Degree and Certificates

Launch your career in the wine industry with Yavapai College’s Viticulture & Enology Program—where science meets hands-on experience from vine to bottle.

For more than 25 years, industry demand for our graduates has remained strong. Alumni step directly into careers as winemakers, vineyard managers, cellar professionals, and industry consultants—while many launch successful vineyards and wineries of their own. At the Southwest Wine Center, students craft award-winning wines and lead the work in sustainable, low-impact farming and winemaking practices. From the first vines to the first vintage, you’ll be an essential part of every step.

The Viticulture and Enology Associate of Applied Science degree program prepares students for a variety of careers in vineyards (vineyard workers, crew leaders, managers, viticulturists) to wineries (winemakers, cellar workers, lab technicians). All viticulture and enology courses, as well as supporting general education courses, are included in the degree. Note: Students must be 21 years of age or older to enroll in Enology courses in this degree program.

The Enology certificate is designed to prepare individuals for careers in the wine industry with an emphasis on wine production, sales, and liquor industry compliance. Classroom instruction, laboratory and winery applications of enological principles and practices are covered. Note: Students must be 21 years of age or older to enroll in Enology courses in this certificate program.

The Viticulture Fundamentals Certificate is designed to prepare individuals for careers in the grape growing industry. This program is a comprehensive education in viticulture including online instruction plus weekend laboratory field applications of viticultural principles.

The Viticulture Advanced Certificate is designed to prepare individuals for various careers in the grape growing industry. Classroom instruction, laboratory and in-depth field applications of viticultural principles and practices are included in the program of study. Learning outcomes are applied in a 12-acre on-campus teaching vineyard.