Walla Walla Community College announced the launch of its new Wine Industry Sales and Management Certificate, a one-year program designed to support working professionals and provide a flexible, career-focused pathway into the wine industry. 

Built within the college’s nationally recognized Enology and Viticulture program, the new certificate responds directly to industry demand for skilled professionals who understand not only how wine is made, but how it is effectively marketed, sold, and managed in today’s evolving marketplace. 

This 45–55 credit certificate can be completed in one year and combines coursework in wine fundamentals, sales, marketing, business operations, and hands-on experience. The program will launch in Fall Quarter with a hybrid format, blending online coursework with in-person learning opportunities, and is planned to transition to a fully online offering in the following academic year. This flexible structure allows students to engage with the program regardless of location while maintaining strong connections to hands-on and industry-driven experiences. 

Students will build practical, career-ready skills through a focused sequence of coursework that reflects how modern wineries operate. The curriculum is organized around key areas of the wine business, including: 

• Sales & Customer Experience – developing effective tasting room sales techniques, customer engagement strategies, and direct-to-consumer (DTC) conversion skills  

• Marketing & Brand Strategy – creating and executing digital marketing campaigns, storytelling, and brand positioning for wineries  

• Wine Business & Distribution – understanding the wine marketplace, including pricing, margins, and the dynamics of wholesale and DTC channels  

• Operations & Compliance – managing winery logistics, inventory, and regulatory requirements, including labeling and reporting standards  

• Hands-On Industry Experience – applying skills through a Wine Business Practicum with regional winery partners  

Enrollment for the new certificate is now open. 

For more information, see here https://catalog.wwcc.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=7&poid=790 or visit WWCC.edu or contact the WWCC Enology and Viticulture program at 509-524-5170