Qualification Description
Enrol in the first-of-its kind California wine certification and education program, Capstone California. Please note this programme is FREE for those working in or affiliated with the wine trade in Ireland only (hospitality, retail, importer etc.) Once booked - you will be required to email info@vinspireacademy.com confirming your place of work and registration.
If you are not working in the wine trade and would like to attend, please contact Philip at info@vinspireacademy.com to express interest in attending specifying your preferred date.
The Capstone California program offers four levels of study, from novice to expert. Each builds on the level prior and covers history, geography, climate, soils, grapes, viticulture, vinification, ageing and maturation, wine laws, official classifications, producers, vintages and the business of wine.
Capstone California Course - Level 1
The Introductory Level 1 covers four hours of wine curriculum, beginning with major eras in the history of California wine, including the Mission era, post-Gold Rush, Prohibition and modern times.
IN-PERSON COURSE FORMAT:
1 Day Course.
Available Dates:
Tuesday January 13th 2026 10 am - 4pm (breaks of 45 minutes and 20 minutes in between).
Thursday February 19th 2026 10am - 4pm (breaks of 45 minutes and 20 minutes in between).
Wednesday April 22nd 2026 10am - 4pm (breaks of 45 minutes and 20 minutes in between).
Course Location: The Sycamore Room, 15 Stephens Lane, Dublin 2 (D02 RX27). This is an in-person course.
Educator: Philip Dunne
Link to a multiple choice exam will be sent at the end of day to your email to complete your qualification and receive a certificate (digital) and physical pin. The exam consists of 50 multiple choice questions - to pass a score of 60% is required (exam can be taken multiple times).
Level 1 candidates will:
- Taste approx. 6 Californian wines
- Learn how California's geography, the Pacific Ocean and mountain ranges affect viticulture and wine styles.
- Acquire fundamental knowledge of grape-growing practices and the specifics of viticulture compared to other agriculture, including the ability to identify and describe the important grape varieties grown in California.
- Receive an introduction to the American Viticultural Area (AVA) system, including the world-famous AVAs of Napa Valley, Sonoma County and Santa Barbara County.
- Explore California's iconic wineries, such as Ridge Vineyards, Frog’s Leap Winery and Robert Mondavi Winery.
- Learn about the key statistics for California wine in global production, consumption and exports.
- Upon successful completion of an exam (which you are able to take online in your own time after attending the course), you will receive access to a Capstone California wine certificate.
