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  1. Las Positas College
  2. Catalog 2024 - 2025
  3. Viticulture and Winery Technology
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Our Mission

Las Positas College is an inclusive, learning-centered, equity-focused environment that offers educational opportunities and support for completion of students' transfer, degree, and career-technical goals while promoting lifelong learning.

Enology Certificate of Achievement (CA)

About the Program

The Certificate of Achievement in Enology prepares students for entry-level employment in the field of Enology, or wine-making. The Certificate consists of core courses in wine-making and science, and focuses on the production of quality wines. Students will gain both theoretical knowledge as well as hands-on experience on state-of-the-art winery equipment.

Career Opportunities

There are more than 4,700 bonded wineries in California. From established wineries to new ventures, well-trained winery personnel are needed in many positions. Career opportunities related to enology include: wine maker, assistant wine maker, wine analysis lab technician, oenologist, winery supervisor, quality control, production manager, tasting room director, wine sales, wine service, wine hospitality, grape/juice buyer, equipment supplier, wine label design and packaging.

Program Outcomes

  • Upon completion of the Certificate of Achievement in Enology, students are able to apply general chemistry principles, wine microbiology fundamentals, and laboratory techniques to produce sound wines.
  • Upon completion of the Certificate of Achievement in Enology, students are able to perform an accurate wine assessment utilizing acquired organoleptic skills.
  • Upon completion of the Certificate of Achievement in Enology, students are able to perform wine analysis methods including laboratory/quality control test during harvest, fermentations, cellaring and prior to bottling.
  • Upon completion of the Certificate of Achievement in Enology, students are able to safely start-up, operate and shut down winery equipment and effectively utilize the equipment during the wine making process.

REQUIRED CORE: (23 units)

Course Number Course Title Units
VWT 10 Introduction to Viticulture 3
VWT 20 Introduction to Enology 3
VWT 21 Applied Enology 3
VWT 23 Fundamentals of Wine Science 3
VWT 25 Sensory Analysis of Wines 3
VWT 41 Fall Winery Operations 3
VWT 42 Spring Winery Operations 3
WRKX 94 Occupational Work Experience/Internship 2

LIST A: Select one (3 units)

Course Number Course Title Units
VWT 1 World Wines: New World 3
VWT 2 World Wines: Old World 3
VWT 47 Wine Regions/Wines of Calif 3

Total Units: 26