Groundbreaking of Napa Valley College’s New Wine Spectator Wine Education Center: A New Milestone in Wine Education Chris Lehoux, May 21, 2024 Funded by a $10 million donation from the Wine Spectator Scholarship Foundation, the center will provide a new home for the school’s Viticulture and Winery Technology program Shovels went into the ground May 17 as Napa Valley College (NVC) celebrated the groundbreaking for the Wine Spectator Wine Education Center. Funded by a $10 million gift, the largest donation ever made by the Wine Spectator Scholarship Foundation, the center will dramatically expand and update the teaching facilities of NVC and its Viticulture and Winery Technology (VWT) program. “The ample educational opportunities offered through the Wine Spectator Wine Education Center will allow students to build extensive wine-related skills through an assortment of educational programs and degrees, all designed to enhance their careers,” said Marvin R. Shanken, editor and publisher of Wine Spectator. “I am thrilled to be able to support this vital need for both Napa Valley College and the wine industry.” Dr. Torence Powell, the college’s president, called the groundbreaking a pivotal moment for the school. “We are here to celebrate this really impactful moment for our Viticulture [and] Winery Technology program for Napa Valley College, for the valley, and for the wine and hospitality industry.” Napa Valley College’s VWT offering is one of the largest wine technology college programs in the United States, serving more than 800 students annually. As a community college program, the focus is on a practical, hands-on approach and job placement. It caters to a diverse array of students, including fresh high school graduates, individuals in the wine industry looking to update their education, retirees, and hobby winemakers. A substantial number of first-generation college students are part of the student body. The campus is located next to the Napa River, just below downtown Napa, featuring a 5-acre vineyard and commercial winery, the first bonded winery in the California community college system. Degrees in viticulture, winemaking, and wine marketing and sales are available. Upon the completion of the Wine Spectator Wine Education Center, the program’s classroom and training space will more than double, providing 10,000 square feet of modern learning space. The center will comprise two flexible sensory classrooms that can accommodate up to 80 students simultaneously and a lab classroom with 28 lab stations. “With the support of Wine Spectator, our students will have the opportunity to learn in a top-notch facility,” said Powell. “Our program’s job placement rate is impressive, with over 80 percent of our students being hired. This means that once students complete their studies, they can immediately land a new job and climb the career ladder to managerial positions within their organizations.” Oscar Navarro, a graduate of the VWT program and currently the assistant manager of the program’s teaching winery, spoke about his own experience with NVC. He thanked the program and the generous donation for facilitating opportunities for students such as himself. He believes that these opportunities are a true blessing that will help many more individuals in the future. On a related note, Congressman Mike Thompson, an alumnus of NVC and representative of the congressional district that includes Napa County, made a speech through a video message. He stated that the groundbreaking of the facility was more than just a physical development—it was an investment in students, employers, and the future of the wine industry. He stressed that the new complex would attract students and secure job candidates from various regions. He expressed his gratitude to the Wine Spectator Scholarship Foundation for their work. The Wine Spectator Scholarship Foundation has the mission of supporting education within the wine and culinary sectors. Until now, it has successfully raised and distributed more than $30 million. This money comes from the kindness of vintners worldwide who donate wine for the Wine Spectator’s Wine Experience event, and from the thousands of wine lovers who attend this event. Mel Mannion, senior advisor to the chairman of the Wine Spectator, spoke about the foundation’s history and mission; established 43 years ago, the foundation seeks to support educational institutions that help students break into the wine industry. The foundation has given support to various educational establishments, such as the University of California, Davis, and Sonoma State University. They have recently made the biggest commitment in their history, showing their affection for and dedication to Napa Valley. As the initial phase of the VWT update is celebrated, focus has already shifted towards the second phase—a Wine and Hospitality Training Center complete with a demonstration kitchen. This space is set to provide comprehensive training covering the many facets of wine marketing, sales, and hospitality. Key areas include the management of winery food programs, wine club memberships, tasting room operations, tourism, and the growing niche of winery chefs. Fundraising efforts are currently ongoing to finance this phase of the project. “The quest for knowledge is essentially a quest for happiness,” expressively states Paul Gospodarczyk, the coordinator of the VWT program and an active professor. “When we learn, we attain economic, intellectual, and emotional freedom.” “That’s our ultimate goal,” adds Navarro. “We aim to extend a warm welcome to every single visitor to Napa Valley.” Stay well informed about crucial wine narratives with the free Breaking News Alerts from Wine Spectator. About the Author: Chris Lehoux Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored! Wine