What to Expect

Enology and viticulture students learn about winemaking and growing grapes. And though winemaking may be an art, getting there involves a lot of science.

Most viticulture and enology programs help students build a strong science foundation. Management skills may also be taught. These could include human resource and financial management, vineyard equipment operation and maintenance, and safety.

"I liked the fact that I was learning a way to combine agriculture with a product everyone is fascinated with," says Christopher J. Gerling. He completed his master of science degree in enology at Cornell University in 2007.

If you plan to get into winemaking and grape growing, "be ready for microbiology, biochemistry, organic chemistry and the like. The only way to deal is to hit the books early and often," says Gerling.

In addition to core science classes, students are introduced to wine and grapes, learn about flavor development, and study winemaking technology. More specialized courses might include grape pest management, farm business management, food engineering and food safety and packaging.

"I liked the diversity of the program," says Andrea Glass. She studied enology and viticulture at a college. Eventually, she plans to take over her family's vineyard and harvesting company.

"I was educated on a variety of topics, not just the assumed winemaking and viticultural practices but sensory, ...marketing, and sales as well."

In a four-year bachelor's degree program, homework will be fairly taxing. Madeline Bushuk is an enology and viticulture student at a university. She spends four to five daily hours doing homework. That includes assignments, preparing for labs and doing write-ups, and studying for tests. Some master's programs are research focused, and there are few required classes.

"I was able to do the research and other activities with about a 50 to 55 hour work week," says Paul E. Brock II. He just graduated with a master of science in enology from Cornell University.

Expenses for students could include lab equipment, like a lab coat and safety glasses. You may require vineyard gear like pruners and steel-toe boots.

"Textbooks for these types of classes are super expensive. One semester could easily top $500. Buy used books and check the web for deals," Gerling recommends.

In some programs students must work in a vineyard and a winery to get hands-on skills. Bushuk's university offers a co-op program. "It helps us not only pay for school, but prepares us for employment in our future careers, as well as providing invaluable networking opportunities," she says.

How to Prepare

Brock says to take "the highest level of all sciences -- chemistry, biology and physics -- and math offered at the school." You can still enter some programs without strong science skills, but you'll need to gain them once you get there.

"I didn't have a strong background in science, especially chemistry, going into the program. I dealt with this by putting in a lot of extra time studying into these areas," says Glass.

High school students can look for volunteer opportunities and summer jobs in the wine industry, even if they are under the legal drinking age. Depending on your age, you may not be allowed to handle the wine, but there are many other kinds of related jobs in a vineyard or winery.

If you don't live close enough to wine country to work or volunteer, take a trip to a wine region.

"See what a life in wine can be like by going on tours and asking questions about a day in the life of a grape grower, winemaker, or even winery or vineyard owner. The purpose of this is to see if it's something you'd like to pursue career-wise," says Bushuk.