Enology Certificate

The Enology Certificate is an online program that consists of 9 courses, and 3 wine camps. Please review the program schedule for additional information.

You can expect to leave the program with a thorough scientific understanding of the winemaking process, the steps and equipment required, the compliance and labeling required, and a very realistic expectations of the cost of opening a winery. You will also have a full understanding of the sensory components of wine, from fruit to faults. Attendance at the three in-person ‘wine camps’ is required for successful completion of the certificate. These camps are located in Richland, WA. At these camps there are hands-on activities, classroom activities, lectures and discussions, and winery visits/tours. These weekends are highly praised by students for the valuable networking that occurs between instructors, students, and industry professionals.

You will be given access to the program website with syllabi, lectures, lecture notes, lecture slides, internet links, exams and course evaluations. On a discussion board, participants share information about themselves, discuss topics of their choice, and discuss assignment questions. High-speed, reliable internet is required to access the program.

Course length varies with topic, some may be 2-3 months, others require less time. The time allotted for exams is 2 weeks and format varies. The amount of time spent on a course will vary with the content and the participant’s background, but it is estimated that you should plan on spending no more than 10 hours/week on the program.

The program is science-based, and familiarity with college-level chemistry and biology can be beneficial. There are no prerequisites for participation.

Cost & Length

  • Cost: $5,995 if paid in full, $6,390 if paid in 3 installments of $2,130 each.
  • Length: 20 months, starting every May

Textbooks

The program will provide digital textbooks. Students will receive links to download digital copies prior to the launch of a new course. Students outside of the United States will be eligible for a partial discount at the time of registration as they will be responsible for making some digital textbook purchases due to international restrictions.

World-Class Professors

The courses are taught by Washington State University Viticulture and Enology professors and industry experts, all actively working in their specialty, teaching and conducting research.

Enology Certificate Waitlist

There is a wait list for the Enology Certificate. Depending on the month you put your name on the list, it could be a year until you are notified. You will be notified of availability in the fall prior to the available class. The class size is a maximum of 35 students. If you do not make it into the next class, you will be notified and your name will be rolled over to the following year.

There is a non-refundable fee of $50 to put your name on the waitlist. Once notified of class availability, you may chose to roll your name over for another year.

Those currently working in the Washington State grape and wine industries have priority status for enrollment. Please put the winery or vineyard name in the ‘company’ line on the wait list form.

Enology Certificate Refund Policy

3 Installment Option Refund Policy

Cancellation DateEligible Refund
Before May 1$1,930 ($2,130 minus $200 processing fee)
May 1 – July 31$0
August 1 – January 31$0
February 1 – December 15$0

In-Full Option Refund Policy

Cancellation DateEligible Refund
Before May 1$5,795 ($5,995 minus $200 processing fee)
May 1 – July 31$4,260
August 1 – January 31$2,130
February 1 – December 15$0

Enology Certificate Frequently Asked Questions

Financial aid and scholarship eligibility is determined by the organization providing the funding, not Washington State University. Because our programs are offered as non-credit professional certificates, funding opportunities may differ from those available for degree programs. We encourage prospective students to explore scholarships, employer-sponsored education benefits, workforce development programs, and other funding sources to determine what options may be available to support their enrollment.

Benefit eligibility is determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs, not Washington State University. Our programs are offered as non-credit professional certificates, and we encourage veterans and military-connected students to consult with the VA to determine whether their education benefits may be used to support enrollment.

Eligibility for tax deductions is determined by applicable tax laws and your individual circumstances. Because our programs are offered as non-credit professional certificates and do not involve the payment of college tuition, they may not qualify for tax benefits associated with degree-granting academic programs. Some students may be eligible to claim the cost as a business or professional education expense. We encourage you to consult a qualified tax professional regarding your specific situation.

Time commitments vary by student and course. Most participants spend a few hours each week on coursework, with some courses requiring additional time during particularly active periods. In general, students should expect a weekly commitment of no more than 10 hours. Because courses are offered online and asynchronously, students can learn at a pace that fits their schedules.

Assignments have expected due dates, but we understand that unexpected situations can occur. Students are encouraged to communicate with their instructor or the program coordinator if they anticipate difficulty meeting a deadline. We will work with you to discuss available options and help you stay on track in the program.

To ensure a consistent experience for all students, exams are not opened before their scheduled start date. However, we understand that travel, work obligations, and other scheduling conflicts can arise, and we are happy to work with students when advance communication is possible. Students are encouraged to contact their instructor or the program coordinator as soon as they become aware of a conflict. In many cases, an extension can be arranged to allow the exam to be completed after the scheduled exam period.

Exams are typically available for a two-week period. Assignment and exam due dates are provided in the course syllabus, and students are responsible for reviewing the syllabus and keeping track of important deadlines throughout the program.

We understand that conflicts and unexpected situations can arise, and students who need additional time should communicate with their instructor or the program coordinator as soon as possible. While extensions may be available when needed, timely completion of exams is encouraged, as exam performance plays an important role in meeting the 70% minimum score required to successfully complete the course.

Students have access to course lectures and materials throughout the program and are welcome to revisit content as often as needed. While access often remains available for some time after the program ends, we can only guarantee access through the final day of the last course. We encourage students to plan accordingly and complete any review of course materials before the program concludes.