Is it time to harvest your future career in the wine business? The BC wine industry is bustling with an increasing need for wine business professionals who understand the marketing, sales, exporting, and tourism aspects of wine.

The one-year Wine Business program at VIU provides hands-on experience covering the basics of viticulture and business practices, including visits to local vineyards and wineries to get a real taste for the wine life.

The Wine Business Certificate can be taken as stand-alone certification or as credit towards either the Hospitality and Tourism Management or Bachelor of Business program.

The Wine Business Certificate Program
1 year full-time or 2 year part-time
The purpose of the program is to provide recognition for students who complete a series of courses related to the wine industry, the process of wine making, wine appreciation (product knowledge), wine marketing, wine tourism and other knowledge related to the business of wine. The certificate will help graduates find employment in some aspect of the wine business, which could be a vineyard, a winery, a wholesaler, a retailer, a food service establishment or a special event planner. Although this is a stand-alone certificate, the courses may also be taken as credit courses toward a degree or diploma.

The certificate may also be taken concurrently with a diploma or degree.

Developing a wine program at VIU is part of our vision to provide students credentials for entry into those careers influenced by the wine industry including (not limited to):

Winery/Vineyard Management
Retail Sales
Wine Marketing Representative
Restauranteur
Hotelier
Culinary
Agri-tourism development
Special Events