Viticulture

Program Overview

The Viticulture program at Piedmont Virginia Community College provides students with the knowledge and skills to establish and manage a vineyard. The program includes a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on experience at local vineyards and wineries. Graduates are prepared for careers in various areas of the wine industry, including vineyard management, winemaking, pest control, and sales and marketing. The program emphasizes hands-on learning and provides students with access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment.

Program Outline

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Outline:

Program Content:

The Viticulture program at PVCC provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to establish and manage a vineyard.

Course Schedule:

The Viticulture program offers a variety of courses, including:

• Introduction to Viticulture
• Vineyard Site Selection
• Soil Prep and Planting
• Vine Grafting & Propogation
• Canopy Management
• Dormant Pruning
• Vineyard Management - Part I & II
• Basic Tractor Repair
• Tractor Safety
• Pest Control
• Pesticide Applicator's License
• Vineyard Spraying
• Harvesting & Basic Analysis of the Must
• Harvest Internship

Module Descriptions:

• Introduction to Viticulture: This introductory course covers the basics of vineyard establishment, including grape selection, site selection, soil preparation, and planting.
They also receive hands-on experience planting vines in a local vineyard.
• Vine Grafting & Propagation: This course teaches students how to graft grapevines to ensure their survival in Virginia's climate.
They will gain experience grafting vines under the guidance of a Master Grafter.
• Canopy Management: This course explores how to manage the vineyard's canopy to achieve specific objectives, such as maximizing yield or quality.
Students learn about various canopy styles and techniques.
• Dormant Pruning: Students will learn the why and how of pruning grapevines through lectures and hands-on experience in this course.
• Vineyard Management - Part I & II: These two courses offer students the opportunity to take responsibility for managing and maintaining a section of a working vineyard during the growing season.
They will learn crucial decision-making and vineyard care techniques.
• Basic Tractor Repair & Tractor Safety: These courses equip students with the knowledge and skills to maintain and operate a tractor safely and effectively.
• Pest Control & Pesticide Applicator's License: These courses provide students with the knowledge and legal qualifications to manage pests and weeds responsibly in vineyards.
• Vineyard Spraying: Students receive a comprehensive understanding of applying fungicides, pesticides, and herbicides, including safe handling practices, tank mixing, and calibration.
• Harvesting & Basic Analysis of the Must: This hands-on course offers students valuable experience in all aspects of grape harvesting and must analysis.

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

The Viticulture program uses a combination of lectures, discussions, demonstrations, and hands-on activities to ensure a well-rounded learning experience. Field trips to local vineyards and wineries provide additional opportunities for students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.

Faculty:

The program is taught by industry professionals with extensive experience in viticulture.

Unique Approaches:

The program emphasizes hands-on learning and provides students with access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment.

Careers:

Career Opportunities:

Graduates of the Viticulture program are prepared for careers in various areas of the wine industry, including vineyard management, winemaking, pest control, and sales and marketing.

• The Viticulture program is offered through the Workforce Services division at PVCC.
• The program collaborates with local wineries and vineyards to provide students with real-world experience.
• Students are encouraged to participate in the Harvest Internship to gain hands-on experience during the peak season.