Capstone California Wine Course Level 1 - Evening course

Become a certified Californian wine expert. Capstone California Wine courses offer wine enthusiasts and wine professionals a comprehensive guide to the Californian wines.

This Level 1 course runs over two Tuesday evenings.

The Capstone California wine program offers four levels of study - Introductory Level 1, Intermediate Level 2, Advance Level 3 and Expert Level 4. Each builds on the level prior, and covers history, lore, geography, climate, soils, grapes, viticulture, vinification, aging and maturation, wine laws, official classifications, producers, vintages and the business of wine. 

Capstone California Course - Level 1 

The Introductory Level 1 (suitable for WSET Level 2, 3 and 4 students) covers five hours of wine curriculum.

The course will run on two evenings:

Tuesday 16th June 2026 7pm-9pm

Tuesday 23rd June 2026 7pm-9pm

Level 1 candidates will:

• Taste 8 Californian wines
• Be introduced to the major eras and figures in the history of California wine, including the Mission era, post-Gold Rush, Prohibition, and modern times.
• 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 a Capstone California wine certificate and lapel pin and be ready to take the next course level.

VAT Receipt available on request - simply email us after your purchase.

Sussex Wine School is a partner of Capstone California in the UK and has adapted their online modular format qualifications to offer these as exciting and comprehensive in-person courses including wine tastings.

Tutor - Jonny Gibson