Successful Home Winemaking

UC Davis is widely known as a leader in viticulture and enology education–so why not learn from the best? Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just curious about the science of winemaking, this course is an ideal opportunity to take your curiosity to the next level. Through informative lectures and hands-on exercises, you’ll learn about how different wines are made and properly stored. Those who are new to wine production as well as those with experience who want to enhance their knowledge and techniques will benefit. By the end of the class, you’ll be well-versed in all phases of home wine production, fermentation theory, and the sanitation procedures and equipment necessary for small-scale wine production.

Learning Outcomes

  • Understand the steps and processes of home wine production
  • Discover the basics of fermentation theory, yeasts and starter cultures
  • Learn to differentiate white and red wine production and common problems in the process
  • Gain an overview of the proper equipment, cleaning agents and sanitation practices in home wine production.

Skills You Will Gain

  • Home winemaking
  • Wine sanitation
  • Fermentation theory

Course Location and Preparation
This in-person course takes place in UC Davis teaching laboratories. Students should wear closed-toe shoes and clothing appropriate for working around dyes that may stain.

Please note that teaching labs observe OSHA regulations. Eating and drinking, including water, are not permitted in the labs.

Participants must be 21 years of age or older to attend.

Academic Units
0
Section Number
254VIT214
Instruction Method
Classroom

Location

Robert Mondavi Institute for Wine and Food Science

392 Old Davis Rd, Davis, CA, 95616

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Section Notes

PLEASE WEAR CLOSED TOED SHOES and clothing appropriate to work around dyes that will stain. Be advised that our teaching labs observe OSHA rules. There is no eating or drinking of liquids (including water) allowed in the labs.

You must be 21 years old to attend this course. 

 

Enrollment Policies

Drop requests (withdraw with a refund) will be approved, less a $30 processing fee, if the request is received before the refund deadline. Click here to view complete enrollment policy information including details on withdrawals and transfers.  
 
Refund Deadline: 5/22/2026. Refunds and/or enrollment transfers will not be approved after this date.   
 

Discounts

CAAA Member Discount

Current members of the Cal Aggie Alumni Association (CAAA) and other UC alumni associations receive 10% off the course fee of one course per quarter, not to exceed $100. If you don't have your discount code, contact CAAA at alumni@ucdavis.edu to request it.