Next Application Period - June, 2013

The Texas Viticulture Certificate Program is the product of collaboration between the Department of Plant & Soil Sciences at Texas Tech University and Texas AgriLife Extension Service, an agency of Texas A&M University. The rigor and quality of the program is designed for individuals with an orientation toward commercial grape production and professional work in the viticulture industry.

The certificate consists of six courses, held over a two-year period. Successful completion of all six courses is required to receive the Professional Certificate in Viticulture. The certificate program will operate on a cohort basis to enhance the learning experience and facilitate networking opportunities for participants. For this reason, the program is limited to 40 participants who are willing to make the commitment to move through all courses over the two-year period. Enrollment in individual courses is not available.

Non-degree credit

Although these classes do not carry academic credit, the coursework can be rigorous and demanding in terms of time and content. When successfully completed, these courses lead to a Certificate in Viticulture and students will receive 17 continuing education units for a total of 170 clock hours of instruction.

Curriculum/Course Descriptions

1. Grapevine Biology
   Introduction to the taxonomic classification of grape species and the structure and function of grapevines. Botanical and viticultural terminology used to describe the anatomy of a grapevine will be introduced. The major physiological processes of grapevines will be introduced: photosynthesis, respiration, transpiration, and translocation. Other physiological processes will be introduced including acclimation and de-acclimation, cold hardiness, water relations, and hormones. The influence of environmental factors on physiological processes will be examined.
2. Site Assessment and Vineyard Development
   The major considerations for assessment of a potential vineyard site will be addressed including macroclimate, mesoclimate, soil characteristics, topography, irrigation water availability and quality, disease and pest pressure, size of property, location, and economics. The fundamentals of vineyard development - design and construction - will be introduced. Vineyard design factors addressed include matching varieties and rootstocks to the site, trellis system, vine and row spacing, row orientation and length, block layout, and irrigation system design. Practices involved with construction of a vineyard are introduced including trellis construction, planting vines, and vine training.
3. Vine Nutrition and Water Management
   Introduction to the concepts and practices of mineral nutrient management of grapevines. The nutrient requirements of grapevines will be reviewed and soil nutrient content and availability will be addressed. Methods for monitoring vine nutrition will be introduced including soil testing and tissue analysis. Fertilizers and fertilization practices will be introduced. Introduction to the water requirements of grapevines and management of water availability. Irrigation practices will be reviewed including irrigation scheduling using soil moisture monitoring and evapotranspiration, and the use of deficit irrigation strategies.
4. Canopy Management and Crop Load Management
   Review of the characteristics of a desirable grapevine canopy and effects of excessive or deficient canopy on vine health and fruit quality and yield. The concept of a balanced grapevine will be introduced and the consequences of imbalance addressed. Assessment of canopy vigor will be discussed and methods of canopy management reviewed including shoot thinning, shoot positioning, leaf pulling, and hedging. Methods for estimating crop load will be reviewed and thinning techniques for adjusting yield will be discussed.
5. Disease, Insect, and Weed Management
   Introduction to the management of diseases and insects with emphasis on common problems in Texas. The major grape diseases in Texas will be reviewed including pathogen lifecycles, damage caused, vine symptoms, associated risk factors, and control options. Disease management practices will be introduced including sanitation, cultural practices, and pesticide use. Introduction to the management of insects, mites, and other arthropod pests of grapes. The concept of integrated pest management (IPM) will be introduced and IPM methods and tools will be reviewed. The major grape pests in Texas will be reviewed including lifecycles, damage caused, vine symptoms, associated risk factors, and control options. Weed control principles and practices will be introduced.

6. Vineyard Practices
   A hands-on experiential learning class that provides instructor-led activities in standard vineyard practices. A series of three one-day sessions comprise the Vineyard Practices course; sessions are held during three key times of the season to encompass all major activities in the vineyard. Session I - Winter covers pruning, trellis maintenance and repair, plant material assessment and handling, and vine planting. Session II - Summer addresses canopy management, vine nutrition, irrigation scheduling, disease and pest management. Session III - Pre-Harvest covers crop estimation, thinning, fruit maturity analysis, and harvest practices and logistics. Students must attend each of the three seasonal sessions.

Administration

Instructors

Prerequisites

1. Prospective Winegrower Workshop
2. Distance Learning Self-Assessment

Applicants must attend a session of the Prospective Winegrower Workshop offered by Texas AgriLife Extension as a prerequisite for the program; other academic viticulture coursework may be considered to fulfill the prerequisite at the discretion of the Program Director. Course materials are approximately the equivalent of a junior-level academic course.

Calendar: Prospective Winegrower Workshops

The Distance Learning Self-Assessment is a short online questionnaire to help students determine their suitability for distance learning.

Am I Ready for Distance Learning?

Application

Schedule

Fees

Scholarships

The Wine Society of Texas

Recommended Textbooks

Computer Requirements