Florida International University - School of Hospitality and Tourism Management

Courses Offered and Course Description

HFT 3866
Wine Technology, Merchandising, and Marketing
A course in oenology and the fundamentals of wine technology (viticulture and vinification methods). The major types of wine and the factors influencing their quality; principles of sensory evaluation; wine merchandising and marketing.

HTF 4867
The Business of Wine
Further exploring all aspects of the wine industry, building on the knowledge gained in the HFT 3886 entry course.

Biography

Professor "Chip" Cassidy's wine experience began over 30 years ago in New York. Working in a wine shop through college led to the head sommelier's position at the Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach. Currently the wine buyer for a large chain of wine stores, Crown Wine and Spirits, Chip worked previously at Sunset Corners, a large volume wine shop.

A member of the entering class of FIU's inaugural year, Chip graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality Management. His teaching career began in 1984. Today he teaches Wine Technology, Advanced Wine Technology and recently has developed a Wine Certificate Program offered to professionals already working in the wine or related fields.

A noted speaker and fundraiser, Professor Cassidy was instrumental in developing the concept to build the Southern Wine and Spirits Beverage Management Center, a state of the art wine teaching laboratory. A man of many "hats", Chip is a decorated Vietnam War veteran, avid reader, passionate fisherman. Today he resides in south Miami-Dade County with his wife Christine and beloved black lab, Bailey.

| Curriculum Vita |