Lake Michigan College offers a comprehensive Wine and Viticulture Technology program designed to meet the demands of the thriving wine industry in Southwest Michigan. This program focuses on teaching students every aspect of the wine industry, from grape growing to winemaking, sales, marketing, and distribution.
Focus of the Wine and Viticulture Technology Program
The Wine and Viticulture Technology program at Lake Michigan College covers both theoretical and practical aspects of the wine industry, including:
- Chemistry
- Plant biology
- Site selection
- Vineyard establishment
- Pest and disease management
- Customer service
Hands-on Experience
Students in the program gain extensive hands-on experience in all aspects of winemaking and vineyard management through the commercial teaching winery, Lake Michigan Vintners. This includes:
- Harvesting grapes
- Managing fermentations
- Performing quality control
- Working in local tasting rooms
Support for the Local and Regional Wine Industry
The Lake Michigan College Wine and Viticulture Technology program supports the local and regional wine industry in several ways:
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Providing Skilled Professionals: Graduates of the program are well-represented in the Michigan wine industry and beyond, filling key roles such as vineyard managers, winemakers, enologists, and entrepreneurs.
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Research and Development: The Welch Center for Wine & Viticulture provides a state-of-the-art facility for research specific to the region’s soil, climate, and elevation, enhancing the quality and competitiveness of local wines.
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Partnerships with Local Wineries: The program partners with local wineries, allowing students to gain practical experience and build connections within the industry.
Key Facilities and Resources
The Lake Michigan College Wine and Viticulture Technology program is supported by several key facilities and resources:
- Welch Center for Wine & Viticulture: A state-of-the-art facility housing the commercial teaching winery, Lake Michigan Vintners, and providing advanced equipment and resources for students.
- Lake Michigan Vintners Tasting Room: Open on Fridays and Saturdays from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM, offering a platform for students to gain customer service and hospitality experience.
Program Details
- Degree Offered: Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Wine and Viticulture Technology.
- Duration: The program can be completed in two years.
- Application: Prospective students can request more information or apply through the Lake Michigan College website.
Local Wine Industry Statistics
The Lake Michigan College Wine and Viticulture Technology program is well-positioned to support the growing wine industry in the region:
- Michigan Wine Production: Increased by 47% over the past five years, with more than 160 wineries producing over 3 million gallons of wine annually.
- Grape Production: Michigan has 13,700 acres of vines, making it the sixth-largest grape-producing state in the nation.
Contact Information
- Lake Michigan Vintners Tasting Room: (269) 927-4731 or email through the website.
- Lake Michigan College: Request more information or apply through the college’s website.
References:
– https://www.lakemichigancollege.edu/about/news-events/2019-08/lmc-uncorks-welch-center-new-home-wine-viticulture-technology-program
– https://lakemichiganvintners.com
– https://www.lakemichigancollege.edu/academics/science-engineering-mathematics/wine-and-viticulture
– https://www.lakemichigancollege.edu/sites/default/files/2018-05/wine-brochure-2018.pdf
– https://www.lakemichigancollege.edu/academics/wine-and-viticulture-technology/wine-and-viticulture-technology-associate-applied-science