Historical Facts
-
The Wine Business Institute was originally founded as the Wine Business Program, a partnership between the wine industry and the School of Business and Economics at Sonoma State University.
-
Originally founded as the Wine Business Program, the Wine Business Institute offered its first undergraduate course "The Principals of Wine Marketing" through the School of Business and Economics.
-
The Wine Business Institute offers its first professional development course "Wine Marketing."
-
Approval was granted for the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Concentration in Wine Business Strategies, signifying the first-ever wine program offered by a business school in the United States.
-
The Wine Business Program published its first research "Strategy and Leadership in the North Coast Wine Industry: Lessons from Entrepreneurs.”
-
MBA students from the Entrepreneur and New Venture course are requested to complete a feasibility study on a new business idea, “Smokin’ Barrels,” making barbecue chips from retired oak wine barrels.
-
Dr. Armand Gilinsky begins his role as director of the Wine Business Program. Former director, Wally Lowry, retired after 30 years with Sonoma State University.
-
SSU Wine Business Program director, Armand Gilinsky, and SSU alumna Nancy Campbell were named winners of a national award for their case study "RJM Enterprises, Inc.: Romancing the Vine." This case study was a collaborative effort between Gilinsky and Campbell and outlined the diversification scenarios for a Ripon, California grape grower who wanted to provide grape juice services to north coast buyers.
-
The Wine Business Program received a grant from Wells Fargo, establishing the Student Internship Program.
-
Wine Entrepreneurship Certificate is launched for both undergraduates and industry professionals.