Viticulture

Certificate

Interested in the wine industry or winemaking? Our Viticulture certificate introduces you to the field quickly. Online courses offer flexibility for meeting program requirements on your own schedule. Study from anywhere and complete a residency near you.

Career Outlook: Finger Lakes Wine and Tourism

Wine tourism is a major economic driver in upstate New York. The Finger Lakes is home to over 140 wineries, creating job opportunities from vineyard operations and winemaking to sales and management. With many community partners in the region, FLCC is well-positioned to train the next generation of wine growers and producers.

Certificate Program Overview

Our Viticulture certificate program provides a practical education in vineyard management and winemaking. You'll use commercial vineyard and winemaking technology while creating wine from start to finish. After completing this 29-credit program, you'll be ready to work in the wine industry or enhance your skills as a winemaking hobbyist.

Network with Wine Industry Experts

Throughout the program, you’ll connect with industry experts from regional wineries. Learn about planting, trimming, picking, fermenting, and other winemaking tasks from experts in the field. Hear firsthand accounts of what it's like to work in the wine industry from experienced business leaders.

Hands-on Learning at Vineyards and Wineries

Enhance your winemaking skills with an in-person residency or internship near you. Collaborate with a vineyard or winery to practice what you've learned in class. You'll develop the skills required to run a commercial vineyard and winery. This includes growing grapes and producing wine with guidance from industry professionals.

Some of our Finger Lakes wine industry partners include:

Online Program Option

Pursuing your passion for winemaking has never been easier or more accessible. You can complete coursework for this program entirely online. Study on your time and from a location that fits your schedule.

If you're studying online, you'll partner with a vineyard and winery near you to apply course concepts in a real-world setting. Explore FLCC online learning.

FLCC Winemaking Facilities

Most in-person classes take place at the Viticulture and Wine Center in Geneva, NY.

This facility has a teaching winery, vineyard, enology lab, aging rooms, crush pad, and classroom.

Learn more about this hands-on learning center with a virtual tour.

Tour the Viticulture and Wine Center

Certificate Program Outcomes

Career Pathways

Our Viticulture certificate program prepares you for wine industry job opportunities, such as:

Seamless Transfer Opportunities

Continue your education by transferring into our A.A.S. Viticulture and Wine Technology program. With an associate degree, you'll be well positioned to advance quickly in your career or enter a four-year program where you can further specialize your winemaking expertise.

Low-Cost Tuition and Scholarship Opportunities

Earn a quality education at an affordable rate. With our low cost-per-credit and general scholarship opportunities, you can maximize your potential with minimal debt. 80% of students are awarded scholarships or financial aid that help with the cost of college.

Faculty

Our Viticulture and Wine Technology faculty are dedicated to both their craft and teaching. Some of our instructors operate their own vineyards and wineries, while others conduct wine research. With decades of combined experience, our faculty and staff are eager to share their passion for the industry and help you succeed. Faculty networks with local wineries and international wine regions — such as Argentina, Australia, and France — help you build connections in the wine industry, leading to exciting internships and job opportunities.