Enology Diploma

Special Department Information:

ENOLOGY DIPLOMA
Program Course Requirements

First Year – Fall Semester
CHEM 1414  Fundamentals of Chemistry (4 cr)
VITI 1146  Introduction to Enology (3 cr)
VITI 1210  Introduction to Wine Microorganisms (3 cr)
Elective (2 cr)
Total – 12 Credits

Spring Semester
VITI 1148*  Winery Sanitation (3 cr)
VITI 1160*  Winery Equipment Operation (2 cr)
VITI 1246*  Intermediate Enology (3 cr)
VITI 1259*  Cellar Operations Technology (2 cr)
VITI 1266*  Sensory Evaluation (3 cr)
VITI 1268*  Wine and Must Analysis (3 cr)
Total – 16 Credits

Second Year – Fall Semester
VITI 1257*  Fall Wine Production Internship (3 cr)
Total – 3 Credits

GRADUATION REQUIREMENT – 31 CREDITS
*Denotes Prerequisites

Click here to download the Enology Diploma Program Planning Form (PDF)

Career Description: Enologists oversee the production of wine. They inspect grapes and evaluate the crops to determine when to harvest and start wine production. They ensure proper crushing methods and techniques. Responsibilities depend on the size of the winery. The enologist is heavily involved in quality control. One may work with a laboratory technician if employed by a larger winery. Another may develop new wines or specialize in a specific wine in a larger winery.

Program Information: The program provides the knowledge required to produce wines of the highest quality. Students learn the science, agriculture, and business skills necessary to enhance Minnesota’s rapidly growing wine industry. Included is a foundation in chemistry and biology along with specific courses related to cultivar selection, soil preparation, cellar maintenance and marketing. The program is specifically designed to include fieldwork and laboratory practicums at local wineries.

Program Outcomes:
Graduates will be able to:

• Examine grape samples to ascertain sweetness and acidity of crop, and determine harvest time based off of this information;
• Select yeasts for fermentation and barrels for aging;
• Communicate with vineyard manager regarding crop load, harvest time, and other issues related to crop quality;
• Correct sugar and acid levels of must and wine if necessary;
• Oversee primary fermentation by punching down the grape skin cap, regulating fermentation temperature and the amount of time the skins are in contact with the must, and initiating malolactic fermentation;
• Supervise workers in crushing and pressing processes, or perform those duties themselves;
• Supervise cellar operations during secondary fermentation with tasks such as aging, topping off barrels, and clearing wine of fermentation residue;
• Direct and coordinate blending and bottling of wine, or perform those duties themselves.

Special Program Requirements:

Transfer Opportunities: Viticulture and Enology Science and Technology Alliance (VESTA) is a consortium of colleges, including Central Lakes College, Northeast Iowa Community College, Missouri State University, Rend Lake (Ill.) Community College, and Redlands (Okla) Community College. VESTA Consortium

Career Opportunities: Job opportunities in enology are tied to trends in the wine industry. Growing grapes in Minnesota is becoming increasingly popular. In 1975, Minnesota had two wineries. By 2007 there were 26. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture reports an increase in both the number of farms growing grapes and total acreage. Employment opportunities are available locally, regionally and nationwide.

Career Titles: Winemaker, winemaking director, assistant winemaker, cellar master, cellar worker 2, enologist, lab technician, lab manager, tasting room manager.