WSU Program

Wines & Vines, Dec, 2000

* Washington State University and the Washington wine industry have announced plans to develop a teaching, research and extension program in viticulture and enology in Washington. Initial funding for the project will come from the state's wine industry and its partners.

The program will be developed in three phases. The first phase begins immediately with WSU working with Walla Walla Community College, Columbia Basin College and Yakima Valley Community College to expand extension programs, short-courses, training and symposia.

Phase two will begin next fall with two faculty members to expand extension programming in viticulture, teach both viticulture and enology and build a detailed proposal for a permanent program. The final phase will begin in 2003, including faculty additions and facility development, with completion expected in 2005. The first Bachelor of Science degrees in Viticulture and Enology from Washington State University could be awarded as early as 2003.

The curriculum will be designed so courses taken at the community college level are transferable to WSU or other accredited universities with viticulture and enology programs.