WISE Academy Launches Robust Educational Program for Direct to Consumer Professionals

Online Registrations Now Accepted for Courses Developed by Vintners and Direct Marketing Experts

NAPA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The WISE Academy, the only wine industry education, training and certification program dedicated solely to direct-to-consumer sales, today announced that online registrations are now being accepted for April courses at www.WineIndustrySalesEducation.com.

WISE – which stands for wine industry sales education – offers a comprehensive curriculum developed by more than thirty vintners and industry experts, all geared to increase the number of direct-to-consumer (DTC) marketing and sales professionals, and to fuel professional aspirations. Courses are divided into three levels, plus an executive series, to meet the needs of those just entering the wine industry to the winery CEO. Full-day and evening courses in Napa and Sonoma Counties provide flexibility and convenience.

“After two years of curriculum development, we are proud to announce our first courses,” said Lesley P. Berglund, Co-founder and Chairman of the WISE Academy, and former co-founder and CEO of Ambrosia Wine Catalogue/The Winetasting Network. “Our goal is to build and develop the talent pool that will drive winery DTC success. Our curriculum team has been very busy creating coursework, exams and background materials for our first students in April,” she added.

The WISE Academy was founded in 2008 by Berglund and Mack Schwing, former Director of the Wine Business Program at Sonoma State University for five years following his retirement from Deloitte Consulting. “WISE will help the industry cultivate the direct marketing function. It will set the standard for professional wine direct marketers,” said Schwing.

The WISE Academy Advisory Board includes Jennifer Becker of Ensemble Marketing, Pamela Hiett of Jackson Family Wines, Dan Michael of E & J Gallo, Greg Ralston of Chateau Montelena, Karen Roche of Streetwise Reports, Patrick Roney of Windsor Vineyards and Girard, Lesley Russell of St. Supéry and Matt Wood of 1-800 Flowers. WISE is proud to have collaborated on curriculum development with wine industry leaders at the Wine Institute, Napa Valley Vintners, Sonoma County Vintners, The Personnel Perspective and Full Circle Wine Solutions.

WISE offers a total of 14 courses, 11 certifications, three levels and an executive series. Complete course descriptions are available online at www.WineIndustrySalesEducation.com, or for more information, call (877) 740-WISE (9473). WISE futures are available for wineries interested in purchasing blocks of educational credits at a discount.