Launch of a new Wine Business Manager programme
The University of Tokaj (Hungary) has recently partnered with BSB and the School of Wine & Spirits Business (SWSB) to launch a Wine Business Manager programme. This postgraduate programme (Bachelor’s degree specialisation) was designed and is mainly taught by the SWSB teams. It welcomes about twenty participants in its first class, mostly professionals wishing to improve their knowledge in the wine business. Through the development of exchanges with this prestigious wine region, BSB and the SWSB strengthen their position as major international actors in wine management education.
SWSB’s expertise to launch a unique programme in Hungary
With the start of the new academic year, the Tokaj Wine Business Institute (TWBI) of the University of Tokaj in Sárospatak has launched its Wine Business Manager programme, developed in partnership with the SWSB. The one-year course introduces students to current trends in œnology and wine management while providing them with industry-specific business skills that will enable them to operate in the international wine market.
“The sector is growing, and this competitive environment requires strong professional skills“, explains Dr Attila Fiáth, Director of the TWBI. “Tokaj is a tradition in itself, which is why we combine this centuries-old authenticity with modern economic education specific to the wine business. This programme is aimed at young winemakers and professionals who want to improve their business skills, based in the region but also neighbouring countries. Setting up such a programme is an opportunity to benefit from the know-how and international expertise of the SWSB.“
Burgundy-Tokaj, the union of two prestigious wine regions
Steve Charters MW, a wine business lecturer at the SWSB, is the architect of the Wine Business Manager programme. He adds: “Tokaj was the first wine region in the world to obtain an appellation, at the beginning of the 18th century, which shows its prestige! Although at first sight Burgundy and Tokaj seem to be very different regions, they actually have a lot in common: internationally known, they are both built on a synthesis of a strong tradition and a commitment to modern trends in the wine world. We are convinced that we can contribute to improving the region’s competitiveness by following the same approach that has worked in Dijon.“
“We are particularly proud to partner with the University of Tokaj, and by the same token, with a legendary brand in the international wine industry“, concludes Jérôme Gallo, Director of the SWSB. “This type of partnership, which combines the excellence of terroirs and academic institutions, resonates perfectly with our strategic development as a key international player in wine management education.“