Wine Law and Business Certificate

Wine certificate

Program Overview

Gonzaga University’s Wine Institute is designed to be a premier resource for lawyers and business professionals involved in the wine industry and is proud to offer the Wine Law and Business Certificate. Through classes taught by top professionals to immersion trips to successful wineries, this program gives participants a unique education on starting and managing a business in this complex industry. 

Click here to view Frequently Asked Questions

The Certificate in the Legal and Business Aspects of Wine has been approved for:

10.0 CLE credits in OR
10.75 CLE credits in WA
CA credits are approved, but require expedited course completion

Program Specifics 

  • Open for Enrollment Now! See details below. 
  • Price: $3,995. There are payment plans available.
  • Duration: This program has rolling admission. The four modules must be completed within three terms (fall, spring, and summer) based on the date of enrollment.
  • Eligibility: In order to enroll in the Certificate program, students should have completed an undergraduate degree (in any field) or certify that they have at least 5 years of experience working in the wine industry or a wine-related business.  While the Gonzaga University Wine Institute is currently supported by the Gonzaga Law School, a law degree is not required for enrollment (and courses are created to be beneficial to those from diverse backgrounds – legal, business, and otherwise).

Certificate Requirements

  • Complete all modules (which includes background readings, lecture videos, and a short final assessment).
  • Attend one of the two Immersion Events that will be offered over the course of a year. Travel costs and/or fees charged by immersion location are not included in the certificate program tuition.

What You'll Learn

  • This program features a suite of academic programming related to the business, management, and legal aspects of this highly regulated area.
  • Topics include: drafting and negotiation of wine industry contracts and agreements, wine clubs, wine distribution & more!

Enroll Now! Request More Information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Questions?

Contact Gonzaga University Wine Institute Director Jessica Kiser at kiser@gonzaga.edu.

Featured Instructors

Trinidad

John Trinidad

Instructor

John Trinidad is a partner at Dickenson Peatman & Fogarty, and is part of the firm’s Wine Law, Business, Alcohol Beverage, and Geographical Indications practice groups. John advises wine and alcohol beverage industry clients on a broad range of legal issues, including licensing, business contracts, and the purchase and sale of winery brands and assets. John also advises clients on federal and state alcohol beverage regulations such as franchise laws, tied-house laws, labeling requirements, and the protection and promotion of American Viticultural Areas. He is currently a lecturer at both the University of California-Berkeley School of Law and the University of California-Davis School of Law where he teaches a wine law class.

Ramey

Rachel Ramey

Instructor

Rachel Ramey is a Sr. Regulatory Compliance and Trademark Specialist at Ste. Michelle Wine Estates. Her responsibilities include reviewing advertising and promotional events for compliance with alcohol beverage laws and regulations. She developed a passion for Washington wines after living in the Walla Walla Valley to attend Whitman College. She went on to graduate from the University of Idaho College of Law and is a member of the Washington State Bar. She currently lives in Seattle and enjoys cooking, traveling, and hiking.

Dean Rooksby speaking in Florence

Jacob H. Rooksby

Instructor

Jacob H. Rooksby is the Dean of Gonzaga University School of Law. An expert in intellectual property law and tort law, he currently leads Gonzaga's Business Innovation Clinic where he supervises students as they provide legal advice to small businesses, including some in the wine industry. Upon earning his J.D. from the University of Virginia, Dean Rooksby joined McGuireWoods LLP in Richmond, Virginia, practicing in the firm’s IP litigation group and as a member of its higher education practice team. In addition to his law degree, he also holds M.Ed. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Virginia. Licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington, Dean Rooksby is an elected member of the American Law Institute and has completed post-graduate training in higher education leadership and management at Harvard University. An avid hiker, camper, and wine enthusiast, Dean Rooksby enjoys red wines from Bordeaux, Paso Robles, and the Red Mountain appellation in Washington.