California’s booming wine industry is thirsty for skilled professionals, and Fresno State is stepping up to the challenge. Starting in Fall 2024, the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology will offer a new Wine Business degree, preparing students for diverse careers in this dynamic field.
The program fills a critical gap in the region, offering a unique blend of viticulture, enology, and business courses. Students will gain valuable knowledge in areas like accounting, marketing, finance, wine production, and evaluation, along with potential electives in agri-food supply chains, event planning, and more.
This comprehensive approach is crucial, as the industry demands professionals who understand both the art of winemaking and the intricacies of business. Junior enology student Madasen Gutierrez discovered her passion for the business side of the industry during her hands-on experience at Cedar View Winery. She believes the new degree will equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in this competitive field.
Fresno State’s Wine Business program boasts unique advantages. Students will have access to the university’s 120-acre vineyard, the nation’s largest commercially bonded winery at a university, and a raisin processing facility – all located right next to their classrooms. This proximity to real-world operations provides invaluable hands-on learning opportunities.
Lecturer Kevin Smith, who brings his own experience in managing the Fresno State Winery’s sales and marketing, highlights the program’s distinct edge: “There are few university programs tied to wine business, and none locally with the resources we have here on campus.”
Students interested in the Wine Business degree can access a roadmap outlining required and elective courses before fall registration opens. Official applications for the program will be accepted starting in August. Current viticulture or enology students can also switch to the new degree in the fall.
With its comprehensive curriculum, hands-on learning opportunities, and industry connections, Fresno State’s Wine Business program is poised to equip graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the ever-growing and dynamic California wine industry.
