The Introductory Level 1 includes six hours of wine course online starting with the key historical moments in the history of California wine, including the Mission era, the post-Gold Rush period, Prohibition, and the modern era. The course is online and can be accessed 7/7.

Level 1 candidates learn:

• how California’s geography, Pacific Ocean, and mountain ranges affect viticulture and wine styles.
• the specific characteristics of viticulture as compared to other forms of agriculture. Identification and description of the main grape varieties grown in California.
• the American Viticultural Area (AVA) system, including the world-renowned AVAs of Napa Valley, Sonoma County and Santa Barbara County.
• California’s iconic wineries, such as Ridge Vineyards, Frog’s Leap Winery and Robert Mondavi Winery.
• about the key statistics for California wine in global production, consumption and export.

How does it work?

• The online course is in English.
• After registration you will receive within 72 hours a special code to start your California Capstone adventure.
• Groups of minimum 15 people can ask for a tasting if all the participants are registered for the online course.
• From level 2 onwards, there is also a compulsory tasting session to receive the certificate.
• Also take a look at the Capstone California website where you can find plenty of additional information.

Your investment for level 1

€ 75 – all included (normal price US $175)

You can register HERE

Do you have already a basic knowledge about Californian wines?
You can start at Capstone California Level 2

Het bericht Capstone California – level 1 verscheen eerst op WineWise.

The Intermediate Level 2 builds on Level 1 and includes twenty hours of wine course online and an additional tasting session. For theory, students will cover important events in California’s wine history timeline and identify key figures who helped shaped the state’s wine industry. The tasting session is obligatory to gain the qualification.

Level 2 candidates learn about:

• the important geographical factors in major California regions such as rivers, dry creeks and important mountain ranges including the Coastal Range, Mayacamas Mountains, the Vaca Range and Santa Cruz Mountains.
• the seven of California’s key grape varieties by exploring the growing regions where they are grown and their distinctive taste profiles.
• the annual life cycle of the vine and related terms including: flowering, bud break, véraison, trellising, pruning, green harvest, harvest timing and more.
• the winemaking fundamentals and explore cooperage variations (French vs. American vs. other European oak) and how wine style is affected by oak selection.
• the historic AVAs in Lodi and the Sacramento Delta, Mendocino County, Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo County, Monterey County and Santa Cruz Mountains.

How does it work?

• The online course is in English. The tasting is in Dutch for Gent and Antwerp, English in Brussels.
• After registration you will receive within 72 hours a special code to start your California Capstone adventure.
• You will then receive an invitation to sign up for the tasting sessions.
• Only those who have registered for the Capstone online classes can participate in the tasting sessions.

Your investment for level 2

€ 125 – all included (normal price US $375)

You can register HERE

Het bericht Capstone California – level 2 verscheen eerst op WineWise.