Viticulture and Enology – Undergraduate Degree

Texas Tech offers a Bachelor of Science in Plant and Soil Science with a concentration in Viticulture and Enology. The Viticulture and Enology curriculum provides a comprehensive education in the principles and practices of commercial grape and wine production. Seven courses comprise the required viticulture and enology core, and elective courses offer additional learning opportunities in wine marketing, wine tourism, sustainable production methods, and more. Additionally, a professional internship is required, and PSS faculty assist with arrangements among our extensive connections in the wine industry. Numerous scholarships are available specifically for students pursuing the Viticulture and Enology degree concentration. Students can pursue this degree on the TTU campus in Lubbock or at the TTU regional teaching site in Fredericksburg.

Viticulture and Enology Degree Plan

Concentration Required Courses (26 hours)

PSS 1311 The Science of Wine. Introduction to the history of winemaking and application of biology, chemistry, and technology to modern grape and wine production.

PSS 2114 Wine Production Lab. An overview of wine production technical laboratory aspects with an emphasis on pre-fermentation processes, options and strategies, and fermentation management.

PSS 2314 Wine Production. An overview of wine production technical aspects with an emphasis on pre-fermentation processes, options and strategies, and fermentation management.

PSS 3310 Viticulture I: Principles of Viticulture. Introduction to grapevine history, biology, physiology, and principles and practices of vineyard management.

PSS 4000. Internship. A supervised study course providing in-service training and practice in a commercial vineyard or winery.

PSS 4310. Viticulture II: Grape Production. Advanced studies of grape production and management practices in commercial vineyards.

PSS 4311 Wines of the World. Introduction to wines of the world through learning materials and sensory evaluation of regional wines. The content and the exam for Wine and Spirits Educational Trust (WSET) Level 1 Award in Wine is a required component of this course.

PSS 4416. Winemaking Quality Control and Analysis. Quality control and analytical equipment and methods utilized in winemaking.

Concentration Elective Courses (13 hours)

RHIM 4340. Wine Marketing. Analyzes the concepts of marketing as related to the wine industry. Students will develop a marketing plan for a winery.

RHIM 4350. Wine Tourism. Examines the business of wine with specific focus on wine tourism. Addresses global tourism and local economic impact of the wine industry.

PSS 2316 Introduction to Sustainable Agriculture. Introduction to the principles of sustainable production of horticultural crops, including fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants. Integration of ecological, genetic, and social/cultural elements involved in sustainable production is emphasized.

PSS 3312 Sustainable Fruit and Nut Crop Production. Introduction to the principles and practices of sustainable production of temperate tree fruits, berry crops, and nuts. Production systems suited to small acreage and urban agriculture will be emphasized.

PSS 4305 Integrated Pest Management. The principles and practices of integration of all available control strategies in the management of arthropod pest populations.

PSS 4323 Organic Crop Production Systems. Principles and practices of organic farming systems including management of inputs and technology for different ecosystems that promotes local food security, environment and economic growth.

PSS 4325 Crop Water Management. Evaluation of the primary irrigation systems used in crop production, soil-plant interactions affecting water supply, and methods of monitoring soil and plant water status.

PSS 4335. Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management. Nutrient availability as influenced by soil properties, modern methods of nutrient management, and tools for maximizing nutrient use efficiency.

Viticulture and Enology Undergraduate Scholarships

Viticulture and Enology Scholarship Application

Hoss Newsom Scholarship
            2018 awards: 4 students, $1,500 each

San Antonio Livestock Exposition Viticulture and Enology Scholarship
            2018-19 awards: 2 students each receive $5,000 over two years (Junior-Senior)

High Plains Wine and Food Foundation
            2018 award: 1 student, $2,000

Melanie Holloway Viticulture and Enology Scholarship (Fredericksburg students only)
            2018 award: 1 student, $1,000
Texas Center for Wine and Culinary Arts Scholarship (Fredericksburg students only)
            2018 awards: 2 students, $1,000 each