Introduction to the taxonomic classification of grape species and the structure and function of grapevines. Botanical and viticultural terminology used to describe the anatomy of a grapevine will be introduced. The major physiological processes of grapevines will be introduced: photosynthesis, respiration, transpiration, and translocation. Other physiological processes will be introduced including acclimation and de-acclimation, cold hardiness, water relations, and hormones. The influence of environmental factors on physiological processes will be examined.

The major considerations for assessment of a potential vineyard site will be addressed including macroclimate, mesoclimate, soil characteristics, topography, irrigation water availability and quality, disease and pest pressure, size of property, location, and economics. The fundamentals of vineyard development - design and construction - will be introduced. Vineyard design factors addressed include matching varieties and rootstocks to the site, trellis system, vine and row spacing, row orientation and length, block layout, and irrigation system design. Practices involved with construction of a vineyard are introduced including trellis construction, planting vines, and vine training.

Introduction to the concepts and practices of mineral nutrient management of grapevines. The nutrient requirements of grapevines will be reviewed and soil nutrient content and availability will be addressed. Methods for monitoring vine nutrition will be introduced including soil testing and tissue analysis. Fertilizers and fertilization practices will be introduced. Introduction to the water requirements of grapevines and management of water availability. Irrigation practices will be reviewed including irrigation scheduling using soil moisture monitoring and evapotranspiration, and the use of deficit irrigation strategies.

Review of the characteristics of a desirable grapevine canopy and effects of excessive or deficient canopy on vine health and fruit quality and yield. The concept of a balanced grapevine will be introduced and the consequences of imbalance addressed. Assessment of canopy vigor will be discussed and methods of canopy management reviewed including shoot thinning, shoot positioning, leaf pulling, and hedging. Methods for estimating crop load will be reviewed and thinning techniques for adjusting yield will be discussed.

Introduction to the management of diseases and insects with emphasis on common problems in Texas. The major grape diseases in Texas will be reviewed including pathogen lifecycles, damage caused, vine symptoms, associated risk factors, and control options. Disease management practices will be introduced including sanitation, cultural practices, and pesticide use. Introduction to the management of insects, mites, and other arthropod pests of grapes. The concept of integrated pest management (IPM) will be introduced and IPM methods and tools will be reviewed. The major grape pests in Texas will be reviewed including lifecycles, damage caused, vine symptoms, associated risk factors, and control options. Weed control principles and practices will be introduced.

A hands-on experiential learning class that provides instructor-led activities in standard vineyard practices. A series of four one-day sessions comprise the Vineyard Practices course; sessions are held during key times of the season to encompass all major activities in the vineyard. Session learning activites include: pruning, trellis maintenance and repair, plant material assessment and handling, vine planting, canopy management, vine nutrition, irrigation scheduling, disease and pest management, crop estimation, thinning, fruit maturity analysis, and harvest practices and logistics. Class activities are conducted in the TTU Teaching Vineyard at the Hill Country University Center in Fredericksburg, Texas. Students must attend all of the seasonal sessions.

Applicants should view the Viticulture Certificate Prerequisite Presentation. Other academic viticulture coursework or attendance at viticulture conferences may be considered to fulfill the prerequisite at the discretion of the Program Director. Applicants should list all such coursework on the application.

The Distance Learning Self-Assessment is a short online questionnaire to help students determine their suitability for distance learning.

The online portion of the program will be delivered via the Blackboard course management system. Since most of the lectures are narrated and delivered via streaming audio, a high-speed Internet connection is highly recommended. A reliable e-mail address and word processing software will also be needed. Applicants accepted into the program will be provided with web access to coursework following completion of registration.

Grape Grower's Handbook, Author: Ted Goldammer, ISBN-13: 978-0-9675212-7-5, Publisher: Apex Publishers

Participants must apply for admission into the program and meet certain prerequisites, including approval from the instructor. Enrollment is limited to 40 cohort members.

The cost of this two-year program is $3,400, which consists of one registration fee and five course fees paid as students progress in the program.