Capstone California

The Capstone California Wine program offers four levels of study, from novice (no previous wine knoweldge needed) to expert. 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.

Sussex Wine School is an approved provider of the Level 1, 2 and 3 courses in Brighton. Jonny attended the Course educator training week in California in 2023. 

Capstone California is the first accredited course on the wines of California, the world's 4th largest wine region after Italy, France and Spain. The course has been developed by the California Wine Institute and is aimed at wine enthusiasts and professionals. Students progress through Levels 1, 2 and 3 in a classroom format with an online multiple choice exam at the end of each level. When you pass each level you recieve a certificate and lapel pin.

Course formats

Level 1 - A classroom day with 8 wines tastes. Review content and sit exam online afterwards in your own time

Level 2 - Self study online format followed by an evening event (a tasting of 12 wines and lapel pin ceremony) 

Level 3 - Self study online format followed by an evening event (a tasting of 12 wines and lapel pin ceremony)