Course Aim To develop an ability to select and cultivate appropriate varieties of grapes in different situations, and provide the knowledge to make informed decisions about the management of a vineyard
Course Duration = approximately 100 hours
Extract from Course Notes:
"In the 21st century wines produced from much newer viticultural countries are also making a big impact on world markets. Examples include the Napa Valley in the United States as well as southern hemisphere nations such as Argentina, Chile, New Zealand and Australia.
Suitable regions for good quality grape production are determined more by climatic similarities than geographic location. Regions that have mean annual temperatures between 10 and 20 degrees Celsius are the most conducive for quality wine production. World distribution of viticulture is bounded by the 50° line of latitude, both north and south of the equator. However, even within these general parameters, grape vines are not suited to places where leaves do not fall from the vines over winter (due to warmth) or where winters are severe and summers are short.
Assessing regional suitability to grape production is not absolute. Variations in local climate caused by topographical characteristics can greatly affect the feasibility of production
In the UK, the most successful grape growing regions are located in the south and west. However, other regions could produce good crops providing the viticulturist is equipped with suitable knowledge and a strong desire to grow good vines. Possibly, British production has historically been curtailed by the availability of good grapes and excellent wine from ‘The Continent.’ The small commercial viticulturist and informed home enthusiast may find success where others have failed. Inadequate sugar development and disease problems have been stumbling blocks in the past. Appropriate site selection and preparation and good varietal choices can overcome many of these problems.
Indoor vine production is also a viable option in the UK and other areas with similar climates. Well-conditioned and managed soils can alleviate many disease problems and the environmental control offered by glasshouses can extend the opportunity for sufficient ripening. Specific production techniques are required for indoor production, particularly in regards to vine pruning and support. Container-grown vines can give the grower the option of moving plants indoors or outdoors to take advantage of favourable conditions".
CONTENT
Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to the school, marked by the school's tutors and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra reading. There are ten lessons as follows:
- Introduction Describe the nature and scope of the Viticulture industry both locally and world wide.
- Climate & Soils: Identify suitable climate and soil conditions for vineyard site establishment
- Selecting Grape Varieties: Select and evaluate appropriate grape varieties for different situations.
- Vineyard Establishment: Develop a procedure to establish a vineyard.
- Grapevine Culture Part A (Training & Pruning): Specify the techniques used in the culture of grape vines (Training & Pruning Grapevines).
- Grapevine Culture Part B (Weeds, Pests & Diseases): Specify the techniques used in the culture of grape vines (Weed, Pest & Disease Control).
- Grapevine Culture Part C (Irrigation & Feeding): Specify the techniques used in the culture of grape vines (Irrigation & Feeding).
- Improving Grape Quality: Explain different ways to ensure or improve grape quality.
- Harvesting & Selling : Specify procedure for harvest and post-harvest treatment and formulate market strategy for vineyard products.
- Wine: Explain the basic principles of wine making.
COURSE AIMS
- Choose an appropriate site for a vineyard.
- Simple Soil tests
- Measuring ph
- Water content of soil.
- Choose appropriate grape varieties for different situations.
- Develop criteria to be considered when selecting which grape varieties to grow.
- Devise a procedure to establish a vineyard.
- Specify the techniques used in the culture of grape vines.
- Specify a procedure for harvest and post-harvest treatment of grapes.
- Formulate marketing strategies for vineyard products.
- Explain the basic principles of wine making.
Tutors and Course Developers
These include professional horticulturists from a number of countries; all with diploma or higher qualifications and many years of experience in industry.
How the payment Options Work
You can be either pay fees in one or two parts.
- If paying in 2 parts, the first part is paid on enrolment, and the second part two months later (You are sent a bill when you enrol).
- If you pay the full fee on enrolment, we offer a discounted fee (commonly around 8% lower)
