- What education do you need to become a winemaker?
- You don’t need a degree to make wine! But a formal education in the scientific and technical aspects of wine production is necessary for successful winemaking.
Understanding the chemical and microbiological processes of winemaking impacts your decision-making and the quality of your wine. Earning a certificate in winemaking demonstrates your commitment to quality wine and your mastery of the skills and knowledge involved. It’s also a quicker path to completion and less expensive than earning a four-year degree.
While not required, degrees in enology, viticulture or other related fields such as food science, fermentation science or biochemistry can be helpful. Practical experience, including internships and on-the-job training, is also a great way to augment your winemaking education. - How will this winemaking education benefit me?
- The online Winemaking Certificate Program is designed to give you the practical tools, knowledge and confidence to pursue your passion for winemaking. The primary goal of the program is to provide a scientific and technical framework for successful winemaking with an emphasis on understanding the chemical and microbiological processes in making wine for better decision making. You’ll benefit from our engaging online learning platform, a core of instructors with extensive commercial experience and networking opportunities with peers in the wine industry.
- What topics does the Winemaking Certificate Program cover?
- The Winemaking Certificate covers material taught in the UC Davis Viticulture and Enology undergraduate series of enology courses through an accelerated online version. All courses meet rigorous academic standards and are taught by teams of both academically trained and experienced wine and grape professionals.
Topics include:
• Overview of the history of wine, viticulture, fermentation, winery operations, the physiology of wine consumption and grape growing regions around the world
• Principles and practices of making standard types of wines, with special reference to grape varieties used and methods of vinification
• Fundamental principles of analytical chemistry as they relate to specific methods used in winemaking
• Nature, development, physiology, biochemistry and control of yeasts and bacteria involved in the making, aging and spoilage of wine
• Fundamental principles of biology and culture of the grapevine
• Identification, cultivation and use of the major wine, table, raisin and rootstock cultivars
• Theory, principles, and practices of pruning and grapevine propagation
• Field oriented experience in the principles and practices of grapevine production, including vineyard establishment, canopy management practices, irrigation and water management, and methods of crop adjustment for improvement of fruit quality
• Principles of sensory evaluation and application to wines
• Principles of equilibria and rates of physical and chemical reactions in wines, treatment of unstable components in wines, and protein, polysaccharide, tartrate, oxidative and color stabilities - What will I learn?
- In this online Winemaking Program, you will learn how to:
• Use a systematic and scientific approach to practice assessing wine qualities that influence winemaking or purchasing decisions
• Clarify wine in an appropriate manner
• Evaluate the stability of wine and suggest remedial action for problem wines
• Understand the principal mechanisms of sensory perception
• Identify the major and minor components of wine and understand the importance of balance among components
• Recognize major faults in wine such as imbalance, oxidation, microbial spoilage and hazes
• Apply fundamental principles of analytical chemistry and microbiology
• Gain theoretical experience with some specific analytical methods and treatments used in winemaking
• Understand the factors that are important in the growing of quality grapes - How does this online program work?
- The Winemaking Certificate Program consists of five online courses. The courses are delivered in a paced asynchronous format, so you will have the flexibility to access course materials on your own schedule, but you must work within a structured framework that includes firm deadlines for assignments, tests, discussions and other activities.
Aside from assigned readings in the textbook, you will access all course materials through Canvas, our online learning platform. Lessons are delivered through recorded voice-over PowerPoint lectures, downloadable reading materials and access to assigned articles from the American Journal of Enology and Viticulture and other sources. Networking and interactions with your instructor and classmates are available through threaded discussion forums, email and live webinar sessions (which are recorded for those not able to attend “live”).
The introductory course is assessed by a midterm and final exam, which are both timed, closed-book, multiple-choice tests. Students can test out of the Introduction to Winemaking course by completing WSET Level III.
The other four courses in the program involve considerably more time and effort than course one. The material is covered in much more depth and assignments for these courses are more of a case study type. These open-book assignments are submitted online, and individual feedback is provided by the instructor. - Who is this program for?
- The Winemaking Certificate Program is designed for a diverse group of learners, including early-career wine professionals, passionate wine enthusiasts exploring a potential career in wine and vineyard or winery owners looking to deepen their technical knowledge. This includes:
• Aspiring winemakers, home winemakers and wine lovers who want to explore winemaking more formally
• Vineyard owners and winery owners who are looking to better understand the science of winemaking to ensure the success of their investments
• Wine production personnel, winery workers and cellar hands looking to increase their scientific and technical expertise for career advancement
• Wine marketers, wine distributors, sommeliers and others working in the wine industry or wine-adjacent roles who want to increase their technical understanding of wine production - What are the prerequisites for the Winemaking Certificate?
