Capstone California Wine Certification

A focused certification programme dedicated entirely to California wines.

Capstone California is a specialised wine certification programme created by the California Wine Institute, offering an in-depth and structured education focused exclusively on California as a wine region.

The program consists of four progressive levels, from introductory to expert.

The Wine Hub is an official Capstone provider in Sweden for Level 1 and Level 2.

What is Capstone California?

Capstone California is a comprehensive education programme designed to provide an in-depth understanding of California wines — from historical foundations to the structure of today’s wine industry.

Foundations and Context

Each level builds progressively and explores the historical development of California wine, key milestones, and the evolution of the modern wine business. You gain essential context for understanding how the region became one of the world’s leading wine producers.

Terroir, Grapes and Winemaking

The program covers California’s geography, climate and soils, along with major grape varieties and viticultural practices. You also study winemaking techniques, ageing and maturation, and how these factors shape style and quality.

Regions, Classification and Market Insight

You learn about wine laws, AVAs and official classifications, as well as key producers, vintages and market positioning. The program explores both iconic regions such as Napa Valley and Sonoma, and highly significant yet lesser-known areas like Lodi and the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Who is Capstone California for?

Capstone California is designed for anyone who wants to deepen their knowledge of California wines in a structured and credible way.

You only need basic wine knowledge to get started. From there, the programme guides you step by step from introductory to more advanced levels, making it suitable for:

  • wine enthusiasts
  • hospitality and wine professionals
  • students looking to specialise in a major global wine region

Where can you study Capstone?

All theory is completed online at your own pace. Guided tastings are held on-site in Stockholm ans Oslo.

Two different levels

Capstone levels at
The Wine Hub

The Wine Hub delivers two of the four Capstone levels available worldwide:

  • Capstone Level 1 – Introductory
  • Capstone Level 2 – Intermediate

Each level must be completed before progressing to the next.

The theory and examinations are conducted in English, and each level concludes with a guided tasting led by a certified Capstone educator.

Tastings

Guided tastings

After completing the online theory for each level, students participate in a guided tasting at The Wine Hub in Stockholm, led by Hans Wejnefalk Larsson, official Capstone educator.

  • Level 1: tasting of 8 wines
  • Level 2: tasting of 14 wines

Each tasting session lasts approximately 3 hours.

Upon completion, students receive an official Capstone diploma and pin.

Guided tastings are offered twice per year.

Capstone Educator

Hans Wejnefalk Larsson is the official Capstone educator in Sweden. Hans trained as a sommelier at the age of 18 and has since worked in France, Australia, England in vineyards and fine-dining restaurants to deepen his knowledge. Today he is aiming for both the Master Sommelier and Master of Wine degrees.