Build a winning career in the wine industry

If you have made your decision and you are ready to apply for this course, please click here.

If you’d like more information or if you have any further questions, please click here. You will receive an email with our course brochure along with a link to apply to this course.

The course is targeted at professionals working across the wine value chain. You will benefit from this course if you are:

• A sommelier
• A hospitality professional
• A wine maker
• A viticulturist
• A wine marketer
• An entrepreneur
• A distributor
• A garagiste
• Looking to build a career in the wine industry

Applicants will be required to have:

• An undergraduate degree or a qualification equivalent to a first degree, eg. BTech
• Experience in the Wine Industry would be advantageous

A large portion of the course will be facilitated on the GSB’s Online Learning Platform, therefore applicants should ensure that they have access to the Internet

Applicants who do not have a degree will be required to complete a Recognition of Prior Learning application:

• If you would like to make an RPL Application, please email Deslyn.Faure@gsb.uct.ac.za
• Note: You must be in possession of a successful RPL Application before you apply for admission into the Programme.

Delegates will be awarded a Certificate of Completion from the University of Cape Town on successful completion of the Programme, and will gain:

• Advanced business know-how and practical skills ranging from business planning to strategic marketing and sales
• Critical insight into the macro and micro economic environment that affects wine businesses in South Africa
• An understanding of the history of the South African wine industry and the strategic challenges facing the industry going forward
• Insight into the dynamic regulatory environment and challenges that affect wine businesses in South Africa
• An understanding of how to approach value creation and complex management decisions in wine production
• An ability to identify and analyse wines with differing origin, variety, age and style
• An ability to formulate an effective business plan for a wine business
• An opportunity to network with like-minded professionals and leading personalities in the South African wine industry
• An opportunity to be part of building a transformed South African wine industry

This is an academically rigorous course, and students will be required to complete various assessments, which include the following:

• Course work quizzes
• Group presentations and assignments
• Formulation of a compelling wine business plan
• Analysis of case studies
• Sensory analysis of wine test

Students will also be required to commit to extended hours whilst on campus, with lectures taking place from 8am to 5pm, and group work from 5pm to 9pm, and sometimes later.

Click here to explore the curriculum for the Business of Wine short course.

To advance and promote transformation in the industry, a few bursaries are available for previously disadvantaged students. 

Please note:

• Students who are awarded bursaries will be required to sign an agreement with the sponsor, agreeing to reimburse course fees should the required passing criteria not be met.
• Applicants will be required to provide two contactable character references.
• Applicants will be required to attend an interview with the bursary selection panel.

Bursary Requirements:

• Bursary applicants MUST have a tertiary qualification.
• If you don’t have a tertiary qualification, you need to complete the RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) process at your own expense. If you would like to make an RPL Application, please email Deslyn.Faure@gsb.uct.ac.za.

Bursary Process:

• Completed bursary forms need to be completed offline and can be downloaded through the links given below.
• Please upload the completed document during the online application process.
• The bursary selection committee will meet and award bursaries to successful bursary applicants.

Closing date for bursary applications is 14 May 2021.

If you would like to apply for the Graham Beck Foundation bursary, please click here.

If you would like to apply for the EverGrow Foundation bursary, please click here.

Students need to arrange their own accommodation.

In Cape Town, accommodation is offered in the Breakwater Lodge, on the UCT GSB campus, at special rates.

15% for 3 - 6 applicants (discount applied from third applicant)

10% for 7+ applicants (discount applied to all applicants)

10% for alumni of UCT GSB academic and Executive Education courses