Liquid Assets: New viticulture grads turn dreams into reality
Texas Tech said Wednesday (Mar. 3) that its first graduates of the Texas Viticulture Certification Program have received their professional certificates.
"This first group was very diverse, both geographically and in terms of experience," said Kirk Williams, program instructor with Texas Tech's University College, who teaches all of the online courses. "We had people from Houston to Tyler, and even one from California who's going to be growing wine grapes in Texas. Many had been in the commercial vineyard business for years and others were just starting out."
The certification program was designed for people with a serious interest in commercial grape production or professional work in the viticulture industry, said Ed Hellman, the program's director. Students must successfully complete six program courses "" five online and one practical ""within a two-year period to receive professional certification.
Operating a commercial vineyard is a time-consuming and capital-intensive venture, so the people going through the program must be committed to that goal, he said. Participants are required to complete a "Prospective Winegrower Workshop" through AgriLife Extension or other academic viticulture coursework as a prerequisite.
Don Strickler of Dallas, who earned his certification, holds a Ph.D. in counseling. He purchased a four-acre vineyard in Round Mountain during his participation in the program. "I had no experience before the course, but found out about the viticulture program while looking into online educational opportunities," he said.
Another graduate, Christopher Lloyd of Tyler, purchased an existing vineyard in 2004 and established a nursery for developing grapevine stock, but wanted to advance his knowledge. "My passion is the vine, and I'm planning on staying on the nursery side of the business," Lloyd said. "I got into the program because I wanted to know more about how to grow the best possible grapes. It taught me more about cutting, propagation, grafting and working with rootstock."
Program participants are required to complete a distance learning self-assessment to help determine their compatibility with online instruction. "Having most of the courses online makes it more convenient for people in different areas of the state, especially more remote areas, as well as for people from other states to participate in the program," said Dalana Williamson, the program's unit coordinator, also with Tech's University College.
The Texas Viticulture Certification Program is the result of collaboration between Tech's Department of Plant and Soil Science, the continuing and professional education unit of Tech's University College, and AgriLife Extension. Seed money for program start-up was provided through a grant from the Texas Department of Agriculture.
Written by Cory Chandler
CONTACT: Ed Hellman, professor of viticulture with joint appointment with Texas AgriLife Extension, Department of Plant and Soil Science, Texas Tech University at (806) 746-6101 or ed.hellman@ttu.edu
0303NM10 / Photo Credit: Norman Martin / TTU-CASNR
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