Getting Started
Your journey into the world of viticulture and winemaking starts here!
Welcome to the Viticulture & Winery Technology program at 91重口! Whether you're exploring a new career, expanding your professional knowledge, or simply interested in learning more about grape growing and winemaking, we're excited to help you take the next step.
Our program welcomes students from all backgrounds and experience levels. You don't need previous vineyard or winery experience to get started. All you need is an interest in learning, a willingness to participate, and a little curiosity!
Step 1: Find Your Path
Everyone comes into our program with different interests and goals, which is why we offer several educational options.
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Associate of Science Degrees: A comprehensive educational pathway combining technical knowledge, hands-on experience, and general education coursework.
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Certificates of Achievement: A more focused pathway designed to develop practical skills and prepare students for employment or professional advancement.
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Individual Courses: Perfect for students who want to develop specific skills, explore new interests, or simply enjoy learning about wine.
Our courses cover two primary areas of study: Viticulture (grape growing) and Enology (winemaking). We also offer opportunities to explore wine science, sensory analysis, hospitality, and wine business.
Step 2: Explore Our Courses
One of the most exciting parts of our program is the opportunity to learn through real-world experiences.
Depending on your courses, you may find yourself working in our Campus Hill Vineyard, participating in grape harvests, learning winery operations, performing laboratory analyses, or exploring wine tasting and food pairing.
We encourage you to visit our Program and Courses pages to explore the educational pathways and classes that best align with your interests.
Step 3: Plan Your Schedule
Once you've identified a few courses that interest you, take a look at the Las Positas College class schedule to see what's being offered during the upcoming semester.
Whether you're working toward a degree, completing a certificate, or taking individual classes, we encourage you to choose a schedule that fits your educational goals and personal commitments.
Exciting Program Improvements Coming Fall 2027!
We're growing and improving our program to create more opportunities for our students!
Our Viticulture & Winery Technology program is currently undergoing several exciting improvements, with a goal of introducing updated educational pathways beginning Fall 2027, subject to the college's curriculum approval process.
These changes are designed to make our programs more accessible, streamline graduation requirements, strengthen career preparation, and provide students with greater flexibility in choosing their educational and professional goals.
1. Combining Viticulture & Enology Programs
We are working toward merging our existing Viticulture and Enology Certificates of Achievement and Associate of Science degrees into a more streamlined educational structure.
Rather than requiring students to follow two entirely separate programs, the proposed structure would include a shared foundation of essential courses, followed by opportunities to specialize in either viticulture or enology.
This approach would allow students to develop a broader understanding of the wine industry while continuing to focus on their individual interests.
Our goals are to reduce unnecessary course overlap, improve scheduling flexibility, and help students complete their educational requirements more efficiently without sacrificing valuable hands-on experience.
2. Expanding Wine Hospitality & Business Education
We're also working to expand our Wine Hospitality curriculum to include additional business-focused courses and educational opportunities.
The goal is to develop a more comprehensive Wine Hospitality & Business pathway, with both certificate and associate degree options.
These improvements would bring together wine hospitality, customer service, business operations, marketing, sales, and management to better prepare students for the diverse professional opportunities available throughout the wine industry.
We recognize that successful careers in wine extend beyond the vineyard and winery. Whether students hope to manage a tasting room, work in wine sales, develop a wine brand, or eventually operate their own business, we want to provide the knowledge and practical skills that support those goals.
3. Developing a Transfer Degree Pathway
Another exciting priority is the development of a transfer-focused degree pathway for students interested in continuing their education at a four-year university.
This proposed pathway would provide a stronger academic foundation for students pursuing bachelor's degrees in viticulture, enology, wine science, or related disciplines.
We also want to create more opportunities for students interested in scientific research, laboratory analysis, agricultural technology, and advanced studies.
By strengthening the connection between hands-on technical education and academic preparation, we hope to support students who want to pursue careers in research, innovation, and other specialized areas of the wine industry.
Why Are We Making These Changes?
Our goal is simple: to create an educational program that gives students more opportunities, clearer pathways, and the practical experience they need to succeed.
We want to reduce unnecessary barriers to graduation, make better use of students' time and resources, and ensure our courses continue to reflect the changing needs of the wine industry.
Most importantly, we want students to have the freedom to choose a pathway that works for them, whether that means entering the workforce, advancing their careers, starting a business, or continuing their education.
Planning to Start Before Fall 2027?
Students interested in beginning during Spring or Summer 2027 are encouraged to explore our currently available Viticulture, Enology, and Wine Hospitality courses and degree options.
Our existing educational pathways remain available while the proposed changes move through the approval process. We encourage students to meet with an academic counselor to discuss their educational plan, catalog rights, and how coursework may apply to future program requirements.
We're happy to help students understand their options as we transition toward these exciting improvements!
Step 4: Have Questions? We're Here to Help!
Not sure where to begin? That's completely okay!
Choosing an educational pathway can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially if you're exploring a new field or returning to school after some time away.
Please don't hesitate to reach out! (brlopez@laspositascollege.edu). We're happy to help you explore the program, understand your options, and identify courses that align with your interests and career goals.
Our goal is to make your experience at 91重口 welcoming, engaging, and rewarding from your very first class.
We look forward to welcoming you to our Viticulture & Winery Technology community and helping you build a future you're excited about!
