Walla Walla Community College announces one-year wine sales, management certificate

Registration is open for a new Walla Walla Community College program starting this fall that will teach students about wine industry sales, marketing, distribution and more in just one year.

The Wine Industry Sales and Management certification program is designed to meet the growing workforce demands and create flexible, career focused pathways into the wine industry, according to a WWCC news release.

"Today's wine industry is incredibly dynamic," said Martin Fujishin, program director of enology and viticulture. "Wineries are looking for professionals who can connect with customers, understand the business side of operations and help drive growth. This certificate is designed to build those skills in a practical, applied way."

The certificate requires 45 to 55 credits and is designed for both students entering the field and industry professionals. It will be offered in a hybrid format with both online and in-person learning for the first year, with plans to transition the program to fully online the second year.

"This program is about access and opportunity," Fujishin said. "Whether someone is already working in a tasting room, managing accounts or exploring a new career path, we're meeting them where they are and helping them move forward with confidence."

Areas of focus for the program will include developing tasting room sales techniques, creating digital campaigns and storytelling skills, pricing, margins, wholesale and direct-to-customer channels, managing inventory and much more.

Program participants will also get hands-on experience through practicums with regional winery partners.

"Our partnerships with local wineries are a critical part of this program," Fujishin said. "Students aren't just learning concepts - they're applying them in real settings and building relationships that can lead directly to careers."

Graduates of the program will have the skills necessary to go into roles such as tasting room management, wine sales and distribution, direct-to-consumer sales, wine club and hospitality management and operations support.

For more information about the program or to enroll, visit tinyurl.com/4nhnn6p6.

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