The first M.B.A. program for Wine Business in the nation is being launched at Sonoma State University in the heart of Northern California’s wine country.

Development of the M.B.A. program coincides with unprecedented growth and increasingly global competition within the wine industry and was stimulated by the wine advisory board that guides the program.

"Our partners in the wine industry have been very clear about the need to recruit and retain individuals with a strong knowledge of both professional management and unique wine industry practices," said Mack Schwing, the program's director.

Sonoma State University's Wine Business M.B.A. is designed with two objectives in mind - to provide students with financial and analytical skills required of wine business management and to educate with specific focus on the wine industry through specialized classes and related case studies.

"The M.B.A. fills a critical void for people working in the industry and continues Sonoma State University's leadership position in providing global wine business education" said Caroline Coleman Bailey, founder of Premier Growth Communications and president of the Wine Business Program's Executive Advisory Board.

The program consists of required foundation courses and elective courses that provide students with the skills necessary to become effective leaders in wine business management. "Sustainability in the Wine and Hospitality Industry" is among the elective courses offered and reflects the program's commitment to educating students on key dynamics within the industry today. All classes will be taught by faculty from the School of Business & Economics, an Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business accredited institution. The M.B.A. program is 100% industry funded. "This is a student and industry-driven initiative and really highlights the kind of community support we have," added James Robertson, Dean of the School of Business and Economics.

Students interested in fall 2007 classes are encouraged to apply no later than July 13 by contacting Linda Nowak, (linda.nowak@sonoma.edu), M.B.A. coordinator for the School of Business and Economics, (707) 664-3954. Enrollments will also be accepted for Spring Semester, 2008.
Detailed information about the program including guidelines for admission can be found at http://www.sonoma.edu/busadmin/mba/program_winemba.shtml.

Created through a public private partnership between the university and the wine industry, Sonoma State's Wine Business Program offers the opportunity to earn a B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Wine Business Strategies and an M.B.A. with a concentration in Wine Business.
The program also offers professional development classes that highlight current trends, new developments and specific practices for people interested in transitioning to, or currently working in, the industry.

More than 250 wine companies have donated to the Wine Business Program Endowment Fund. The proceeds from these donations along with operational support donations are the primary source of funding for the program.

The Executive Advisory Board for the Wine Business Program currently includes industry executives representing Diageo Chateau & Estates Wines, F. Korbel & Bros., Gallo Family Vineyards, Girard Winery, J. Lohr Winery, Wells Fargo, the Wine Institute and the Woodward-Graff Wine Foundation.

For further information, contact Deborah Halbert, Wine Business Program, School of Business and Economics, (707) 664-2260.