Are your kids looking into a degree in enology or viticulture? The truth is, many universities across the U.S. are investing in Enology Departments or Programs. Kent State in Ohio now offers a 2-year degree program for those interested in pursuing experience in enology and viticulture. Original article below can be found at http://www.cleveland.com/.
Kent State University to offer degrees related to the wine industry
Published: Friday, March 11, 2011, 5:20 AM
By Karen Farkas
Kent State students now can earn degrees related to wine-making, and those taking the classes will have a chance to get plenty of hands-on experience in Northeast Ohio. (Photo by Peggy Turbett)
ASHTABULA, Ohio -- Cheers!
Ohio's first college degrees related to wine-making will be offered at Kent State University's Ashtabula campus beginning in the fall.
Those who enroll in a two-year program in enology, the study of wine and winemaking, or in viticulture, the study of vine-growing and grape-harvesting, will have no problem getting hands-on experience. A majority of Ohio's 151 wineries are located in Lake, Geauga and Ashtabula counties.
"We are elated," said Donniella Winchell, executive director of theOhio Wine Producer Association. "We have been working with the university and the regents for better than two years."
Tony Debevec, owner of Debonne Vineyards in Madison, trains his workers on-site and is pleased that professional classes will be offered.
"I think it will elevate the quality of individuals that we have to pick from and shorten the training time," he said. "Also, when you go to school you learn how to work with other people, gain connections and bring new experiences and ideas to the industry."
The Kent program will be affiliated with the Viticulture Enology Science and Technology Alliance, founded about eight years ago to serve wineries between the Appalachians and the Rockies, Winchell said.
The alliance, at Missouri State University, has partnered with colleges, state agricultural agencies and vineyards in 11 states to promote education in grape-growing and winemaking. Those states, including Ohio, have a climate and geography different from the wine-growing areas on the east and west coasts.
Most courses are online but students can attend classes on site. All get practical experience at wineries, said Susan Stocker, dean of Kent's Ashtabula campus.
The Ashtabula campus will offer its associate degree programs throughout the state through its affiliation with the Viticulture alliance, she said. Classes may be taught in intensive weekend sessions in other Ohio cities and students can work at nearby wineries. Students may also travel to Ashtabula and stay in area hotels while taking classes.
Stocker expects an initial enrollment of about 20 students in each degree program.
"It really is for us an economic development issue," she said. "Associate degrees support local employers and graduates go out and get jobs and start working. It is a growing industry."
A 2008 economic impact study showed more than 4,000 people were working in the wine industry in Ohio, according to Winchell. More than 600 are employed today in Northeast Ohio, she said.
Ohio ranks in the top 10 of wine-producing states. More than 1.1 million gallons of wine are produced each year and the industry contributes more than $500 million to the state's economy, according to Ohio State University Extension program.
Debevec, who has been in business since 1971 when less than a dozen wineries operated in the state, said he believes the wine industry is the region's fastest-growing industry among all sectors, not just agriculture.
"Having people educated who come in with new ideas and passion at mid-level positions in the cellar and the viticulture side would be a great help," he said. "It is like an art - and passion is an important part."
To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: kfarkas@plaind.com, 216-999-5079
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