This online Winemaking Certificate program provides a thorough understanding of the winemaking process—the grape growing, chemistry, equipment used, actual winemaking process, final wine product, and bottling/packaging will be thoroughly reviewed.
Students will watch the course videos at self-determined times; additionally, students will be able to participate in live instructor interface on predetermined dates. Please note that several of the courses—Sensory Evaluation, Wine Equipment, and Wine Chemistry—require mandatory class meeting attendance for either a weekend or Saturday at a participating winery in Pennsylvania. Students must be at least 21 years old to participate in the Wine Sensory tasting weekend.
Lake Erie Wine Country is the largest grape-growing region east of the Rockies and is home to more than twenty commercial and estate wineries. Our varied soils and climates produce a wonderful variety of grapes resulting in great regional wine specialties. While students will not be making wine in this program, they will benefit from gaining a better understanding of the winemaking process. This program is ideal for those already producing wine as a hobbyist and wanting to take their abilities to the next level, or for individuals working in the wine industry wanting to hone their skills and deepen their knowledge.
Course Offerings and Registration
- Introduction to Wine Production
- Sensory Evaluation
- Harvest Winery Equipment
- Fermentation
- Wine Chemistry
- Fining, Filtration & Bottling
- Winery Regulations
- Winery Sanitation
- Juice and Wine Handling Equipment
Read descriptions and register for the Winemaking Certificate courses.
Format
Courses in the Winemaking Certificate program will be offered in a seven-week format; most courses are 21 hours in length. Several courses will be offered concurrently in the Fall and Spring semesters. Motivated students could complete the program in a year, or courses can be taken a la carte as desired.
Tuition
The cost of each course is $750. Weekend activities will be at the attendee’s expense and the Wine Sensory and the Chemistry sessions will be assessed an additional $50 lab fee.
For students intending to complete the certificate, you will receive a 10% discount on tuition that will be applied on the ninth course; instead of paying $750, you will be charged $75.
Information Sessions
If you would like to know more about the Penn State Wine Certificate program, please watch this recorded broadcast with the instructor or email Carleen Orlando at [email protected].
