Rohnert Park, CA - The Wine Business Institute (WBI) at Sonoma State University (SSU) today announced more financial support of the future Wine Spectator Learning Center, a 15,000 square foot building designed around three classrooms, a student commons for collaboration and student-run businesses, and an industry center for professional and academic faculty and program leadership. The latest contribution in the amount of $100,000 results from the generosity and foresight of Charmer Sunbelt Group, a family-owned beverage distributor that employs 7,000 people with operations in 14 states and the District of Columbia.
"On behalf of SSU and the Wine Business Institute, we deeply appreciate Mr. Merinoff's generosity and foresight. Our students will benefit directly from a customized learning facility that aligns with our goals as the global leader in wine business research and education. Generous individuals and organizations like Charles Merinoff and Charmer Sunbelt Group have helped make it possible to provide a learning experience that is unmatched worldwide," Ray Johnson, Director of the Wine Business Institute said.
Construction of the new Wine Spectator Learning Center is slated to begin in 2016 with completion in 2018. For more information regarding the project, or professional seminars, certificate programs, and advanced degree programs of the Wine Business Institute and School of Business and Economics, please contact (707) 664-3235 or winebiz@sonoma.edu.