Viticulture and Enology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Students in this program explore the science and business of grape cultivation and wine production through a rigorous, interdisciplinary curriculum. The focus lies on mastering the technical, environmental, and commercial aspects of viticulture and enology, preparing learners for leadership roles in the global wine industry.
- Global grape and wine systems: Examination of renowned wine regions, grape varieties, and terroir influences across continents.
- Advanced grape production: In-depth study of vineyard establishment, canopy management, pruning techniques, and sustainable cultivation practices.
- Winemaking technology: Hands-on training in fermentation processes, aging methods, blending strategies, and equipment operation.
- Plant biology and physiology: Understanding growth cycles, nutrient uptake, and stress responses in grapevines.
- Chemistry of wine: Analysis of organic compounds, acidity, tannins, and sensory chemistry that define wine quality and stability.
- Food science and safety protocols: Application of hygiene standards, spoilage prevention, and regulatory compliance in winery operations.
- Soil science and vineyard ecology: Assessment of soil composition, drainage, and nutrient dynamics critical to vine health and grape quality.
- Pest and disease management: Integrated approaches to monitoring, controlling, and preventing vineyard threats using both chemical and biological methods.
- Wine business and marketing: Strategic planning, branding, distribution channels, consumer behavior, and financial management in the wine sector.
Viticulture and Enology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Viticulture and Enology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Viticulture and Enology degrees, including Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers, Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary and Food Scientists and Technologists. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 129,310 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers 11-9013 | $87,980 | $51,700 - $156,530 | 5,910 | $42.30 |
| Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1041 | $86,350 | $49,080 - $160,870 | 8,700 | N/A |
| Food Scientists and Technologists 19-1012 | $85,310 | $49,580 - $141,860 | 14,370 | $41.02 |
| Soil and Plant Scientists 19-1013 | $71,410 | $45,320 - $131,440 | 16,600 | $34.33 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers 45-1011 | $59,330 | $39,610 - $90,840 | 29,530 | $28.53 |
| Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders 51-9012 | $49,500 | $35,810 - $75,860 | 54,200 | $23.80 |
Viticulture and Enology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $50,755 in Rhode Island to $83,887 in District of Columbia—a 65% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, Maryland, and California. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 129,310 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Viticulture and Enology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 26 institutions offering Viticulture and Enology programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Viticulture and Enology is found at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), San Luis Obispo (65 graduates), Yavapai College (26 graduates), Napa Valley College (NVC) (22 graduates), California State University, Fresno (19 graduates), and Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC) (16 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 268 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) |
Bachelor's
|
65 | San Luis Obispo, California | Public | calpoly.edu |
| Yavapai College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
26 | Prescott, Arizona | Public | yc.edu |
| Napa Valley College (NVC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
22 | Napa, California | Public | napavalley.edu |
| California State University |
Bachelor's
|
19 | Fresno, California | Public | fresnostate.edu |
| Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
16 | Santa Rosa, California | Public | santarosa.edu |
| Walla Walla Community College (WWCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
13 | Walla Walla, Washington | Public | wwcc.edu |
| Surry Community College (SCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
11 | Dobson, North Carolina | Public | surry.edu |
| Finger Lakes Community College (FLCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
9 | Canandaigua, New York | Public | flcc.edu |
| Chemeketa Community College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
9 | Salem, Oregon | Public | chemeketa.edu |
| Yakima Valley College (YVC) |
Associate's
Residency
Other Award
|
9 | Yakima, Washington | Public | yvcc.edu |
| Allan Hancock College |
Associate's
|
8 | Santa Maria, California | Public | hancockcollege.edu |
| Lake Michigan College (LMC) |
Associate's
|
7 | Benton Harbor, Michigan | Public | lakemichigancollege.edu |
| Cornell University |
Bachelor's
|
7 | Ithaca, New York | Private | cornell.edu |
| Linfield University |
Bachelor's
|
7 | McMinnville, Oregon | Private | linfield.edu |
| Texas A & M University |
Other Award
|
7 | College Station, Texas | Public | tamu.edu |
| Washington State University (WSU) |
Bachelor's
|
7 | Pullman, Washington | Public | wsu.edu |
| Colorado Mesa University (CMU) |
Associate's
Residency
Other Award
|
6 | Grand Junction, Colorado | Public | coloradomesa.edu |
| Missouri State University (MSU‑WP) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
5 | West Plains, Missouri | Public | wp.missouristate.edu |
| Kent State University |
Associate's
Other Award
|
4 | Ashtabula, Ohio | Public | kent.edu |
| Cuesta College |
Other Award
|
3 | San Luis Obispo, California | Public | cuesta.edu |
| Highland Community College (HCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
2 | Highland, Kansas | Public | highlandcc.edu |
| Wenatchee Valley College (WVC) |
Residency
|
2 | Wenatchee, Washington | Public | wvc.edu |
| Cabrillo College |
Other Award
|
1 | Aptos, California | Public | cabrillo.edu |
| College of the Canyons |
Other Award
|
1 | Santa Clarita, California | Public | canyons.edu |
| MiraCosta College |
Other Award
|
1 | Oceanside, California | Public | miracosta.edu |
| Las Positas College (LPC) |
Other Award
|
1 | Livermore, California | Public | laspositascollege.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Viticulture and Enology programs
How much can I earn with a Viticulture and Enology degree?
Salaries for Viticulture and Enology graduates vary by role and location. Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers earn a median of $87,980 annually, while Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary earn around $86,350. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $83,887 compared to $50,755 in Rhode Island. Approximately 129,310 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Viticulture and Enology programs?
Currently 26 accredited institutions offer Viticulture and Enology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), San Luis Obispo (65 graduates), Yavapai College (26 graduates), and Napa Valley College (NVC) (22 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
What career paths are available with a Viticulture and Enology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers, Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, and Food Scientists and Technologists. Related occupations employ approximately 129,310 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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