Journey with us to California. Learn about viticulture, wine styles and grape-growing practices. Explore iconic Californian wineries and American Viticultural Areas like the famous Napa Valley. Enjoy over two hours of guided wine tasting.
During this course you'll learn to:
Identify and describe key grape varieties grown in California and understand basic grape-growing practices
Examine how California's geography, the Pacific Ocean and mountain ranges affect viticulture and wine styles
Explore the American Viticultural Area (AVA) system, including AVAs like Napa Valley, Sonoma County and Santa Barbara County
Discover iconic wineries such as Ridge Vineyards, Stag's Leap Winery and Robert Mondavi Winery, including their history and market role
Become familiar with key statistics on California wine production, consumption and exports
Taste and discuss Californian wines
You'll leave this course with:
A Certificate of Attendance
A digital certificate from Capstone California
A potential pathway to further study in the wine and hospitality industry, including Capstone Levels 2, 3 and 4
The ability to identify and describe different Californian wines
A sound understanding of grape-growing practices and the influences on viticulture and wine styles in California
The confidence to discuss prominent American Viticultural Area systems and key wineries in California
Some courses require evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol
You must be over 18 years to attend a course at the Sydney Wine Academy as evidenced by a copy of your photo ID
During your study you’ll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:
To be prepared for this course, we recommend you have:
An interest in learning about wine
Completed the six hours of online theory study before the guided wine tasting
TAFE NSW is committed to meeting the learning needs of every community. Meeting these needs can mean there are additional entry requirements at different campus locations. Check your preferred location for further requirements. If you need help preparing for study, contact us to find out how we can support you.
Our graduates go onto roles like: sommelier, wine waiter, beverage manager and wine buyer with the WSET Level 3 Award in Wines or WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines.
If you are working with or selling alcohol, you will need your RSA – Responsible Service of Alcohol competency card.
The TAFE Statement in Capstone California Wines Level 1 does not have any courses.
At TAFE NSW, we recognise your previous work experience and study history. You may be able to use recognition of prior learning when applying for a course in the future. If you're successful, you'll get your qualification faster.
Courses can be made up of a combination of core and specialty units.
Core units consist of the knowledge you'll need to build key skills for success in your field, industry or hobby.
There are no core units in this course
TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations and online. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the people, resources, counselling and facilities to support you in focusing on your studies.
TAFE NSW Disability Support Service
TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support
TAFE NSW Aboriginal Support; Learner support (ABE)
TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service
TAFE NSW Libraries
Scholarship programs – be supported as you explore your talents and fulfil your potential
Read&Write literacy and study support software is available free for all TAFE NSW students to use while studying on campus and at home
LinkedIn Learning – an online resource which offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills
Student associations – get social with our student community