Sonoma State University announces partnership with Bordeaux School of Management

Sonoma State University’s Wine Business Institute and the Bordeaux School of Management sealed a partnership deal that will move the U.S. segment of Bordeaux’s international wine MBA to Sonoma State. In January 2012, SSU’s Wine Business Institute will host a cohort of two dozen students for two weeks of intense coursework and on-site visits to wine operations throughout the North Coast.

This partnership makes the Wine Business Institute in the School of Business and Economics one of three business schools worldwide selected as a host site for a traveling wine MBA program. The accomplishment is part of the Institute’s efforts to expand its reach both nationally and internationally. “It’s a great opportunity to expose our program to a broader audience around the world,” said director Ray Johnson. “This really helps to bring a spotlight to what we’re doing.”

While the Institute has been in operation for 15 years, the Wine MBA – the only one in the U.S. and one of a few around the world –began just three years ago. Today, the program has 120 undergraduate students, two dozen MBA students and hundreds who take half-day professional development courses that are offered throughout the year.

Herve Remaud, director of Bordeaux’s MBA program, cited Sonoma State’s undergraduate and graduate wine business programs and its research and publication record in academic and trade journals as reasons why Sonoma State was a good choice. The Wine Business Institute also organized the 2005 Academy of Wine Business Research conference. “Overall, Sonoma State possesses all the competences that would be required for partnering in the wine and spirits MBA,” Dr. Remaud said. “This makes that university far more attractive than any other university in the entire U.S.”

Bordeaux’s MBA cohort will be at Sonoma State for coursework on finance, management, marketing, human resources, strategy and entrepreneurship along with three days of visits to wineries in Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino and Lake Counties to talk with vintners about their business approaches and experiences. Initial interest has been expressed from Michael Mondavi, Paul Hobbs Winery, Jordan and Jackson Family Wines. Other sponsors from along the wine industry supply chain will be engaged this summer.

Sonoma State University’s Wine Business Institute

Sonoma State University’s Wine Business Institute is located in the heart of California wine country and was created through a public-private partnership between the university and the wine industry. Founded in 1995, it is the first program in the United States to offer undergraduate and graduate degrees focused exclusively on the business aspects of the wine industry. In addition to its academic programs, the Wine Business Institute offers professional development courses for the industry, including an online certification program to be launched in spring 2011. The Wine Business Institute is located within the University's School of Business and Economics, a fully accredited AACSB institution. More at www.sonoma.edu/sbe.

Bordeaux School of Management

Founded in 1874 by the Bordeaux Chamber of Commerce and Industry, BEM is one of the oldest

Management Schools in France. Located in Bordeaux, Paris, Dakar and Malaysia, BEM offers 12 management programs ranging from Bachelor to MBA courses. It now has 3,200 students, 12 diploma programs and 110 partnerships with schools in 40 countries. Recognized for its expertise in supply chain management, purchasing, wine and creative industries, BEM stands out from other schools with its pioneering commitment to produce responsible managers. A member of the "Conférence des Grandes Ecoles", BEM awards certificates which are either recognized or approved by the State. BEM is accredited by EQUIS, AMBA and AACSB. More at www.bem.edu.