CMU Tech is the first college in Colorado to offer an associate degree in viticulture and enology. Colorado’s wine industry is one of the fastest growing and unique areas of agri-business in the state. With about 150 wineries and more than 1,000 acres of vineyards, the business of growing grapes (viticulture) and making wine (enology) play an increasingly important role in the state and local economies.
The Viticulture and Enology program is designed to provide students with the technical and entrepreneurial skills necessary for the management of a profitable and environmentally sound vineyard or winemaking business. Students learn the fundamentals of sustainable viticulture and focusing on plants suitable for Colorado. They are taught how to make wine including the fundamentals of fermentation, the wine production cycle, wine sensory analysis and how to discern good wine. General business management and marketing practices related to winery operations are also part of the curriculum.
Why choose the Viticulture and Enology program at CMU Tech?
- Only Colorado college offering an Associate of Applied Science degree in Viticulture and Enology
- Program includes a hands-on component to enhance the learning that occurs in the classroom
- Students actively participate in the establishment and management of vineyards and the production of wine
The Viticulture and Enology curriculum is designed to provide the entrepreneurial and technical skills necessary to manage a profitable, environmentally sound vineyard and/or winemaking business. Students learn the fundamentals of sustainable viticulture, focusing on cultivars that are suitable for Colorado, as well as the science of fermentation and the fundamentals of producing and testing wine. Coursework emphasizes entrepreneurial and practical field training. As part of their education, students will participate in the establishment and management of a vineyard and the production of wine. Graduates are qualified for employment in a variety of positions associated with viticulture and winemaking businesses.
Academic Requirements for Associate of Applied Science in Viticulture and EnologyThe Enology Technical Certificate in the Viticulture and Enology program is a concentrated study in the areas of viticulture, winemaking processes, wine etiquette and sensory evaluation. The certificate provides an information and knowledge base for students interested in the wine industry.
Academic Requirements for Technical Certificate in EnologyThis certificate prepares students for a future training and career in grape growing and vineyard establishment.
Academic Requirements for Technical Certificate in ViticultureWine Appreciation Technical certificate in the Viticulture and Enology program gives the student an opportunity to learn about winemaking, wine styles, wine regions, grape varieties and an opportunity to develop or improve their palate through sensory analysis. This certificate would benefit students in a restaurant, winery tasting room, retail/wholesale or used as a foundation to be successful toward a sommelier certification.
Academic Requirements for Technical Certificate in Wine Appreciation, Viticulture and EnologyWine Fermentation Technical certificate in the Viticulture and Enology program is a concentrated study in all aspects of the fermentation process. Fermentation is the process of microorganisms converting sugar to ethanol that cannot be visualized. Students use lab analysis, sensory and a strong foundation of knowledge to understand the process of fermentation. The courses in the certificate are taught in a hands-on setting applying skills learned to gain understanding of the process. Although this certificate is directed toward making wine from grapes, fruit and/or honey; fermentation is fermentation, and the knowledge gained could be used in both beer and cider making.
Academic Requirements for Technical Certificate in Wine Fermentation, Viticulture and EnologyThis certificate prepares students for careers all aspects of wine service as well as pairing wine with foods in fine restaurants or wineries.
Academic Requirements for Technical Certificate in Wine ProfessionalCareer Opportunities
- Vineyard/Winery owner
- Vineyard technician
- Vineyard foreman/manager
- Winemaker, assistant winemaker
- Retail/Marketing operations assistant/manager
- Winery operations assistant/manager
Career Pathways
Career pathway programs prepare students for employment in industries while also providing a stepping stone to an associate degree, bachelor’s degree and beyond. Learn more about career pathways.
| Career Pathways Certificate | Length of Program |
|---|---|
| Wine Professional Certificate | 1 semester (12 credits) |
| Viticulture | 1 semester (18 credits) |
| Enology | 2 semesters (18 credits) |
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Similar programs in Colorado
CMU Tech is the only Colorado college offering an AAS degree in Viticulture and Enology
Hands-on experience
Students spend half of their semester hours gaining practical experience in the field
Grape varieties picked and processed
Western Colorado is the perfect environment for a variety of wines
Faculty experience
The program lead has spent more than two decades as a commercial winemaker and winery manager