Capstone California: Introductory Level 1 Course
Wherever you are in your discovery of California wine, we have a class that’s right for you. We offer four levels, from novice (no wine knowledge required) to expert. Each level builds upon the previous one and covers history, geography, climate, soils, grapes, viticulture, vinification, aging/maturation, wine law, official classifications, terminology, producers, vintages and the business of wine.
The Capstone California Introductory Level 1 course is a foundational program designed for individuals interested in gaining a comprehensive understanding of California's wine industry. This course is suitable for beginners and those looking to enhance their knowledge following certifications like WSET Level 2 or 3.
Course Dates
1 Day Course - 24 May 2025, 10AM - 3PM. Registrations close 17 May 2025. Book Now
1 Day Course - 23 August 2025, 10AM - 3PM. Registrations close 16 August 2025. Book Now
Overview
The curriculum covers essential topics, including:
History of California Wine: Exploring key eras such as the Mission period, post-Gold Rush, Prohibition, and modern developments.
Geography and Climate: Understanding how California's diverse landscapes and climate influence viticulture and wine styles.
Viticulture and Winemaking: Gaining insights into grape-growing practices and the winemaking process.
Major Grape Varieties: Learning about prominent varieties like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Merlot, and Syrah.
American Viticultural Areas (AVAs): Introduction to AVAs such as Napa Valley, Sonoma County, and Santa Barbara County.
Iconic Wineries: Studying renowned producers like Ridge Vineyards, Frog’s Leap Winery, and Robert Mondavi Winery.
Wine Business: Understanding California's role in global wine production, consumption, and exports.
Course Format
The inclass session is supported by multimedia content, including presentations and quizzes.
Tasting Sessions: Practical sessions to enhance tasting techniques through sampling various wines.
Examination: A theory exam consisting of 50 multiple-choice questions, with a passing grade of 60%.
Certification: Upon successful completion, participants receive a Capstone California certificate, qualifying them for progression to Level 2.
The Course
This course is divided into 11 chapters: History & Lore, Geography & Climate, Soils, Grapes, Viticulture & Vinification, Aging & Maturation, Wine Law, Official Classifications, Terminology, Producers, Vintages, and Business of Wine.
The course starts at 10am and finishes at 5pm, and is hosted at Media One Hotel, Media City, Dubai. Please ensure you arrive 15 minutes early to class.
Included in this Course
All tuition
Access to online training materials including reading materials, maps, videos and quizzes
Tasting of nine wines
Coffee & Tea, Snacks and 2-course lunch
Free valet parking
Registration & Exam Fees