The Sommelier Certificate Program is an intensive, professional development program covering the fundamentals of food and beverage pairing, service and management, and sensory analysis. It incorporates lectures with tastings of wine, spirits, and beer. The program consists of three, four-credit courses, offered spring quarter at Central Washington University’s Ellensburg campus. It takes ten weeks to complete. Participants must attend all sessions and dedicate time to projects and assignments. Completing the program requires substantial out-of-class time.

Description of Coursework

Fifty percent of wine consumption occurs in restaurants and other retail venues. The CWU Sommelier Certificate Program addresses the selling and serving of wine and other beverages, such as beer, spirits, sake, and coffee, in dining situations, along with proper cellarmanship techniques. Because sommeliers must be able to choose an appropriate beverage to accompany food, the program incorporates the fundamentals of food and wine pairing, while providing an overview of beverage and service standards for dining establishments. Students will have opportunities to learn sensory analysis skills through tastings of wines and beverages from around the world. Major Wine Regions of the World, GWS 303, must be taken prior to or in conjunction with the certificate courses.

Financial Obligations

Tuition is $300 per credit for these GWS courses. Additional course fees and costs may apply. Since courses are self-support, there are no tuition waivers.

Refund Policy

Refund policies of Central Washington University are consistent with Washington State requirements. Visit www.cwuce.org for cancellation and refund policies.