Grape-growing and wine-making taught in new degree program

In spring 2020, Alamo Colleges District-Palo Alto College will launch its all-new Viticulture and Enology program to give students the opportunity to join the wine industry in Texas. The program will allow students to earn a 60-credit-hour Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Viticulture and Enology.

This unique program puts a focus on the labor side of the workforce as opposed to the entrepreneurial aspect. Those completing the program will have a thorough, scientific understanding of the wine-making process, and a very hands-on experience with lab analyses, and will get exposure to winery equipment and operations, including behind-the-scenes tours at local wineries.

Courses will cover agricultural science basics such as plant biology, soil science, food science, and pest management. Students will learn about the variety of grapes and wines around the world, food safety and packaging, and marketing and business management.

Students who complete the program and earn their degree will get the chance to join the high-demand Texas wine industry that generates nearly $13.1 billion in economic activity, which includes 104,267 jobs paying $4.33 billion in wages and is one of the highest-traveled wine regions in the U.S. with 1.1 million tourist visitors generating $716.6 million in expenditures.

Click here for more information on the Viticulture and Enology program at Palo Alto College. Registration is now open for all spring 2020 courses. New students must complete the ApplyTexas application by Thursday, Jan. 2. 

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