, General Studies
• Advanced Australia, General Studies

Thesis Oenotropae

Each Diploma student must complete a thesis project that is assigned by his the Director of Academics after the completion of all coursework.