Viticulture, Enology & Tasting Room Management
PVCC offers a series of courses in Viticulture (grape growing), Enology (wine making) and Tasting Room Management. Taught by Virginia wine industry professionals, courses combine in-class instruction with hands-on learning in local vineyards and wineries. Students range from current owners and operators looking to sharpen their skills, to novices looking to get involved in Virginia's growing wine industry. A student can begin taking courses any time throughout the year. Courses can be completed in any order.
Upcoming Courses
| Class Title | Date | Days | Times | Instructor | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Enology | Jun. 27 | Sa | 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. | Gerber | Interested in winemaking? This course provides an overview of the winemaking process for both red and white wines. Specific problems facing the Virginia winemaker is discussed including, reduction, oxidation and the problems associated with unripe grapes. |
| Introduction to Viticulture | Jul. 18 | Sa | 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. | Gerber | Establishing a vineyard requires sound management decisions from the initial planning stage through the harvesting of grapes. This class provides you with practical information on the elements needed to start a working vineyard - everything from grape selection to harvesting! |
| Fermentation & Racking | Fall 2026 | Sa | 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. | Greely | From juice the wine is made. Matthieu Finot, winemaker and consultant, will teach the intricate processes of wine fermentation and racking from the point at which the juice enters the tanks. Topics include primary fermentation, malolactic fermentation, yeasts, carbonic maceration, temperature control, fining, steel tanks, oak barrels and more. |
| Harvesting & Basic Analysis of the Must | Fall 2026 | Sa | TBD | Durantie | Harvesting is the peak season in the wine industry. Participants in this hands-on class will be involved in the process of harvesting grapes from the vineyard to the winery and includes assessing grape ripeness in the vineyard and the lab. This class also provides a broad range of insight on how to conduct harvests and process fruit in a practical and effective way. |
| Wine Tasting & Analysis | Fall 2026 | Sa | 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. | Gerber | Do you know "farming the grapes" affects their taste and aroma? Can you recognize your personal capabilities in wine tasting? Become a competent wine taster by learning the essentials of professional tasting. |
*Part of the Viticulture course series
^Part of the Enology course series
#Part of the Tasting Room Management course series
Day Abbreviations
M=Monday, T=Tuesday, W=Wednesday, Th=Thursday, F=Friday, S=Saturday, Su=Sunday
Course Locations/ Abbreviations
- Cunningham = Cunningham Creek Winery, 3304 Ruritan Creek Road, Palmyra, VA 22963
- Decipher = Decipher Brewing, 1740 Broadway Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902
- DuCard = Ducard Vineyards, 40 Gibson Hollow Lane, Etlan, VA 22719
- Eastwood = Eastwood Farm & Winery, 2531 Scottsville Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22902
- King Family = King Family Vineyards, 6550 Roseland Farm, Crozet, VA 22932
- Main = PVCC Main Campus, 501 College Drive, Charlottesville, VA 22902
- Valley Road = Valley Road Vineyards, 9264 Critzer Shop Rd, Afton, VA 22920
Class dates, location and tuition subject to change.