This course provides a general overview of viticulture and its practical application in the vineyard. The organization of the course focuses on three interacting elements that impact grape quality: the site, the grapevine, and the grower. Topics include: site selection, grapevine biology, canopy management, integrated pest management, identifying nutrient deficiencies in the vineyard and basic grape growing economics.
The course is delivered online using Brock University’s Learning Management System, BrightSpace. The course is asynchronous, meaning participants can work through the material on their own time. There will be weekly live sessions in the evening for students to engage with each other and the instructor through questions and discussion.
Program Information
What you’ll learn studying Foundations in Viticulture:
- Understand the factors used in site selection for grape growing
- Understand the impacts of different grapevine varieties, rootstocks, and clones on grapevine growth and final grape quality
- Be able to list the stages of grapevine growth and fruit maturation
- Relate site, climate, and canopy management to grape quality
- Recognize basic grapevine problems including nutrient deficiencies and pest activity
- Understand the basic economics of grape growing, including seasonal input activities
Foundations in Viticulture for:
- Winery and vineyard owners seeking a formal educational background in viticulture
- Winemakers and production staff seeking a formal educational background in viticulture
- Seasonal or full-time vineyard employees
- Industry participants in non-production roles (retail, marketing, sales, finance, etc.) who want or need a basic understanding of viticulture
- Upgrading for graduate participants or OVEC participants with no viticulture background
- General public interested in learning more about grape growing
Module 1: Introduction to Grapes
Module 2: Site Selection
Module 3: The Grapevine
Module 4: Vineyard Infrastructure
Module 5: Growing Decisions
Module 6: Troubleshooting
Module 7: Putting it all together
All necessary materials are included in course fees.
Prerequisites
- N/A.
Technology Requirements
- Laptop: Windows 10 or higher or equivalent operating system with recommended 8 GB of RAM and at least 16 GB of free hard disk space and Wi-Fi capabilities.
- Laptop with integrated webcam and microphone recommended
- Access to reliable high-speed broadband internet access (Cable, DSL, LTE) with a minimum bandwidth of 15 Mbps is recommended.
Each participant will complete a pass/fail case study including a vineyard improvement plan and a one-year vineyard management plan. Participants are encouraged to use any real-life situations as the basis of their case study.
Intake Details
ASY- Online asynchronous delivery of this course, learners can expect 3 hours per week of instructional video with live online weekly meetings with the instructor. See program registration page for more details
In partnership with
| Course Detail | Course Info |
|---|---|
| Course Code | COOL 9N504 |
| Date of Next Start | Feb 24, 2025 |
| Price | $595 |
| OSAP Eligible | No |
| Delivery Mode(s) | ASY - Asynchronous Online |
| Duration | 7 Weeks |
| Frequency | Weekly |
| Intake Details | Next and more intake info |
| Scheduled Class Time(s) | Not applicable |