Winemaking: Enology - Associate Degree
Careers in the wine industry exist right here in Northeast Wisconsin. As a graduate of the Winemaking program, you're prepared for a career as a winemaker, winemaking assistant, cellar worker, or tasting room host. You're skilled in fermentation, clarification, and aging of juice and wine; lab methodologies; sanitization; quality control; winery equipment operation; grape maturity testing; and wine and must analysis. The Winemaking program offers students an internship at a local winery, providing an intense level of practical and realistic winery experiences.
Program Costs & Financial Aid
Tuition: $13,285, Books: $0, Supplies: $0
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:
Winemaking, 903202
Winemaking Advanced, 903203
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 Winemaking (Enology) associate degree in the number of semesters shown.
First Semester
Second Semester
Third Semester
Fourth Semester
Suggested Electives
Program Outcomes
- 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.
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 Winery as a:
- Winemaker
- Winemaking Assistant
- Cellar Worker
- Tasting Room Host
Employment opportunities with additional education
- Scientific Industry, Laboratory
- Food Science Industry – Food Safety
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 has partnered with Missouri State University, Missouri State University-West Plains, Northeast Iowa Community College, Redlands Community College, Rend Lake College, South Plains College, Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus, Kent State University-Ashtabula, Highland Community College, Central Lakes College, Michigan State University, and Ivy Tech Community College to offer an Associate Degree in Winemaking (Enology). The partnership is formally referred to as the Viticulture and Enology Science and Technology Alliance, or VESTA. The partnered colleges individually deliver VESTA classes through various online delivery formats.
- Students desiring to earn an Associate Degree in Winemaking (Enology) 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.