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  3. Enology and Viticulture Option

Enology and Viticulture Option

FROM VINE TO WINE - YOUR JOURNEY STARTS HERE

Step into the world where science meets artistry. Our Enology and Viticulture program gives you the expertise to guide grapes from vine to bottle, mastering the chemistry, biology, and craftsmanship that define exceptional wines. Graduate with the confidence, creativity, and technical skills to thrive in vineyards, wineries, and beyond.

Enology & Viticulture Courses That Open Doors

Hands-on labs, industry-relevant topics, and real-world skills to launch your career.

Enology (the science of winemaking) and viticulture (the science of grape growing) are the twin disciplines behind every great bottle of wine. In the Enology and Viticulture option, you’ll gain a strong scientific foundation in wine production while also exploring how vineyard practices—from soil management to grapevine physiology—shape the flavor, aroma, and quality of wine. Coursework blends microbiology, chemistry, horticulture, botany, and crop and soil science, giving you a full understanding of the journey from grape to glass.

Graduates of this program leave with the knowledge, technical skills, and critical thinking ability to craft exceptional wines or excel in careers that require expertise in grape production and winemaking. Along the way, you’ll dive into topics such as vineyard management, wine production principles, analysis, and sensory evaluation, as well as an introduction to the broader world of wines, beers, and spirits.

Foundation Science

ST 352 INTRODUCTION TO STATISTICAL METHODS

Sensory Science

FST 420 SENSORY EVALUATION OF FOOD

Fermentation and Enology Courses

FST 466 CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY OF WINE

FST 469 & FST 470 PRODUCTION AND ANALYSIS OF WINE &  LABORATORY

FST 479/MB 479 FERMENTATION MICROBIOLOGY

Plant and Soil Science Courses

BOT 331 PLANT PHYSIOLOGY

HORT 301 GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF HORTICULTURAL CROPS

HORT 453 GRAPEVINE GROWTH AND PHYSIOLOGY

HORT 454 PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES OF VINEYARD PRODUCTION

SOIL 205 & SOIL 206 SOIL SCIENCE & LABORATORY

Electives

Select 9 credits from the following courses:

AG 407 SEMINAR 1

BI 223Z *PRINCIPLES OF BIOLOGY: ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION

BOT 451 PLANT PATHOLOGY

ENT 311 INTRODUCTION TO INSECT PEST MANAGEMENT

FST 101 FOOD SCIENCE ORIENTATION

FST 251 INTRODUCTION TO WINES, BEERS, AND SPIRITS

FST 260 *FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN WESTERN CULTURE

FST 273 *WINE IN THE WESTERN WORLD

FST 401 RESEARCH 1

FST 410 INTERNSHIP 1,2

FST 420 SENSORY EVALUATION OF FOOD

FST 425 FOOD SYSTEMS CHEMISTRY

FST 430 FOOD PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

FST 480 TOPICS IN FERMENTATION (up to 2 credits allowed)

HORT 251 TEMPERATE TREE FRUIT, BERRIES, GRAPES, AND NUTS

HORT 316 PLANT NUTRITION

MB 440 FOOD MICROBIOLOGY

MB 441 FOOD MICROBIOLOGY LABORATORY

NUTR 216 +*FOOD AND CULTURE

TOX 429 TOXIC SUBSTANCES IN FOOD

* Baccalaureate Core course. Applies to general education requirements for undergraduate students in a catalog year up to 2024-2025

+ Core Education course. Applies to general education requirements for undergraduate students in catalog year 2025-2026 and beyond

^ Writing Intensive Curriculum (WIC) course

1  Competitive selection and/or departmental approval required

2  Students may not earn internship credit in all states. Consult with internship coordinator for list of eligible states

Students may complete more than one option. Courses must be selected so that at least 12 credits in each option are counted uniquely toward requirements of that option.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, students will meet the following learning outcomes:

  • Identify and explain essential foundational principles in Food Science: Food Chemistry and Analysis, Food Safety and Microbiology, Food Processing and Engineering, Sensory Science.
  • Integrate and apply scientific principles to describe complex food systems and solve problems in Food Science.
  • Effectively express themselves orally, graphically, and in writing.
  • Engage in activities that enhance their professional development.

