Program Overview
The Year 2 specialization program in Wine Studies and Enology allows students to progress in the food and wine industry and is structured to develop an advanced understanding and broad skillset relating to many facets of the wine industry, from food and wine pairing, wine appreciation, to wine communications and global markets. The Year 2 specialization includes a block set of courses that build on the foundational year in Hospitality Management (Year 1), however, students can choose to enroll directly into Year 2 if they meet certain prerequisites (see Prerequisites below).

Program Objectives
The Year 2 specialization in Wine Studies and Enology offers a rigorous combination of hands-on learning and lecture-based lessons, and will advance the student’s skills as wine professionals and experts. Students will develop expertise in wine cultural heritage and winemaking, principles of modern viticulture, professional sensorial evaluation and food and wine pairing, and a deep knowledge of wine regions and global wine markets.

The academic year program features courses in food and beverage operations management, wines of the world and Tuscany, wines and champagnes of France, wine bar management, wine marketing and communication, and advanced food and wine pairing, with experiential learning hours fully supervised by instructors. Students can directly apply their skills, problem-solving abilities and knowledge to real-life situations through project-based learning. Students will have experiential learning with the Gonzo restaurant, a unique campus CEMI organization (Community Member Engagement Institutions) which is open to the public and operated by students and staff. In addition to the experiential learning experiences, students are mentored throughout the program by accomplished faculty that directly represent the hospitality and wellness tourism industries.

Career Opportunities
The program focuses on both production and individualized skills necessary to find gainful employment in a wide variety of positions in the wine industry, including wine store buyer or director, wine marketer, brand manager, wine expert, and vineyard and cellar assistant.

Duration and Certification
Students complete two consecutive terms for a full academic year. Students who complete the full academic year will earn a certificate in Wine Studies and Enology with the exception of students who enroll in the Direct Access Track (see Prerequisites, below), who will instead receive an official letter from Florence University of the Arts confirming their completion of the program, along with a transcript. All students receive undergraduate course credit and a US transcript issued by the University of South Florida upon successful completion.

Prerequisites
Year 2: To enroll in this Year 2 specialization in Wine Studies and Enology students can either continue after completion of the Year 1 Food, Wine, and Wellness Studies or, begin directly in Year 2 by meeting the requirements below. For either option, students must have a high school diploma and be fluent in English.

Students wishing to begin directly in Year 2 without completing Year 1 can do so in the following ways:

• Providing proof of completion of the courses equivalent to the Year 1 program (transcript required).
• Direct Access Track: those with no prior academic background or experience can complete 2 pre-determined courses during the sessions prior to the start of the Year 2 program (see Courses).

Optional Internships (fee applies)
Students who complete a full academic year can supplement their program with either a non-credit 3 week internship or a 3-credit 6 week internship in their field of study. This internship can be added in the session after the regular program has ended.  Contact SAI for more details.

Optional Italian Language (fee applies, except for Direct Access Track students)
Career Certificate program students can supplement their program with a 3-week, 3 credit intensive Italian Language course that takes place prior to the fall and spring sessions. Beginning, intermediate and advanced levels of intensive Italian language are offered. *Direct Access Track students’ supplemental tuition already includes this optional language course.

The Wine Studies and Enology offers a Fall start date, and comprises two consecutive terms to create a full academic year. Each semester includes a set of four 3-credit courses and one 6-credit course. There is also a 1-credit Health and Safety Seminar at the beginning of the first semester. In addition, there is a mandatory non-credit experiential learning project during the January intersession, and the experiential learning projects during the semester intersessions, where indicated, are also mandatory.

The Year 2 Wine Studies and Enology specialization courses are:

Optional intensive Italian Language (August intersession)

Fall Semester
Food and Beverage Operations and Management Experiential Learning
Table and Wine Grapes of Italy: Vineyard Harvest
Tuscany and its Wines
Wine Appreciation II: Wines of Italy
Wines and Champagnes of France

January Intersessions
Mandatory: Special Project Experiential Learning
Optional: Intensive Italian Language
 
Spring Semester
Professional Pairing Food and Wine Advancement
Wine Communications and Marketing Experiential Learning
Viticulture and Enology: An Educational Wine Tour
Wines of the World: The New World
Wine Bar Management

For the full detailed course descriptions please contact us.
 
