What is Capstone California?
Capstone California is the official wine certification programme of the California wine industry and is presented by Wine Institute.
Created for wine enthusiasts, students and professionals around the world, the programme provides a structured exploration of one of the world’s most exciting and influential wine-producing regions.
Across its progressive levels, you’ll explore subjects including:
- California wine history
- Geography and climate
- Soils and viticulture
- Key grape varieties
- Winemaking
- Ageing and maturation
- American Viticultural Areas (AVAs)
- Wine laws and classifications
- Important producers
- Vintages
- The California wine industry
Upon successful completion of an exam, you will receive access to a Capstone California wine certificate, providing the knowledge to move on to the next level.
Why Study Capstone California?
Capstone California is for anyone who wants to understand California wine in a more structured, meaningful and practical way.
Whether you drink California wine for pleasure, sell it professionally, serve it alongside food or are already working towards advanced wine qualifications, the programme gives you a clear framework for building specialist knowledge of one of the world’s most important wine-producing regions.
Capstone California gives you a pathway to go as far as you want – from an accessible, on-demand introduction at Levels 1 and 2 through to advanced and expert-level study.
The Four Levels of Capstone California
Capstone California is designed as a progressive learning journey, allowing you to build your knowledge step by step. Each level must be successfully completed before progressing to the next.
Level 1 – Introductory
An accessible introduction to California’s key regions, grape varieties, wine styles, history and geography. No previous wine knowledge is required.
Level 2 – Intermediate
Builds on Level 1 with greater detail on California’s major AVAs, grape varieties, viticulture, winemaking and regional wine styles. Successful completion of Level 1 is required before enrolling on Level 2.
Level 3 – Advanced
A deeper exploration of California’s regions, soils, climate, viticulture, sustainability and winemaking for serious students and wine professionals.
Level 4 – Expert
The highest level of the programme, designed for those seeking specialist, expert-level knowledge of California wine.
Start with Level 1 for Just £25
Capstone California Level 1 is the ideal place to begin.
For £25, you’ll receive:
- Bespoke video lessons created by Jimmy Smith of Wine With Jimmy
- Access to Capstone California’s online learning platform and official study resources
- Flexible, self-paced study
- The official Level 1 assessment, taken online whenever you’re ready
- Your Capstone California Level 1 certification upon successful completion
- Eligibility to progress to Level 2
Want to taste the wines too? You can add one of our dedicated 11-wine California tasting evenings for an additional £25.
Level 1 qualification only: £25
Qualification + tasting: £50
Browse the available Capstone California course dates below.
We are here to help - for any queries – just drop us an email
We are here to help - for any queries – just drop us an email
Why Learn with Jimmy Smith and West London Wine School?
At West London Wine School, we believe wine education should be informative, engaging, accessible and enjoyable.
Your on-demand bespoke video lessons have been created by Jimmy Smith, founder of West London Wine School and creator of Wine With Jimmy.
Jimmy has spent years making wine education approachable and easy to understand. His lessons guide you through the material in a clear and engaging way, helping you understand not simply what you need to know, but how it relates to the wines and regions of California.
You’ll also benefit from the expertise of the wider West London Wine School team.
We are one of the UK’s largest and most award-winning independent wine schools, with an experienced teaching team that includes qualified Capstone California educators.
Learn Your Way
One of the great advantages of Capstone California is the ability to fit your learning around your life. With our new Level 1 and Level 2 formats, there is no fixed classroom course that you have to attend and no scheduled examination date.
Study using Jimmy Smith’s video lessons and the official Capstone California platform whenever it suits you. When you feel ready, take the assessment online in your own time.
And if you want to bring everything you’ve learned to life in the glass, add one of our dedicated California tasting evenings.
Learn when you want. Taste if you want. Take the exam when you’re ready.
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