Unlike many commercialized items, wine varies from one bottle to the next. Influenced by several factors including the human component, this iconic staple carries with it an immense cultural significance around Italy. In fall 2016, the one-year wine studies and enology career program will feature a new wine harvest component to allow students to explore regional cultural practices through a hands-on approach. The course entitled “Table and Wine Grapes of Italy: an Educational Wine Tour I” will be offered as a weeklong harvest opportunity that will allow students to participate in all the steps of the winemaking process.

The harvest process will cover vineyard selection all the way to bottling. Students will familiarize themselves with winemaking equipment such as fermentation tools and wine cellar operations. FUA Wine faculty member Massimo Coppetti remarks, “Students will be able to transform a cluster into a bottle of wine.” He also explains that although the coursework can be taxing, “it will lead to great satisfaction.” Understanding the cultural value of manual labor and dedication “is always higher than the commercial value,” according to Prof. Massimo Bocus. This humanistic aspect and rich Italian culture around wine lends itself to experiencing what many Italians, including Coppetti, value: “Lifestyle, culture, celebration, and memories.”

If you’re looking to pursue a career in the wine industry or simply feel intrigued by the product, consider enrolling in the 1-year program. Although the Table and Wine Grapes of Italy  course focuses on the technical aspect of winemaking, it can apply to a variety of fields in the wine industry including journalism, marketing, wine blogging, and other careers in hospitality.

About the Career Program in Wine Studies and Enology:
This one-year program is offered over one academic year (fall and spring seasons). It is divided into two distinct levels featuring five courses each that cover the areas of knowledge necessary to undertake a career in the wine industry from wine appreciation to methods of production. Students have the opportunity to interact with Italy’s top wine producers and products through the professionalizing aspects of the career program. The harvest component of the Table and Wine Grapes of Italy course is a part of the first level in the fall season.

For further information, consult the  Career Programs brochure and write to for enrollment details.