Many schools offer a variety of agricultural courses, but what our district is offering is a dual-credit course for viticulture study. This means secondary school and college credits all in one, now that's what I like to hear.
Grape Growing
The course work will emphasize the scientific principles underlying grape growing for the purpose of wine production. Starting with the selection of grapes and ending with bottling the finished wine.
Grape Qualities
The quality of the grapes is most vital and will mostly determine the quality of the wine being made. Their quality is not only affected by their variety, but also by the weather during the growing season, the soil, the time of harvest, and the way they are pruned. The combination of these effects is often referred to as their terroir.
Vineyard Management
Generally there are two main categories: housekeeping and canopy management. An important point to make at the outset is that many grape diseases are fungal and to prevent these from spreading good housekeeping is important. The aim of canopy management is really twofold; to ensure that the vineyard does not become an impenetrable jungle and to allow the maximum light and air to reach the bunches.
Human Resource & Financial Management
A well thought out plan will always need an equal backup to expand in this industry and taking viticulture will let you in on all the secrets. Thinking over your research and plan your mistakes so if they do happen you are still on track. Financial problems are easily avoided with a good budget and goals.
Vineyard Equipment Operation
Yes, this does include learning how to work with big machines the right way. Every different category from growing the grapes to bottling them is vital in its own unique way. The majority of large vineyards completely rely on syphisticated machines to pick their grapes and many more important tasks before their final product is ready. This all goes along with being able to work safely with the equipment and its maintenance.
Classroom Work & Practical Experience
Students must successfully complete all coursework to date to qualify for placement in a practicum experience. For information on admission requirements please visit: www.okanagan.bc.ca/cs.
Certificate awarded upon successful completion of: WINE21 Introduction to Grapes & Wine, VIT22 Introduction to Grape Growing, VIT23 Vineyard Management, VIT04 Operation Management & Safety of Vineyard Equipment, and VIT13 Practicum.
- Viticulture Certificate
- Grape Growing
- Grape Quality
- Vineyard Management
- Human Resource & Financial Management
- Vineyard Equipment Operation
- Classroom Work & Practical Experience
- Dual Credit
