Wine Country Times

Sonoma State University reported that they will be offering an online wine entrepreneurship program online this spring semester. 

The master class will be a nine-week-long program and will help students to better understand and embrace what is required to “develop or reposition a vineyard and winery.” Students will also learn about the varying methods of turning a profit in this field.

Dr. Anisya Fritz, proprietor of Lynmar Estate, which produces both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, explained the importance of this type of program. The course itself will be taught by Fritz, who is known for her strategist and entrepreneur expertise from her career in the industry.

“In our new and changing landscape, wine business leaders underscore the need for ownership and management that can see the whole picture, be nimble and adapt quickly to threats and changing consumer preferences,” Fritz said. “This master class focuses on entrepreneurial thinking, on defining strategy, not only for new entities but also for those leaders who want to revisit their big picture for the business that they have already built.”

The application deadline for the program is Thursday, Feb. 11 and classes will start on Thursday, Feb. 18.

One former student of the program, shared her passion for the field of work as well as sang the praises of the program.

“The Wine Entrepreneurship program gave me the time, place and guidance to write a business plan that helped launch Tonic Marketing,” Sara Soergel, principal of Tonic Marketing and executive director of Rutherford Dust Society, said. “The program provided a safe space to ask questions and learn from our instructor, classmates and industry guest speakers. It gave us a community and network to bounce ideas off of, seek help from, and connect with for resources.”

The Sonoma Executive Wine MBA is another program to begin this spring.