- The Winemaking Certificate has a chemistry requirement, which must be completed before moving on to course two. Because a solid science background is necessary for successful winemaking, one semester of university/college-level chemistry is required as a prerequisite for acceptance into the Winemaking Certificate Program.
We offer an online course, Basic Chemistry for Winemakers, which fulfills the requirement. If you choose to fulfill the requirement elsewhere, the best option is usually a local community college course for health sciences majors where the chemistry is focused more on biological systems. Learn more about the chemistry requirement or contact an enrollment coach with questions at cpecoach@ucdavis.edu. - How much time can I expect to spend on coursework?
- The time commitment for coursework will vary for each participant, depending on individual background, education and winemaking experience. On average, students can expect to spend approximately 3 to 10 hours per week on a course, based on course content and the student's familiarity with the material. Some courses are more demanding than others and may require additional study time.
As a general guideline, students should plan to spend about twice as much time on reading, studying and assignments as they spend engaging with lecture content. For example, if a course includes 1 to 3 hours of recorded lectures or video content each week, students should expect to spend an additional 2 to 6 hours on coursework such as reading, homework and studying.
Ultimately, students will get out of the program what they put into it. Consistent effort, good time management and active engagement with the material will significantly enhance the learning experience. - How long does it take to complete the program?
- The certificate program consists of five courses (10-11 weeks per class) that can be completed in as few as four consecutive academic quarters. Many students take one or two courses per year. However, some take courses throughout the year and can usually complete the program in 12 to 18 months. For help creating a plan for completion that works with your schedule, reach out to an enrollment coach at cpecoach@ucdavis.edu
- 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 in the program?
- 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 in winemaking 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.
Check out our student success stories for inspiration/advice for success in the program. - Can international students enroll in the certificate?
- Yes, international students are welcome to apply to the Winemaking Certificate Program.
The program primarily focuses on winemaking practices common in the United States, with a strong emphasis on wines produced from Vitis vinifera—the classic European grape species behind varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling. While the science and technology of winemaking are consistent worldwide, the regulations, labeling requirements and legal restrictions surrounding wine production are highly regional.
International students will gain a strong foundation in the scientific principles, techniques and best practices of winemaking through the program. However, they should be aware that regulatory standards and certain production practices may differ in their home countries.
Additionally, while the program’s primary focus is on Vitis vinifera, we recognize that winemakers in colder or more humid regions—both within and outside the U.S.—may work with hybrid grapes or native American varieties. Instructors try to highlight where practices might differ for these varieties, but overall, the curriculum is geared toward Vitis vinifera winemaking.
Courses are taught in English, and all course materials are in English. Non-native English speakers may choose to use translation services, but written assignments must be completed in English. - 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. - Does the winemaking certificate program cover wine marketing?
- No, the Winemaking Certificate does not cover wine marketing. However, we do have a one-week Wine Marketing Program that runs annually each summer. The program is offered online or in a hybrid format and covers topics such as the U.S. wine market, winery and direct-to-consumer strategies, distribution, the retail tier, imports, launching a brand and more. It is not uncommon for students to take both our Winemaking Certificate Program and the Wine Marketing Program to augment their knowledge and gain a holistic view of the winemaking process. Learn more about the Wine Marketing Program.
- What is the difference between the Winemaking Certificate and a degree?
- The Winemaking Certificate Program provides 18.5 units of academic credit equivalent to upper-division units, while bachelor’s degrees typically provide 120 credits (including general education requirements).
The certificate is intended to provide an academically rigorous accelerated experience for students, which covers material similar to the undergraduate courses offered on campus at UC Davis. With the certificate, you get an in-depth, practical study program with targeted skills to enter the industry or advance within it. It has a lower financial investment than a degree program and can be completed in a shorter amount of time (typically 12 to 18 months versus 2 to 4+ years).
However, the certificate does not offer an in-person learning environment, laboratory courses or other related courses which on-campus degree-seeking students would benefit from. Degree programs typically provide a broader breadth of study, more comprehensive academic experience and can open access to a wider range of
