Experience Every Side of Wine
The wine industry brings together agriculture, science, creativity and business. Through Cal Poly’s interdisciplinary Wine and Viticulture major, you’ll gain hands-on knowledge of grape growing, winemaking and wine business while developing specialized expertise to help shape an evolving global industry.
What You’ll Study
Build a foundation in grape growing, winemaking and wine business while exploring the science, craftsmanship and industry knowledge behind every stage of wine production, from vineyard management to the finished product.
What You’ll Take Away
Graduate with hands-on experience and a broad understanding of the wine industry. Through vineyard management, winery production, sensory evaluation and business practices, you’ll build the skills to pursue careers in viticulture, enology, wine business and related fields.
Three Paths. One Industry.
Great wines bring together the science of grape growing, the craft of winemaking and the strategy of business. Explore three concentrations that connect these disciplines while giving you the opportunity to develop specialized expertise and prepare for your future career.
viticulture
Study the science and management of winegrapes, from vineyard site selection and irrigation to pest management and sustainable growing practices. You’ll build the knowledge and skills to produce high-quality fruit.
enology
Learn how grapes become wine through the science and practice of winemaking. You’ll explore fermentation, chemistry, microbiology and sensory evaluation while building the skills to make informed decisions throughout wine production.
Wine BuSiness
Connect wine knowledge with business strategy through hands-on study in marketing, sales, finance, logistics and events. You’ll explore how wine moves from producers to consumers while building the skills to navigate the global wine industry.
Coursework Highlights
Coursework in the Wine and Viticulture major connects vineyard science, winemaking and business, helping you understand the people, processes and decisions behind the wine industry.
Classes and Labs
Build context for the industry through the history, culture and global systems that shape how wine is grown, made, sold and enjoyed.
Learn the science behind winemaking, including the chemical and biological processes that guide wine quality from crush to bottle.
Study grapevine growth, vineyard practices and the environmental factors that affect fruit quality and wine production.
Learn how wine brands connect with consumers through positioning, communication, and marketing strategies tailored to the industry.
Develop a structured approach to tasting and evaluating wine. Use sensory analysis to recognize qualities, differences, and potential issues in wine.
Apply what you learn through professional experience in the wine industry by building confidence, workplace skills and connections when working alongside industry professionals.
Use chemical analysis to evaluate wine composition and quality. Learn how winemakers use data to make informed production decisions throughout the winemaking process.
Study the laws and regulations that guide wine production, labeling and sales. Build practical knowledge for navigating the business side of a highly regulated industry.
Experience Wine and Viticulture
Learn in the heart of California’s Central Coast wine region. Through vineyards, winery facilities, internships and industry connections, you’ll turn classroom knowledge into an experience that prepares you for the next step.
Find Your People
Meet students who share your interest in wine, food and the industry.
Through the Vines to Wines club, you can build community and connect with wine-focused experiences beyond the classroom.
Industry Experience and Connections
Learn alongside professionals in one of the nation’s leading wine regions. Internships and industry-connected experiences help you build relationships and see where your interests can take you.
Living Laboratories
Put learning into practice at Cal Poly’s 14-acre Trestle Vineyard and the JUSTIN and J. LOHR Center for Wine and Viticulture, including a commercial teaching winery and pilot winery.
Get a Taste of Wine and Viticulture
Discover a major that connects grape growing, winemaking and wine business