I. General Information

1. Course Title:
Introduction to Viticulture and Vineyard Establishment

2. Course Prefix & Number:
VITI 1111

3. Course Credits and Contact Hours:

Credits: 3

Lecture Hours: 2

Lab Hours: 2

4. Course Description:

This course is designed to introduce students to current practices for establishing a commercial vineyard and maintaining its health and productivity once established. Topics covered include varietal selection, site preparation, equipment, site selection, first season establishment, vine growth development and training, trellis systems, vine propagation, weed control and vine disease control. Field practicum sessions consisting of 16 hours of hands-on experience will be scheduled in area vineyards.

5. Placement Tests Required:

Accuplacer (specify test):

No placement tests required

Score:

6. Prerequisite Courses:

There are no prerequisites for this course.

9. Co-requisite Courses:

There are no corequisites for this course.

II. Transfer and Articulation

1. Course Equivalency - similar course from other regional institutions:

Missouri State University-West Plans, VIN 111, 3 credits
Highland Community College, KS, VIN 111, 3 credits

2. Transfer - regional institutions with which this course has a written articulation agreement:

The Viticulture and Enology Science and Technology Alliance (VESTA); Missouri State - West Plains; 2003

3. Prior Learning - the following prior learning methods are acceptable for this course:

• Military Experience
• Specialty Schools
• Written
• Oral
• Demonstration
• Portfolio

III. Course Purpose

1. Program-Applicable Courses – This course is required for the following program(s):

Viticulture, AAS and Diploma
Enology, AAS and Diploma

IV. Learning Outcomes

1. College-Wide Outcomes

College-Wide Outcomes/Competencies	Students will be able to:
Demonstrate written communication skills	Prepare written detailed reports for establishing commercial vineyards.

2. Course Specific Outcomes - Students will be able to achieve the following measurable goals upon completion of the course:

• Distinguish between seasonal activities in the vineyard;
• Understand the major vitis species;
• Characteristics of grape growing regions and species suitable;
• Select and identify viable varieties of red and white wine grapes and  table grapes;
• Understand the basic principles of pest control and disease management, with a focus on weed control and management;
• Calculate the number of vines per acre as a function of vine spacing;
• Proper implementation of a soil fertility program in the vineyard;
• Evaluate and apply proper site selection criteria;
• Understand planting practices in the Midwest;
• First season processes and strategies in vineyard establishment;
• Understanding of trellis systems, Training systems and practices; and
• Analyze the economic feasibility of vineyard production.

V. Topical Outline

Listed below are major areas of content typically covered in this course.

1. Lecture Sessions

1. Demonstrate the use of a Gantt diagram to schedule seasonal vineyard tasks.
2. Name and describe four major species of grapes commercially viable in your area.
3. Name and describe four American-hybrid varieties.
4. Identify sources and availability of desirable varieties in your region.
5. Establish differences between winter hardiness indexes used by nurseries.
6. Locate individual site in the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Index.
7. Distinguish between grafted and non-grafted grape vines.
8. Establish differences between common commercial varieties.
9. Differentiate between French-American hybrids and V. vinifera.
10. Determine disease susceptibility of commercial grape varieties in specific regions.
11. Identify and describe six major weeds.
12. Identify and describe six major grape diseases.
13. Describe three pest control methods.
14. Describe organic control methods.
15. List the requirements of the state organic certification program in your state.
16. Demonstrate the proper interpretation of pesticide labels as they apply to legal and civil issues.
17. Determine total length of fruiting zone per acre for most common row spacing and trellises.
18. Take a soil sample according to the recommendations of the Soil Testing Lab in a specified state.
19. Measure pH on samples from around a specified vineyard.
20. Identify pH variation in the soil of a specified vineyard.
21. Describe the process of implementation of a soil fertility plan, including timing and application methods.
22. Demonstrate the ability to read a compass and topographical maps
23. Identify magnetic and geographical north
24. Identify drainage patterns.
25. Produce a vineyard plan that includes layout diagram, number or vines, hardware, and training trellis.
26. Evaluate slope and aspect.
27. Identify and describe three modern trellis systems.
28. Identify and describe three outdated trellis systems.
29. Compare and contrast spring and fall budding practices.
30. Demonstrate proficiency in stock selection, proper planting methods, and post-planting care.
31. Identify and describe buds and bud anatomy.
32. Differentiate between one-season old vine wood and older wood.
33. List and describe bud and shoot stages
34. Differentiate between trunk, cordon, shoots, suckers, fruiting spurs, and renewal spurs.
35. Determine feet of cordon per acre.
36. Determine feet of cordon per vine.
37. Identify high-tension trellis wire, guy wire, and braided cable.
38. Calculate number of posts per acre.
39. Draw details of 4 popular trellis configurations.
40. Differentiate between 8 trellis configurations.
41. Identify vine structure
42. Identify proper training procedures
43. Determine establishment costs.
44. Analyze return on investment.
45. Perform a market survey.

2. Laboratory/Studio Sessions

1. Soil sample and pH from around a specific vineyard.
2. Describe and demonstrate the implementation of a soil fertility plan, including timing and application methods.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of planting practices in the Midwest.
4. Identify and describe three modern and three outdated trellis systems.
5. Compare and contrast spring and fall planting practices.
6. Understanding the first year of vineyard establishment and stock selection, planting method, and post-planting care.
7. Demonstrate an understanding of training practices.
8. Overall work performance for promptness, cooperation, following instructions, and safety awareness.