Program Overview
COVID-19 UPDATE:
Health and safety measures are in place for all programs. View our latest campus entry procedures for on-site classes to learn more.
For classes with on-site lab curriculum, students will be grouped and have specified times on campus in order to help maintain self distancing and keep everyone healthy. Current students should check with your instructor for more information.
Future Students: Please review our Steps to Enroll or, if you want more information, sign-up for a Virtual Information Session.
Uncork Your Future in Washington’s Wine Industry
Begin your career in the wine industry with training at the Northwest Wine Academy! Expand your marketable skills as a professional in the wine or hospitality industry, or deepen your knowledge of wine history and production with one of our course options.
Degrees & Certificates
Two-year degree for students who want to start a career immediately after graduation. Learn more.
- Credits to complete: 92.0
- Estimated program length in quarters: Full Time - 6 | Part Time - 11
Two-year, job-training degrees that prepare students for immediate employment. Students take additional general education electives, making this a good option if you intend to transfer to a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree program or may attend a university in the future to earn a bachelor’s degree. Learn more.
- Credits to complete: 94.0
- Estimated program length in quarters: Full Time - 6 | Part Time - 11 to 12
Certificate programs provide students with a set of skills to find a job or stay current in a profession. Many certificates are designed to build on top of each other and eventually lead to a longer-term certificate or degree. These are called “stackable” certificates. Learn more.
- Credits to complete: 49.0
- Estimated program length in quarters: Full Time - 4 | Part Time - 6 to 8
Two-year degree for students who want to start a career immediately after graduation. Learn more.
- Credits to complete: 92.0
- Estimated program length in quarters: Full Time - 7 | Part Time - 13
Two-year, job-training degrees that prepare students for immediate employment. Students take additional general education electives, making this a good option if you intend to transfer to a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree program or may attend a university in the future to earn a bachelor’s degree. Learn more.
- Credits to complete: 94.0
- Estimated program length in quarters: Full Time - 7 | Part Time - 13 to 14
Certificate programs provide students with a set of skills to find a job or stay current in a profession. Many certificates are designed to build on top of each other and eventually lead to a longer-term certificate or degree. These are called “stackable” certificates. Learn more.
- Credits to complete: 48.0
- Estimated program length in quarters: Full Time - 4 | Part Time - 7 to 8
Additional Program Information
The Northwest Wine Academy at South Seattle College is the first and only working and teaching winery of its kind in Western Washington. With instructors who bring a wealth of real-world experience to the classroom, tasting room and barrel room, the Academy will help prepare you for a rewarding career in all areas of the industry. Whether you’re a wine novice, a casual enthusiast or a seasoned professional looking to expand your knowledge base, our program is designed to give you a solid foundation in all aspects of the industry; from the humble grape to new technologies revolutionizing the winemaking process.
With over 900 wineries and 60,000 acres of planted vines throughout the state, Washington’s wine industry has grown to become the second largest premium wine producer in the US. Our well-trained graduates can be found working in all areas of the industry. Employment opportunities extend beyond winemaking and sales. Our graduates can be found working behind the scenes in areas including operations, infrastructure, technology, marketing, production, transportation and tourism.
To enroll into classes that do taste comparisons you must be 18 years of age. In addition to the various wine studies classes required, there are also several academic requirements listed within the certificate requirements.
Program lengths are estimates, not guarantees. For the most current program information, please check with the program contact.