Viticulture and Enology Program
Industry Description
There are over 700 vineyards in Oregon, planted on more than 13,700 acres. For the 2004 vintage, there were 19,400 tons of wine grapes harvested, and nearly 1.2 million cases of wine made. Oregon is second in the United States in number of wineries, fourth in the country for gallons produced and produces over 40 different varietals of wine grapes.
The Southern Oregon Wine Institute of Umpqua Community College was established to: 1) facilitate alliances with vintners and viticulturists in Southern Oregon, 2) promote the economic development of the wine industry, and 3) provide education and training for those with an interest in the industry.
The Viticulture and Enology curriculum is reviewed by an advisory board composed of local and regional industry members.
Degrees
Beginning Fall 2009 or 2010 (pending state approval)
Students may also choose to earn a viticulture and enology certificate. The one-year certificate program in viticulture and enology prepares students for entry into the industry and is the first year of the two year AAS degree. The certificate program includes an introduction to grape growing, basic principles of soil science, vineyard practices throughout all four seasons, and supervised practical work experience. The second year curriculum emphasizes enology (wine making). Job opportunities exist throughout the Pacific Northwest and northern California. The average annual wage for winery production workers (including seasonal workers and excluding contracted workers) was $24,510 in 2006.
Associate of Applied Science Beginning Fall 2009 or 2010 (pending state approval)
Students may earn an Associate in Applied Arts and Sciences Degree (AAS) in Viticulture and Enology. The program prepares students for entry into the industry in production and sales as winemaking technicians, vineyard and winery owners, and vintners. The curriculum builds upon one-year certificate program in Viticulture.
The Viticulture and Enology AAS degree program includes an introduction to grape growing, basic principles of soil science, vineyard and winery practices throughout all four seasons. The second year curriculum emphasizes enology (wine making) which includes chemistry of the winemaking process, principles of wine production, and supervised practical work experience. Students must be at least 21 years of age to participate in wine tasting activities.
Job opportunities exist throughout the Pacific Northwest and northern California. The average annual wage for winery production workers (including seasonal workers and excluding contracted workers) was $24,510 in 2006.
The industry is expanding rapidly, with the number of vineyards and wineries and related employment all increasing at the rate of 10% per year over the past five years. Efforts are underway to articulate the degree for transfer to other colleges and universities, including Oregon State University, which has both undergraduate and graduate programs in the field.
Career Opportunities
- Vineyard Managers
- Cellar Masters
- Viticulturists
- Winemakers
- Lab Technicians
- Wine Sales and Promotion
- Vineyard and Winery Equipment Sales Representative
Scholarships
Contact Umpqua Community College’s Financial Aid Office or phone 440-7725.
Entrance Requirements
Students may enter the program fall, winter or spring quarter, however, due to course sequencing it is recommended to begin in the fall.
The Student Development Center offers a placement test and student orientation both of which must be completed prior to admittance to the program.
Students enrolling in courses focusing on winemaking must be 18 years of age or older and must be able to lift 50 lbs.
Umpqua Community College is an equal opportunity educator and employer.
This page last updated 03-24-08.