SCC to host open house for Viticulture and Enology Program

Surry Community College invites prospective students to attend a Viticulture and Enology open house on Friday, May 31, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Shelton-Badgett N.C. Center for Viticulture and Enology on the college’s Dobson campus, 630 South Main Street, Dobson, N.C.

Viticulture is the study of grape growing, and enology is the study of winemaking. Both areas of study are a part of the Viticulture and Enology program at SCC, which offers the option of a two-year degree or four certificate options in Viticulture, Enology, Wine Marketing, and Tasting Room Operations.

The open house will give interested persons a chance to speak with program instructors and learn more about the wine grape industry, as well as offer an opportunity for prospective students to submit college applications and obtain assistance with financial and class registrations for the Fall 2024 semester.

The event is free to attend, but pre-registration is required. Registrants will be entered for a chance to win a $500 scholarship from the Surry Community College Foundation. To pre-register, visit surry.edu/wine.

The schedule for the open house events include a program overview from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., a vineyard tour from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., a tour of the Surry Cellars Winery with a wine tasting from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and an opportunity for college application and financial aid assistance from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Viticulture and Enology curriculum at SCC is designed to prepare individuals for various careers in the grape growing and wine making industry. Classroom instruction, laboratory and field applications of viticulture/enological principles and practices are included in the program of study.

Courses in viticulture include aspects of plant science, vineyard establishment and economics, soils and vine nutrition, canopy management, harvest, and integrated pest management. Viticulture course work includes seasonal experience and training in the five-acre campus vineyard.

High school juniors and seniors can take Viticulture classes incorporating vineyard field work with grape science and earn classes toward completing a Viticulture certificate at Surry Community College as a part of the tuition-free, Career & College Promise dual enrollment program.

Those interested in enology will receive training in the classroom, laboratory and on-campus winery in the tools and techniques of wine making. Course topics include fermentation science, sensory analysis, wine marketing and design.

For more information about the program, contact Jeff Jones at (336) 386-3391 or jonesjr@surry.edu or go to surry.edu/wine.