Viticulture and Wine Science Certificate Program

Course Information

The Wine Science Track offers a flexible, hands-on curriculum tailored for those interested in learning the art and science of winemaking. Participants gain foundational knowledge in fermentation, wine chemistry, wine production, wine quality, and sensory evaluation, with the opportunity to complete practical components in a commercial winery setting.

The track is designed to accommodate both Texas and out-of-state learners, including an asynchronous lab option, available to out-of-state participants who cannot travel to participate in the in-person Enol 105 workshop. Whether you're exploring winemaking as a career or passion, this program provides a science-based, industry-relevant pathway to elevate your skills. This is a self-paced, hybrid program with online and hands-on components.

Purchase of the Wine Science Track will include access to the Core and Enology Track courses.

CORE COURSES:

• You and the Texas Wine Grape Industry: Past, Present, and Future (Vit-Enol 100)
• Enology Basics for Viticulturists and Enologists (Enol 101)
• Viticulture Basics for Viticulturists and Enologists (Vit 101) - available now

WINE SCIENCE TRACK COURSES:

• Wine Chemistry (Enol 102) - under development
• Wine Making (Enol 103) - under development
• Sensory Evaluation and Wine Faults: Causes, Prevention, and Treatments (Enol 104) - under development
• Winery Lab Procedures, Equipment Hands-On (Enol 105) - under development
• Elective for Wine Science: Winery Planning and Design - under development

Whether in or out of state, participants in the Wine Science track can complete their hands-on winery experience at any commercial winery worldwide, giving you flexibility and real-world training while earning a certificate through Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.

For this component, participants must complete at least two (2) of the following routine experiences in a commercial winery setting. A letter from the winery certifying completion is required.

• Crush
• Cellar Operation
• Lab Analysis
• Wine Sensory Evaluation

Note: The Winery Experience component is separate and distinct from the (Enol 105) course.

Asynchronous Winery Lab Workshop - How It Works

Participants taking the asynchronous version of the Winery Lab Workshop (Enol 105) will follow these steps:

• Watch video recordings provided by the instructor for each type of analysis.
• Perform each analysis (or an equivalent method) in a winery lab of your choice - any commercial facility is acceptable.
• Record yourself conducting each analysis, ensuring techniques and lab practices are clearly demonstrated.
• Submit your recordings to the instructor for evaluation and feedback.
• Once all assigned analyses are completed and submitted, you will receive confirmation that the hands-on lab training requirement has been fulfilled.

Texas is one of the fastest-growing wine regions in the United States. In this two-year certificate program, you'll receive hands-on experience, scientific understanding, practical skills, and expert guidance to succeed.

Future Course Releases

Our group of experts in the field consistently develops courses to ensure you are always learning the latest and most applicable content available. As the industry progresses and evolves rapidly, we must keep pace with these changes.

Once our experts have finalized a course within the program's curriculum, we will release it promptly so that you have access to the advancements in viticulture and enology along with updated knowledge and valuable skills. Stay updated on new course announcements to help you remain competitive in this growing sector.

Courses marked as "under development" are in active development and will be released throughout 2025 and 2026 as they become available. If you have questions about the timeline, please reach out to [email protected].