International Wine Expert to Lead Sonoma State University's Wine Business Institute

ROHNERT PARK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ray Johnson, one of California's most respected wine educators and industry experts, has been named to head Sonoma State University's Wine Business Institute. Johnson has been teaching and writing about wine while serving as Assistant Director of the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

“His involvement in building the Chronicle’s Wine Competition into the largest competition of American wine in the world has enabled Ray to forge partnerships with key industry leaders. We look forward to building on those relationships as SSU becomes the place where the business of wine happens”

“His involvement in building the Chronicle’s Wine Competition into the largest competition of American wine in the world has enabled Ray to forge partnerships with key industry leaders. We look forward to building on those relationships as SSU becomes the place where the business of wine happens,” stated William Silver, dean of the School of Business and Economics.

Johnson's background and contacts span well beyond California's borders. His work in the VESTA alliance as well as with his company – TasteWine – has led to teaching seminars from San Francisco to New York. His international experience in Australia, Europe, Canada, and South Africa will increase the Institute’s connections to wineries across the globe.

“Sonoma State University's Wine Business Institute has a tremendous track record of success. Its graduates have taken key positions in steering the industry in California and across the nation and its faculty have informed important issues in the business of wine through their original research and international publications. It’s truly an honor to represent the Wine Business Institute as its new director,” Johnson said.

“The wine industry is a major driver in our economy. We have a great opportunity to enhance our role as an active and practical partner, contributing tangible value to the industry and to our regional economy,” Johnson explained.

Johnson is currently working on a new book with Sonoma State University Professor Liz Thach called Wine Commerce: How wine is distributed and sold around the world, which will serve as the text for a class in the Institute’s new online certification program.

“As we shape the strategy for our next 15 years I’ll be meeting with key wine, tourism and regional leaders. While the Wine Business Institute’s breadth is international, we want to be sure that our efforts are supporting the success of our neighbors close to home with relevant research and education for the next wave of wine leadership and entrepreneurism,” concluded Johnson.

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. www.sonoma.edu/winebiz

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