The Culinary Institute of America

  • Accelerated Wine and Beverage Certificate Program

    A Program and Career Choice Worth Toasting

    Come to the Napa Valley and learn first-hand from industry experts in the Accelerated Wine and Beverage Certificate Program (AWBP). After just 30 weeks, you'll have the specialized knowledge, sensory experience, hands-on practice, and extra credential to help you stand out and build your career in the front of the house or beverage management.

    In the accelerated wine and beverage program in California, you will:

    • Build a strong foundation of industry knowledge in wines, spirits, and specialty beverages.
    • Gain a deep, multi-sensory understanding of these beverages and their practical applications in the industry.
    • Learn the standards of professional beverage service.
    • Practice food and beverage pairings and learn how to optimize the customer dining experience.
    • Connect with key players in the California food and wine industry.

    Prerequisites

    To be eligible for the AWBP, you must meet the following requirements by the program start date:

    • Be at least 21 years old.
    • Have a bachelor's or associate degree in hospitality management, culinary arts management, or a related field.

      OR 
        
    • Have a bachelor's degree in another discipline, along with a minimum of 12 months experience in service or management at an establishment where a professional wine and beverage program is in place.

    Curriculum

    FIRST SEMESTER

    CourseCredits
    Fundamentals of Wine and Professional Service
    		3 credits
    New World Wines I
    		3 credits
    New World Wines II
    		3 credits
    Culinary Skills for Wine Professionals
    		3 credits
    Wine Regions of Europe I
    		3 credits
    Total Credits: 15

    SECOND SEMESTER

    CourseCredits
    Wine Regions of Europe II
    		3 credits
    Global Wine Business and Wine Program Operations
    		3 credits
    Wine and Service Practical Exam
    		Non-Credit
    Fermented and Specialty Non-Alcoholic Beverages
    		3 credits
    Distilled Spirits
    		3 credits
    Applied Theories in Flavor Dynamics and Mixology
    		3 credits
    Total Credits: 15

    Total Credits for Certificate 30

    Costs

    The CIA is very committed to making your CIA education as affordable as possible. Our costs are comparable to similar colleges, and here's even better news—approximately 90% of our students receive some form of financial aid.

    Don't let applying for financial assistance keep you from going to the world's premier culinary college. No matter what your individual circumstances are, we will work with you to help make attending the CIA an affordable investment in your future in the world of food.

    Careers

    A Wine Program Designed to Boost Your Career

    With the powerful combination of your college degree and your CIA AWBP credential on your résumé, you'll be prepared to pursue a wide variety of careers in the beverage industry. You will build a foundation that will take you from entry-level positions to ones with greater responsibility.


    Fine Dining

    Beverage professionals can be found working in fine-dining establishments in restaurants, on cruise ships, in high-end hotels and resorts, in clubs, and other venues.

    Beverage DirectorFood and Beverage Manager
    CaptainSommelier
    Dining Room ManagerWine Steward

     

    Casual Dining

    The casual dining segment-from small, independent cafés and wine bars to large chain operations-also offers a wealth of opportunities for beverage professionals.

    Regional Beverage DirectorVP of Wine and Beverage
    Wine Bar ManagerWine and Beverage Manager


    Wholesale Distribution

    The vast majority of beverage sales are made through wholesale distribution channels. Professionals in this segment represent portfolios of products from importers and wineries, and promote and sell them to restaurants and merchants.

    Brand Marketing ManagerDirector of Trade Education
    District Sales ManagerFine Wine Sales Specialist
    MerchandiserNational Accounts Manager

     

    Retail

    Specialty wine shops, gourmet markets, large wine and spirits retail operations, online wine markets...all have a need for professionals with an in-depth understanding of beverages.

    Director of WineOnline Wine Sales Manager
    Regional ManagerWine and Beverage Buyer
    Wine and Spirits Sales RepWine Club Manager


    Wine Companies and Wineries

    With more than 10,000 wine labels available for sale in the U.S. alone, wineries and wine companies need knowledgeable professionals who can deliver quality products and help them stand out from the competition.

    Director of HospitalityE-Commerce Manager
    Public Relations DirectorRegional Marketing Manager
    Regional Sales ManagerSpecial Events Manager
    Tasting Room Associate 


    And More...

    Wine and Beverage InstructorWine and Spirits Journalist
    Wine ConsultantWine Tourism Specialist

    Related Links

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