Special Department Information:

VITICULTURE A.A.S. DEGREE
Program Course Requirements

First Year - Fall Semester
BIOL 1431  General Biology I (5 cr)
COMP 1101  Computer Fundamentals (3 cr)
MATH 1506  Beginning College Algebra (4 cr)
VITI 1111  Introduction to Viticulture and Vineyard Establishment (3 cr)
Total - 15 Credits

Spring Semester
CHEM 1414  Fundamentals of Chemistry (4 cr)
ENGL 1410  Composition I (4 cr)
SPCH 1431  Fundamentals of Public Speaking (3 cr)
VITI 1113*  Winter Viticulture Technology (2 cr)
VITI 1293  Soils for Viticulture (3 cr)
Total - 16 Credits

Summer Semester
VITI 1115*  Summer/Fall Viticulture Technology (2 cr)
Total - 2 Credits

Second Year - Fall Semester
BIOL 1134  General Botany (4 cr)
MATH 1460  Intro to Statistics (4 cr)
VITI 1190  Viticulture Safety (1 cr)
VITI 1211  Integrated Pest Management (2 cr)
VITI 1213*  Midwest Vineyard Management (2 cr)
Total - 13 Credits

Spring Semester
AGR 157  Principles of Agriculture Mechanization (3 cr)
BUSN 116  Business Communication (3 cr)
POLS 1435  American Government and Politics (3 cr)
VITI 1114*  Spring Viticulture Technology (2 cr)
Elective (3 cr)
Total - 14 Credits

GRADUATION REQUIREMENT - 60 CREDITS
*Denotes Prerequisites

Click here to download the Viticulture AAS Degree Program Planning Form (PDF)

Career Description: Vineyard managers oversee the growing and care of grapes. They develop a system of grape management that is appropriate for each vineyard. They decide how to manage planting, fertility, harvesting and pruning. They are heavily involved in varietal selection, site preparation, equipment maintenance and safety, first season establishment, vine growth development, trellis systems and pruning. They also are involved in pest management, soil quality and the overall impact on the environment.

Program Information: The Viticulture Technology program provides a comprehensive examination of the field of viticulture (grape growing). The program provides the knowledge required to maintain vineyards in Minnesota and the Midwest, with specific attention given to varietal selection, soil preparation, pest management and marketing, as well as the science, agriculture and business skills necessary to succeed in Minnesota’s rapidly growing viticulture business. The program includes fieldwork and practicums at local vineyards.

Program Outcomes:
Graduates will be able to:

• Manage all part-time and seasonal vineyard workers;
• Maintain records of all vineyard operation activities;
• Assist wine maker in crop load management, harvest coordination and execution;
• Monitor the vineyard regarding nutrient status, grape diseases, insect, fungus, weeds, and other pests;
• Maintain records of all viticultural monitoring activities;
• Practice IPM (Integrated Pest Management);
• Recommend and plan any large scale changes in vineyard plantings, specifically cultivars and selection of the site;
• Plan and assist in irrigation scheduling and operation;
• Plan and assist in general property maintenance;
• Operate vineyard machinery safely.

Special Program Requirements:

In addition to the program requirements, students must meet the following conditions in order to graduate:

1. College Cumulative GPA Requirement: cumulative grade point average (GPA) of credits attempted and completed at CLC must be at least 2.0;
2. College Technical Core GPA Requirement: cumulative GPA of credits attempted and completed towards the technical core of the diploma or degree must be at least 2.0;
3. Residency Requirement: students must complete 25% of their credits at Central Lakes College.

Transfer Opportunities: Viticulture and Enology Science and Technology Alliance (VESTA) is a consortium of colleges, including Central Lakes College, Northeast Iowa Community College, Missouri State University, Rend Lake (Ill.) Community College, and Redlands (Okla) Community College. See an advisor for further information about completing a bachelor’s degree.

Career Opportunities: Job opportunities in vineyard management are tied to trends in grape production. Growing grapes in Minnesota is becoming increasingly popular. Statistics from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture show an increase in both the number of farms growing grapes and the total acreage. Employment opportunities are available locally, regionally and nationwide.