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 – and you can start whenever you like.

For £25, the complete on-demand Level 1 course includes:

• Bespoke video lessons created by Wine With Jimmy’s Jimmy Smith

• Access to Capstone California’s official online learning platform and study resources

• Flexible, self-paced study

• The official Capstone California Level 1 exam, taken online whenever you’re ready

• Your Level 1 qualification upon successful completion

• Eligibility to progress to Capstone California Level 2

No classroom attendance or tasting is required to earn the qualification.

CLICK HERE TO START LEVEL 1 ONLINE NOW – £25

Please note: Your on-demand course login information will be sent to you within 2 working days of purchase.

Prefer to Taste as You Learn?

You can also combine the complete Level 1 qualification with one of our dedicated 11-wine California tasting eveningsat West London Wine School.

These sessions give you the opportunity to taste the grapes, styles and regions covered in your studies with one of our experienced Capstone California educators.

Level 1 on-demand qualification: £25
Level 1 qualification + 11-wine tasting: £50

The dated courses listed below are our Level 1 + tasting experiences.

Choose a date below if you’d like to include the tasting, or start the standalone on-demand qualification using the link above.

Prefer the On-Demand Course Only?

If you don’t want to attend a tasting, you can purchase the complete on-demand Capstone California Level 1 course for just £25.

This includes Jimmy Smith’s bespoke Wine With Jimmy video lessons, Capstone California’s official online learning resources and the Level 1 exam.

BUY THE ON-DEMAND LEVEL 1 HERE FOR £25

Please note: Your on-demand course login information will be sent to you within 2 working days of purchase.