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Program Overview

The Viticulture and Enology curriculum is designed to prepare individuals for various careers in the grape growing and wine making industry. Classroom instruction, laboratory and field applications of viticulture/enological principles and practices are included in the program of study.

Course work in viticulture includes aspects of plant science, vineyard stock selection, and propagation, soils, vine nutrition and pest management. Also included are courses in planning, layout, economics and management of vineyards. Those interested in enology will receive training in the classroom, laboratory and field in the tools and techniques of wine making. Related courses in microbiology and fermentation science, sensory analysis, and winery economics and marketing are offered.

Graduates should qualify for positions in vineyards, wineries, and in related areas of sales and services. Graduates in viticulture will also be certified as North Carolina Private Pesticide Applicators.
Students must be 21 or older in order to enroll in wine making classes.

Career and College Promise:

This program is offered through our Career and College Promise Dual Enrollment program.

Program Resources:

NC Center for Viticulture and Enology

Technical Standards:

Program Contacts:

David Bower

Enology Instructor

Sarah Bowman

Viticulture Instructor

Degree Curriculum

To complete the degree, 39+ credit hours from Viticulture & Enology Diploma (D15430) must be included in A15430.

Two Semesters

VEN-283 Wine Production and Analysis 5
VEN-284 Wine Design and Management 3
VEN-286 Wine Marketing 3
VEN-288 Wine Finishing and Packaging 3
BUS-137 Principles of Management 3
BUS-139 Entrepreneurship I 3
ENG-114 Professional Research & Reporting 3
MAT-143 Quantitative Literacy 3
PSY-118 Interpersonal Psychology 3
Humanities/Fine Arts Elective 3

Students may have credit for VEN 284 Wine Design & Mgmt and/or VEN 286 Wine Marketing if they completed the Viticulture & Enology Certificate – Marketing Track (C15430C) or Viticulture & Enology Certification – Tasting Room Operations (C15430D).

Total credits needed to graduate: 32 Hours

Diploma Curriculum

To complete the diploma, 5 to 17+ credit hours from Viticulture & Enology Certificates: C15430A, C15430AX, C15430B, C15430C, or C15430D must be included in D55180.

Fall Semester

ACA-111 College Student Success 1
SPA-120 Spanish for the Workplace 3
VEN-132 Wines of the World 2
VEN-133 Introduction to Winemaking 3
VEN-134 Grape Harvest 1
VEN-135 Introduction to Viticulture 4
VEN-238 Grape Pests, Diseases, and Disorders 3

Spring Semester

CIS-110 Introduction to Computers 3
ENG-111 Writing and Inquiry 3
VEN-138 Vineyard Establishment and Development 3
VEN-139 Grape and Wine Science 5
Program Elective 3

Summer Semester

MAT-143 Quantitative Literacy 3
VEN-285 Winery Operations 4
OR
VEN-287 Vineyard Operations 4

Program Elective - Select one course from the following: AGR 111, AGR 121, AGR 139, AGR 160, VEN 130, VEN 131, VEN 181, VEN 182, VEN 188, VEN 189, VEN 285, VEN 287, or WBL 111.

Total credits needed to graduate: 41 Hours

Learning Outcomes

  • Apply the scientific method to solve practical problems of winegrowing in the southeastern United States.
  • Develop a business/marketing plan to establish and operate a vineyard and/or winery.
  • Recognize and apply environmentally responsible and sustainable agricultural practices in wine grape production and in winery design and operations.
  • Understand grapevine physiology and its effect on decision making in winery.
  • Use crop estimates to plan winery functions and logistics to enhance safety and profitability.

Program Costs

Degree In-State Out-of-State
Tuition and Fees $5,100.00 $16,800.00
Books and Supplies $1,960.00 $1,960.00
Total Cost $7,060.00 $18,760.00
Diploma In-State Out-of-State
Tuition and Fees $3,656.25 $12,296.25
Books and Supplies $1,463.00 $1,463.00
Total Cost $5,119.25 $13,759.25

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