Winemaking: AS Degree

The programs of the Viticulture and Winery Technology department are designed to prepare students for careers in the North Coast wine industry. The one-year Certificate and two-year Associate of Science options provide students with the knowledge and skills essential for success. The Certificate in Viticulture and Winery Technology consists of production-oriented courses in viticulture and winemaking. The Certificate in Wine Marketing and Sales is a mix of viticulture, winemaking and business courses. Certificate programs may be modified to meet the career goals of the individual student. The typical student will be able to earn a Certificate in one to two years. Students who complete the Associate of Science in Viticulture and Winery Technology degree specialize in either Viticulture, Winemaking or Wine Marketing and Sales. The Associate of Science degree includes general education courses, basic science courses and core courses in the degree option. The typical student will be able to earn an Associate of Science degree in two to three years.

Program Learning Outcomes
  1. (Winemaking) - Demonstrate an advanced understanding of winemaking including enology, laboratory analysis, winery operations, production planning, and sensory evaluation.
  2. (Professionalism) – Display a basic range of professional habits and skills to meet standards of the wine industry.
Degree Requirements
Required Courses
VWT-130General Viticulture3
VWT-136Wines of the World3
VWT-137Wines of California3
VWT-172Laboratory Analysis of Musts & Wines3
VWT-173Sensory Evaluation of Wine3
VWT-180Fundamentals of Enology3
VWT-270Advanced Winemaking3
VWT-271Winery Management3
VWT-272Fundamentals of Wine Chemistry & Microbio3
VWT-280Fall Winery Operations3
VWT-281Spring Winery Operations3
BIOL-110Survey of Biology4
or BIOL-120 General Biology
CHEM-110Introduction to Chemistry4
CHEM-111Introduction to Organic & Biological Chemistry4
Total Units45
Notes:
  1. All required courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or better. Consultation with Program Coordinator is required.
  2. Transfer to a baccalaureate degree granting institution: Students are encouraged to coordinate their courses with those required by the four-year institution of choice, and to closely consult with a Napa Valley College counselor and the Program Coordinator.

To receive an Associate Degree, students must complete 60 degree applicable semester units with a grade point average of at least 2.0. Students must also complete the NVC General Education pattern to earn an Associate degree. Consultation with a Counselor is highly encouraged to ensure all requirements are met.