FST Major Requirement of 2.00 GPA (Enology and Viticulture Option)

The following courses are included in calculation of the FST major GPA for students in the Enology and Viticulture option:

THE JOBS AND CAREERS THAT COME WITH AN ENOLOGY AND VITICULTURE EDUCATION

Discover the Science and Art Behind Every Great Bottle — and Build a Career in the World of Wine
Enology and Viticulture blend plant science, chemistry, and hands-on craftsmanship to guide grapes from vineyard to bottle. In this program, you’ll explore how soil, climate, and cultivation shape grape quality, and how winemaking techniques—from fermentation to aging—unlock the flavors and aromas that define exceptional wines.

Whether you’re inspired by crafting your own vintages, managing sustainable vineyards, or advancing innovation in the wine industry, this degree equips you with the scientific knowledge, technical skills, and real-world experience to thrive in one of the world’s most dynamic and celebrated fields.

Explore the many career paths you can pursue with an Enology and Viticulture degree below:

Winemaking & Production

Winemaker / Head Winemaker

  • Oversees the entire winemaking process, from grape selection to bottling, making key decisions that shape the wine’s style and quality.

Assistant Winemaker

  • Supports the winemaker in day-to-day operations, from fermentation monitoring to blending and quality checks.

Cellar Master 

  • Manages cellar staff and ensures wines are stored, aged, and handled properly during production.

Cellar Technician

  • Performs hands-on tasks like racking, filtering, and bottling, ensuring the wine is crafted to exact standards.

Production Manager

  • Coordinates schedules, resources, and processes to keep wine production running smoothly.

Vineyard & Growing Operations

Vineyard Manager 

  • Oversees all vineyard activities, including planting, pruning, harvesting, and managing seasonal crews.

Viticulturist / Vineyard Consultant 

  • Advises on grape variety selection, soil management, irrigation, and pest control to optimize grape quality.

Vineyard Technician 

  • Works directly in the vineyard to maintain vines, monitor plant health, and support harvest operations.

Irrigation Specialist 

  • Designs and maintains irrigation systems to ensure optimal water use for vine health and sustainability.

Pest & Disease Management Specialist 

  • Monitors and manages vineyard pests and diseases to protect grape yields and quality.
Research, Education, & Regulatory

Wine Chemist / Laboratory Technician 

  • Analyzes wine and juice samples for quality, stability, and compliance with industry standards.

Sensory Scientist 

  • Studies the aroma, flavor, and texture of wines to understand consumer preferences and guide winemaking decisions.

Research Enologist / Viticulturist 

  • Conducts scientific research to improve grape growing and winemaking techniques.

Fermentation Scientist 

  • Specializes in the science of fermentation, studying yeast, bacteria, and other microorganisms that influence wine.

Quality Assurance / Quality Control Manager 

  • Ensures wines meet safety, regulatory, and quality standards before they reach the market.
Sales, Marketing, & Hospitality

Winery Tasting Room Manager 

  • Creates a welcoming tasting experience, trains staff, and builds customer loyalty.

Wine Sales Representative / Distributor Liaison 

  • Works with restaurants, retailers, and distributors to sell and promote wines.

Wine Educator / Sommelier 

  • Teaches wine appreciation, pairing, and service, often working in restaurants, resorts, or wine schools.

Brand Manager for a Winery or Wine Label 

  • Develops marketing strategies, manages product launches, and builds a winery’s reputation.

Wine Tourism Coordinator 

  • Plans tours, events, and experiences that draw visitors to wineries and vineyards.
Sustainability & Industry Support

Vineyard Sustainability Specialist 

  • Implements eco-friendly practices to protect natural resources and improve vineyard health.

Agricultural Extension Specialist (Viticulture Focus) 

  • Provides farmers and wineries with research-based guidance on grape growing.

Wine Industry Consultant 

  • Advises wineries on production, marketing, or operational improvements.

Wine Supply Chain & Logistics Manager 

  • Oversees the movement of grapes, wine, and materials from vineyard to bottle to market.

Equipment or Technology Sales for Viticulture/Enology 

  • Sells specialized vineyard or winery equipment and trains teams to use it effectively.

Contact us!

For more information about the FSST Undergraduate program, please contact:

Sue Queisser
Lead Academic Advisor
100 Wiegand Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331
P: 541-737-2590

Frequently Asked Advising Questions

To schedule a tour with the department, please contact: 

Hailey Light
Student Recruitment, Outreach, & Marketing Coordinator
100 Wiegand Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331
P: 541-737-6483