Which is the best place to study enology or viticulture in the US?

Answer 1

Enology: UC Davis
Viticulture: Fresno State

The easy Wine Spectator answer that everyone knows is to simply say UC Davis. However, Fresno State is more hands-on in the vineyard while UC Davis is less so. Some would even say UC Davis is more oriented toward research, and thus the book side of things.

They say wine is made in the vineyard, so I leave it to you decide which focus is more important.

However, I would add this caveat too: pretty much all agriculture education in the United States is oriented toward chemical agriculture, not biological agriculture. As more and more enophiles seem to agree grapes that are organically (or even biodynamically) grown DO produce better tasting wines, any existing wine education program right now is at best a compromise and you should really supplement any conventional material you learn.

Btw: the Culinary Institute of America does NOT offer an enology or viticulture program. They may offer a class or two for sommeliers but that is nowhere near being an enology program. Look at their website if you don't believe me.

Furthermore, winemaking programs in the eastern US are geared toward what will grow in the east, namely hybrids and native American grapes. Where vinifera is mentioned, it is always in the context of excessive fungicides and the like, because the climate in the east is not suitable for vinifera. Vinifera makes some in-roads in the east as a tourism novelty but not quality or value wines. If you're interested in items other than vinifera (which isn't a bad thing -- regional character as a goal should apply EVERYWHERE), you may wish to pursue things in the east, even the 2 year program at Surry Community College in Dobson, NC. Other schools may offer some viticulture coursework at the Masters level, possibly even the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and Virginia Polytechnic. If you are interested in vinifera, stick with UC Davis or Fresno State. And remember, many winemakers at the east coast wineries do in fact have west coast credentials. Perhaps that's saying something.

Answer 2

I am interested in Viticulture & Enology. Can someone give me any details regarding this subject? What are the future opportunities ?

Answer 3

West Coast: UC Davis
East Coast: Culinary Institute of America and Cornell University

Answer 4

U.C. Davis I think (California)