Introducing the New Online Wine Science and Viticulture Certificate Program! Chris Lehoux, January 31, 2025 A new online program, the Viticulture and Wine Science Certificate Program, has been launched by Texas A&M AgriLife, designed to equip both professionals and enthusiasts with expertise in grapevine cultivation and winemaking. This certificate, supported by Texas A&M AgriLife Research and the Department of Horticultural Sciences, aims to foster careers in Texas’s expanding wine industry. It offers applicants two tracks: viticulture or wine science, with an optional dual track that allows for comprehensive coverage of both fields. Participants will follow a thorough curriculum blending theory with practical application, addressing topics from grape cultivation to the scientific complexities of winemaking within an 18-month period. According to Amit Dhingra, Ph.D., the program is crafted to advance participants from beginners to knowledgeable practitioners through hands-on workshops and relevant experience, adaptable to individual pacing. The courses will feature top instructors from AgriLife Extension with decades of experience, ensuring participants receive quality education aligned with industry demand. The wine science track will delve into winemaking chemistry and practical lab experience, while the viticulture track will cover key vineyard management techniques. Opportunities for fieldwork will enhance skills and foster networking within Texas’s wine industry—a sector increasingly reliant on scientific knowledge and practical expertise. “This program was created by the industry, for the industry,” Dhingra highlighted, emphasizing its potential to support budding enthusiasts and entrepreneurs in the world of viticulture and winemaking. 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