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, to promote the economic development of the wine industry and to provide education and training for those in this industry.

The Institute is dedicated to premium wine education and training and includes a teaching winery and vineyard. The Institute was started in January 2000. The teaching of winery, which is located on the main campus in Walla Walla includes; a Hospitality Training Center, a certified wine laboratory, classrooms, and a full-production winery.

The Institute is dedicated to the importance of viticulture as the science of wine farming. This means that viticulture is a prerequisite to the crafting of premium wines and winemaking itself. The establishment and management of a teaching vineyard is a significant aspect of the wine education program. The teaching vineyard under development will include a certified nursery and several acres of wine grape varietals that support the Institute’s wine production program. In addition, it is a demonstration vineyard that includes a variety of water-application systems, trellising systems, and a wind machine.

The Institute offers courses with internships that lead to both a one-year Professional Certificate and Associate Degrees in Enology and Viticulture. Also available is an Associate of Arts Degree containing 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.

Many courses are also tailored to meet the specific needs of the wine industry in the Pacific Northwest with special emphasis give to Southeastern Washington wine grape varieties and wines. Flexibility of the classes allow for seasonal instruction, short courses, and seminars.

The Institute also, offers courses in sensory evaluation, wine appreciation, wine consumer education, health and wine awareness, and hospitality training.