Vineyard Management: Viticulture - Associate Degree
Midwesterners who dream of a career in wine country don't need to migrate to California. As Wisconsin's grape growing industry expands, business owners are looking for employees and suppliers right here. As a graduate of the Vineyard Management associate degree program, you have the skills necessary to own and operate or be employed at a vineyard as a vineyard manager or vineyard worker. You are skilled in planting, pruning, training, harvesting, gathering, sustainability, integrated pest management, and storing grapes and other fruits.
Program Costs & Financial Aid
See costs of tuition, books, and supplies.This program is fully eligible for financial aid.
Estimates based on in-state residency. Learn more about tuition and fees.
Explore Locations
Follow Your Path
All credits from the following certificate(s) apply toward this associate degree:
Vineyard Management, 903201
Delivery
How do I get started in this program?
Requirements for Program Entry
- Individuals interested in this program must email Lynn.White@nwtc.edu
What are my courses?
Curriculum
Students following the study plan below will complete the Vineyard Management (Viticulture) associate degree in the number of semesters shown.
First Semester
Second Semester
Third Semester
Fourth Semester
Program Outcomes
- Manage all part-time and seasonal vineyard workers.
- Maintain records of all vineyard operation activities.
- Assist wine maker in crop load management, harvest coordination and execution.
- Monitor the vineyard regarding nutrient status, grape diseases, insect, fungus, weeds, and other pests.
- Maintain records of all viticultural monitoring activities.
- Practice IPM (Integrated Pest Management).
- Recommend and plan any large scale changes in vineyard plantings, specifically cultivars and selection of the site.
- Plan and assist in irrigation scheduling and operation.
- Plan and assist in general property maintenance.
- Operate vineyard machinery safely.
What careers are in my future?
Employment Potential
A graduate of this program will have the basic skills necessary to own and operate or be employed at a vineyard as a:
- Vineyard Manager
- Vineyard Worker
Employment opportunities with additional education
- Pest Management Industry – Crop Scout
- Green Industry – Greenhouse, Propagation
- Chemical/Pesticide Industry
What's next after graduation?
Start here. Finish at a four-year.
NWTC transfer programs are offered through collaborative agreements with our four-year college and university partners. See where your associate degree credits will transfer.
What else do I need to know about the program?
Note
- NWTC is a member of VESTA, a partnership of colleges nationwide that together deliver online Enology (winemaking) and Viticulture (grape growing) education. VESTA is formally referred to as the Viticulture and Enology Science and Technology Alliance. More information is on the VESTA website www.vesta-usa.org.
- Students desiring to earn an Associate Degree in Vineyard Management (Viticulture) must apply for admission to NWTC and must take a minimum of 25% of technical core courses at NWTC.
- The VESTA online courses, identifiable by “VIN” in front of the course code have a separate admission and registration process.
- Practicum sites throughout the state are listed on the VESTA website. New ones can be added if the student finds a willing and eligible vineyard.
- Some courses have a minimum age requirement.
- Further information on VESTA can be found on the website www.vesta-usa.org.
Study Abroad Opportunities
The International Programs staff continually seeks opportunities for students to travel abroad for educational experiences that may be offered in association with program courses.
- Online
-
Classes wherever you have an internet connection.
- An in-person career experience, such as an internship, practicum, or credit for prior learning, may be required.
- Some online courses may be held at specific dates/times.
- Day
- Classes between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
- Evening
- Classes between the hours of 5:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
- Weekend
- A combination of online classes and Saturday and/or Sunday classes.
- Full-time
- 12 or more credits per term.
- Part-time
- Fewer than 12 credits per term.