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 and a certified nursery 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 chemical analyses.
Courses in wine marketing are available and students have ample opportunity 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, with special emphasis given to Southeastern Washington wine grape varieties and wines. Flexibility of the course scheduling allows for seasonal instruction and participation in short courses and seminars. The Enology and Viticulture curriculum is reviewed by an advisory board composed of local and regional industry members.
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Mission
The mission of the Walla Walla Institute for Enology and Viticulture is to facilitate alliances with vintners and viticulturists in the Walla Walla Valley Appellation and the State of Washington, as well as to promote the economic development of the wine industry and to provide education and training for those in this industry.
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Degree Options
Students may earn an Associate in Applied Arts and 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 farming wine grapes, is available upon completion of the first year of the program. An Enology Certificate, which is dedicated to the science of wine making, is available upon completion of the second year of the program.
Students may also choose to earn an Associate in Applied Arts and Sciences Degree in Wine Marketing and Management through the Agri-Business program.
The Associate in Arts Degree is a transfer degree that prepares the student for continued education at a baccalaureate institution. These students will be able to complete their general education requirements before transferring, begin studies in Enology and Viticulture, and take electives based upon their intended degree program. The AA Degree contains many of the prerequisite courses for transfer to the Washington Sate University for students wanting to pursue a B.S. Degree in Viticulture and/or Enology.
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. 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 Institutes instructors. Students are required to have instructor permission prior to enrolling in the program. After acceptance to the program, students will be required to make a deposit. Students enrolling in courses focusing on winemaking must be 18 years of age or older and must be able to lift 50 lbs.
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Career Opportunities
Vineyard Managers
Cellar Masters
Viticulturists
Winemakers
Lab Technicians
Wine Sales and Promotion
Vineyard and Winery Equipment Sales Representative
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Other Information
The Institute also offers short courses 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.wtb.wa.gov/etp.
