July 21, 2005

Piedmont Virginia Community College offers wine program

CHARLOTTESVILLE—More than 200 years ago, Thomas Jefferson dreamed of vineyards at Monticello producing wines to rival those of Europe. Today, his dream is becoming a reality.

In hopes of further boosting Virginia’s wine industry, Piedmont Virginia Community College is now enrolling students for its Viticulture and Enology Program.

The college began to offer the program this year. “There are 21 vineyards and wineries near our college on the Monticello Wine Trail, and there was a need in the business community to develop this program,” said Valerie Palamountain, dean of workforce services for the college.

“We spoke with many of the operators and owners …, and they said they were having problems finding qualified workers. This program will help supply qualified workers.”

PVCC offers training and experiential learning in partnership with regional vineyards and wineries. Students learn the craft through a series of seminars in viticulture (growing grapes) and enology (producing wine) taught by internationally known experts in the field.

“What impressed me is that it is a hands-on class taught by the people in the state who know best,” said Susan Rubin, a member of Virginia Farm Bureau Federation’s governmental relations staff. “I think it is fabulous that they are getting such great experience whether they have a farming background or not. This is a wonderful way to support one of the fastest-growing segments of the agriculture industry in Virginia.”

The seminars are taught year-round to cover the growing, harvesting and processing seasons. There is also a one-day seminar on winemaking.

PVCC is a state-supported, nonresidential two-year college. For more information on the Winemaking in Virginia course and the Viticulture and Enology Program call 434-961-5354, or visit www.pvcc.edu.

Contact Palamountain at 434-961-5333, Rubin at 804-290-1019 or Sherri McKinney, VFBF video producer, at 804-290-1148.