Enology & Viticulture

https://www.wwcc.edu/enology

Program available at/via: [Walla Walla]

Department Overview: The Institute for Enology and Viticulture provides students with hands-on experience in winemaking, viticulture practices, and wine sales. To this end, the Institute has developed several acres of teaching vineyards where students actively participate in vineyard management and the growing of quality wine grapes used to support the teaching winery. In addition to the teaching vineyard, the Institute has created a state-of-the-art commercial teaching winery at COLLEGE CELLARS where students are responsible for winemaking and wine-related chemistry.

Courses in wine marketing are available and students have opportunities to promote College Cellars of Walla Walla wine at various wine industry events. Many courses are tailored to meet the specific needs of the wine industry in the Pacific Northwest. The Enology and Viticulture curriculum is reviewed by an advisory board composed of local and regional industry members.

Degrees: Students may earn an Associate in Applied Sciences Degree in Enology and Viticulture upon completion of the two-year program of study. A Viticulture Certificate, which is dedicated to the science of wine grape farming, and a Fermentation Certificate, which is dedicated to the science of wine making, are available as individual certificates or in conjunction with the completion of the degree program.

Industry Description: Washington State is the 2nd largest premium wine producer in the U.S. Wine production in the state of Washington has rapidly grown to become an $4.6 billion industry, with more than 50,000 acres of vineyards, 900+ bonded wineries, and a new licensed and bonded winery emerging every month. In the Walla Walla Valley alone, there are nearly 1600 acres planted in vineyards, while the number of bonded wineries in the area has grown from 8.The Walla Walla Institute for Enology and Viticulture was established to: 1) facilitate alliances with vintners and viticulturists in the Walla Walla Valley and throughout Washington State, 2) promote the economic development of the wine industry, and 3) provide education and training for those with an interest in the industry.

Entrance Requirements: The Enology & Viticulture Program requires an additional admissions process, please visit the following webpage: https://dept.wwcc.edu/enology/admission-guidelines/

Students must be at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or GED® to enroll in the Enology and Viticulture program.

Due to course sequencing, students must begin the program in the fall. Prospective students must submit a resume and essay to the Institute for Enology and Viticulture, and may also be required to interview with one of the Institute’s instructors. In order to start this program, the placement process must be completed through the Testing Center. Visit wwcc.edu/placement for more information.

Students must be physically able to safely perform the tasks required in the vineyard and winery, which will include pruning, lifting, climbing, bending, stretching, twisting, crawling and moving, lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling items weighing up to 50 lbs. Ability to taste, smell, and check for optical clarity of wine. Ability to visually inspect and sort wine grapes - checking for diseases and insects - during the growing season through harvest.

Other Information: The Institute also offers seminars in sensory evaluation, barrel making, wine yeasts, wine appreciation, wine consumer education, health and wine awareness, and hospitality training.

For additional information including regional employment data, completion rates, student characteristics, and employment see http://www.careerbridge.wa.gov.

Courses

Enology & Viticulture