Turn your passion for wine into a successful career with UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education's winemaking and viticulture programs. Designed for those passionate about the science of winemaking, these courses are taught by industry experts and faculty of the world-renowned UC Davis Department of Viticulture and Enology.
Our wine programs equip you with the practical knowledge to succeed in a variety of wine industry roles, including grape growing, wine production, vineyard or winery management, wine marketing and wine retail. You'll also benefit from hands-on experience, a scientific foundation, real-world application, convenient online and in-person learning, and networking with peers and instructors.
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UC Davis Winemaking and Viticulture Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I take both the Winemaking Certificate Program and the Viticulture Certificate Program simultaneously?
Yes, you can enroll in both programs simultaneously. However, taking courses in both programs increases your workload, so we recommend speaking with our Enrollment Coach, Kristy Craig, before enrolling to discuss course schedules, time commitments and your goals.
Students pursuing both certificates can also waive the viticulture course requirement in the Winemaking Certificate Program. Kristy can walk you through the waiver process and assist you along the way.
- Does UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education accept VA benefits?
- Yes, veterans of the U.S. military who have available educational benefits can enroll in approved UC Davis CPE certificate programs and obtain reimbursement from the Veterans Administration. The Winemaking Certificate Program has been approved for VA funding. Learn more about using your veteran’s education benefits.
Visit our financing your education page for additional resources and check out other ways to fund your certificate program, including scholarships and other funding opportunities available. - What experience do I need to be successful?
- While a high school diploma or GED is not required to enter the program, students should have reading, writing and math skills equivalent to those typically gained through completing high school. Prior experience is not required.
Strong foundational study habits, such as time management skills, self-discipline and the ability to stay organized, are key to success in the program. You should plan regular, dedicated blocks of time each week for coursework, proactively take notes from videos and reading materials and avoid falling behind, as catching up can be challenging.
You are encouraged to start assignments early and reach out to instructors with questions or concerns as soon as they arise. Early engagement and proactive communication can make a significant difference in staying on track and getting the most out of the learning experience. - How do I get into the winemaking industry?
- The winemaking industry includes a lot of potential fields: Viticulture (grape growing), Enology (winemaking), Sales and Distribution (wholesale, retail, exports), Hospitality (tasting rooms, events), Marketing and Branding, Regulatory Affairs and Compliance, Supply Chain Management, and Wine Education and Writing. The skills required for “wine making” are different than those for, say, “compliance.”
First, get relevant education, such as a formal degree or a certificate.
Second, try to get some hands-on experience. Look for internships or harvest work. Talk with local wineries, check online job boards (such as WineJobs.com) or internship boards (such as the UC Davis Dept. of Viticulture and Enology listings) for potential opportunities.
Third, try to make connections within the industry by attending events (such as the Unified Wine & Grape Symposium) or joining professional or trade associations (such as the American Society for Enology and Viticulture). To find organizations within your area, try searching for associations for grape growers or winemakers in your state. Many of these organizations hold annual trade shows or conferences with excellent opportunities to learn and network. - What is the Science of Studying Wine and Winemaking?
The science of studying wine and winemaking is called enology. It focuses on understanding how wine is made, from grape cultivation through to fermentation, aging, and tasting. By using chemistry, biology, and sensory analysis, oenologists study the chemical reactions and microbial activity that influence a wine's aroma, flavor, texture, and overall quality.
You can see this science in action in UC Davis's online Winemaking Certificate Program. The program includes courses like Introduction to Wine and Winemaking, Wine Production, Basic Chemistry for Winemakers, and more, all designed to connect theory with practice. By the end of the program, you'll be able to:
Understand how different winemaking choices affect the taste and style of wine
Apply a structured, science-based method to evaluate wine qualities
Analyze wine stability and determine its effect on shelf life
Understand the core mechanisms behind sensory perception in wine tasting
Use fundamental principles in analytical chemistry and microbiology for winemaking
Evaluate key factors involved in producing high-quality wine grapes
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