- How will this program benefit me?
- The Winemaking Certificate Program is a series of five online classes created in cooperation with the internationally recognized UC Davis Viticulture and Enology Department. It is designed to give students around the world the tools and essential knowledge to pursue their passion for winemaking. The primary goal of the program is to provide a scientific and technical framework for those already working in the industry or students with a desire to be involved in production winemaking in the future. Using the latest web-based educational platform and a core of instructors with extensive commercial experience, the emphasis is on understanding the chemical and microbiological processes in the making of wine, so that better decisions can be made in the winery setting. Although aimed primarily at wine production personnel, the technical information in these courses may be useful to other wine industry professionals, (for example sales and marketing, public relations or operations), as well as to avid home winemakers and enthusiasts.
- What can I expect to learn?
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In this program you will learn how to:
- Use a systematic and scientific approach to the practice of 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 principle 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 program work?
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All five courses are administered 100 percent online. Aside from assigned readings in the textbook, students access all course materials through the class website. 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. Students study at their own pace, but must meet deadlines for weekly assignments, quizzes and exams. Students interact with the instructor and fellow students through threaded discussion forums, as well as via 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, which are both timed, closed-book, multiple-choice tests. The other four courses involve considerably more time and effort in general. 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.
- What are the chemistry requirements?
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We have found that being successful in the Winemaking Certificate Program is strongly correlated with having a sufficiently solid science background, so we require satisfactory completion of one semester of college-level chemistry for admission. For those students without this background, 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. Feel free to contact us for more information about your specific situation.
- How long does it take to complete the Program?
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The Winemaking Certificate Program consists of five quarter-long courses that can be completed in as few as four consecutive quarters. In addition, many students do not want to take more than one or two courses per year. However, students that are motivated and able to take courses throughout the year can usually complete the program in 12 to 18 months. Our staff will work with your individual situation to complete the certificate in a reasonable and efficient manner.
- 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 UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education certificate programs and obtain reimbursement from the Veterans Administration. UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education has approval under the Veterans Educational Benefits program to allow veterans, their dependents and others who qualify for Veterans Educational Benefits to further their education via one of our certificate programs.
Contact UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education to find out if the program that interests you has been approved for G.I. Bill educational benefits, ask questions about the process, or, when you are ready to enroll, contact our Veteran Services Coordinator at (800) 752-0881 or email cpe-va@ucdavis.edu.
