Viticulture

Career Outlook

Wine tourism is a major economic driver in upstate New York. The Finger Lakes is home to over 140 wineries, creating job opportunities in vineyard operations, winemaking, sales, and management. With many community partners in the region, FLCC is well-positioned to train the next generation of wine growers and producers.

Our Viticulture certificate program prepares you for wine industry job opportunities, such as:

• Cellar Procedures
• Equipment Operation
• Vineyard Management
• Wine Sales
• Winemaking
• Winery Operations

Curious about career pathways in this field? Check out Career Coach to learn more about industry job growth, education requirements, earning potential, and more. 

Smooth Transfer to a Four-Year College

If you're considering a bachelor’s degree after FLCC, our academic advisors will help you connect with four-year schools and explore transfer options. We'll assist you in selecting courses that efficiently meet the requirements for both FLCC and your future college.

• Joint Admissions Agreements: These allow first-year students to gain admission to both FLCC and participating four-year schools at the same time. Gain peace of mind knowing your next step is set while you complete your associate degree with us.
• Transfer Articulation Agreements: These partnerships ensure your credits from FLCC will transfer directly and seamlessly to a partner four-year school. You can enter a bachelor’s program with full junior standing, saving you time and money.

VIEW TRANSFER AGREEMENTS

Where Our Students Transfer

Network with Industry Experts

Throughout the program, you’ll connect with industry experts from regional wineries. Learn about planting, trimming, picking, fermenting, and other winemaking tasks from experts in the field. Hear firsthand accounts of what it's like to work in the wine industry from experienced business leaders.

Hands-on Learning at Vineyards and Wineries

Enhance your winemaking skills with an in-person residency or internship near you. Collaborate with a vineyard or winery to practice what you've learned in class. You'll develop the skills required to run a commercial vineyard and winery. This includes growing grapes and producing wine with guidance from industry professionals.

Some of our Finger Lakes wine industry partners include:

• Anthony Road Wine Company
• Bully Hill Vineyards
• Cornell AgriTech
• Finger Lakes Grape Program
• Hillick and Hobbs Estate
• Lakewood Vineyards

Sample Courses

Visit our academic catalog for a complete listing of program requirements, including prerequisites, general education requirements, electives, and a sample schedule.

View Full Curriculum

Sample core courses you'll take in this program include:

• CHM 121 - General Chemistry I
• HPE 111 - First Aid & Basic Life Support
• VIT 105 - Spring Viticultural Practices
• VIT 110 - Summer Vineyard Technology Practicum
• VIT 115 - Intro to Enology Lab Tech
• VIT 205 - Fall Wine Technology Practicum
• VIT 210 - Enology I