Viticulture
Associate of Science (AS) Viticulture and Winery Technology · Las Positas College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Overview
The Associate of Science in Viticulture degree prepares students for either entry-level employment or further study in the field of Viticulture, or grape-growing. The Viticulture A.S. includes courses in viticulture and winery technology, science, and general education courses. Students will gain both theoretical knowledge as well as hands-on experience in the college’s onsite Campus Hill Vineyard.
Career Opportunities
California produces 90 percent of the U.S. wine. From established vineyards to new ventures, well-trained wine industry personnel are needed in many positions. Career opportunities related to viticulture include: vineyard manager, vineyard design and development, pest control, irrigation specialist, vineyard crew supervisor, equipment supervisor, quality control, production manager, wine hospitality, grape/juice sales, wine label design and packaging.
Program Learning Outcome(s)
Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Contribute to the wine grape industry and participate in professional organizations at the local, state-wide, national and/or international levels.
- Describe the latest technological advances in vineyard practices and incorporate current technology into their farming plans.
- Identify, plan, and implement sustainable farming practices that will improve fruit quality, provide efficacious pest and disease management, and protect natural resources and the environment.
- Show leadership capabilities by effectively training others to perform hands-on vineyard tasks.
- Use proficient knowledge of the seasonal requirements of a working vineyard.
- Work cooperatively and effectively with winery personnel to determine optimum harvest parameters and coordinate the operations required.
Viticulture (AS): Program Requirements
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core: (24 Units) | ||
| VWT 10 | Introduction to Viticulture | 3 |
| VWT 12 | Landscape and Vineyard Soils, Fertilizers, and Irrigation | 3 |
| VWT 20 | Introduction to Enology | 3 |
| VWT 25 | Sensory Analysis of Wines | 3 |
| VWT 31 | Fall Vineyard Operations | 3 |
| VWT 32 | Spring Vineyard Operations | 3 |
| VWT 33 | Summer Viticulture Operations | 1 |
| VWT 35 | Landscape and Vineyard Pest and Disease Management | 3 |
| WRKX 94 | Occupational Work Experience/Internship | 2 |
| List A: Select One (4 Units) | ||
| CHEM 30A | Introductory and Applied Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHEM 31 | Introduction to College Chemistry | 4 |
| List B: Select One (3-5 Units) | ||
| BIO 1R | Organismal Biology | 5 |
| GEOG 1 | Introduction to Physical Geography | 3 |
| GEOG 12 | Geography of California | 3 |
| GEOG 15 | Introduction to GIS | 3 |
| List C: Select One (3 Units) | ||
| VWT 1 | Wines of the Americas and Beyond | 3 |
| VWT 2 | Wines of Europe | 3 |
| VWT 47 | Wines of California | 3 |
| Total Units for the Major | 34-36 | |
| Additional General Education and Elective Units | ||
| See the Las Positas College General Education (LPC-GE) pattern or the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) pattern for a listing of areas and courses. Double counting courses in GE and the major is permissible. The number of units that may be double counted will depend on the entry point to the degree program, the optional course(s) taken, and the GE pattern selected. Elective units must be degree applicable. Consult with an adviser or a counselor to plan the courses necessary to achieve your academic goal. | 24-26 | |
| Total | 60 | |