Direct Access Track: Students who enroll in the Direct Access Track will complete two predetermined courses in the two, 3-week short sessions prior to the start of their program:

Wines of the World: The Old World
Wine Appreciation I: Wines of Italy

For further information regarding direct access track please contact SAI admissions.

Career Certificate program students are offered the choice between SAI’s two services models: 360° Services, which includes our full services and housing; and Select Services, designed for more independent students and no housing. The program fee differs for the two service models (see Fees & Budgeting).

SAI 360° Services includes our full services!

• Program tuition and U.S. academic credit
• Accommodation in carefully selected student housing
• Airport pickup on arrival day
• Welcome reception and events
• Orientation to the host city and school
• On-site staff who foster a welcoming community and provide assistance when needed
• SAI Viva Experience: cultural engagement, excursions & wellness activities
• AUF meal plan sample pack
• Student health insurance providing full coverage and medical emergency evacuation
• 24-hour on-site emergency support
• Farewell event

Pre-departure and Re-entry services

• Knowledgeable Admissions Counselor dedicated to you, providing friendly assistance
• Helpful pre-departure tools and resources
• Parent & family resources
• Online student groups to acquaint you with other SAI students
• Student visa advising
• Assistance with financial aid processing
• Need-based SAI scholarships
• Alumni Ambassador Program, with paid internship opportunities
• SAI alumni network

SAI Select Services includes the important on-site services!

• Program tuition, with U.S. academic credit
• Student health insurance providing full coverage and medical emergency evacuation
• Orientation to the host city and school
• SAI staff on-site providing assistance as needed and 24-hour emergency support

Pre-departure and Re-entry services

• Knowledgeable Admissions Counselor dedicated to you, providing friendly assistance
• Helpful pre-departure tools and resources
• Parent & family resources
• Student visa advising
• SAI alumni network

Please see the following links for up-to-date calendar information:

Academic Year 2024/25 pdf (154KB)
Direct Access 2024/25 pdf (154KB)

Financial Processing and Loans
To make a Career Program abroad more achievable, SAI is able to offer US students the ability to obtain a private loan through St. Martin’s University to pay for their program. As you reach the point of enrollment, the SAI Business Office can provide assistance with financial processing, as well as student loan applications. Please contact your SAI Admissions Counselor for details about the student loan process.

*prices are subject to change

Housing is only included in SAI 360° Services programs. Students selecting SAI Select Services are responsible for securing their housing independently.

Standard Housing: Student apartment
SAI student apartments are convenient and well equipped, with shared occupancy bedrooms (option to upgrade to private bedroom, if available). Typical residences house 2 – 8 students and contain a combination of private and shared bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom and living areas. Furnishings, a washing machine, basic kitchen supplies, bed linens and towels are provided. All apartments are equipped with wireless Internet. Housing configurations are designated as female, male, and in some locations, gender-inclusive. SAI on-site staff is available to respond to any maintenance needs that may arise.

Optional Housing: Family homestay (additional fee applies)
SAI homestay families are thoroughly screened and are accustomed to welcoming visiting students into their homes. Homestays provide a student shared or private occupancy bedroom, with a shared bathroom, in the family home with basic furnishings. Daily breakfast and weekday dinner are included Monday – Thursday (no meals on weekends). Please note that some homestays may be outside of the city center and require a commute to reach school.

Passports
Passports should be valid for 3 months after planned departure from Italy.

Student Visas
In accordance with Italian law, students studying in Italy for 91 days or more are required to obtain a student visa. Those with Italian/EU citizenship are exempted. Non-US nationals should consult their local Consulate for information on student visa requirements.

Depending on the consulate, students will either mail in their student visa application or appear in person to present their application to the consulate. Our Student Visa Office is available to assist students in preparing for the appointment; SAI Student Visa Consulting is part of the SAI 360° Services included in the program fee. SAI Student Visa Processing Service is available for select consulates only, for an additional fee.