Viticulture and Enology (BS)

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Program Website

Program Description

Viticulture & Enology are the scientific studies of grape growing and winemaking, respectively. Cornell's Viticulture and Enology major (V&E) is creating the next generation of leaders in the wine industry and allied fields like brewing and distillation. VIEN majors are exposed to all aspects of the food system – from growing the raw material (fruit), to transforming it into a high value product (wine), to its eventual sale to a customer. Individuals with strong backgrounds in these areas have no shortage of opportunities across the United States and the globe following graduation.

In their first two years, students are given a strong foundation in chemical and biological sciences in addition to introductory courses on wines and grapes. In their last two years, students can use this knowledge base to choose among specialized elective courses in enology and viticulture. The flexibility of the Viticulture and Enology major readily allows students to take courses or minor in complementary fields, e.g. business, plant sciences, or food sciences.

Most V&E majors take advantage of study abroad and internship programs in their 3rd or 4th years. Our students study and work around the globe, including California, Washington State, Chile, Australia, New Zealand, and France. The major is also closely linked with the New York State wine and grape industries, and to an extensive professional and alumni network.

Special highlights of this major include:

  • A uniquely cool, world-class education: We are the only 4-year wine and grape program in the United States east of the Rockies or in a cool climate, and the only one at an Ivy League university.
  • Facilities: Classrooms include our state-of-the-art teaching winery, brewery and distillery and a teaching vineyard right on campus.
  • Know your professors: The small size of the major puts students and professors on a first name basis, and classes emphasize hands-on learning.
  • Broad opportunities in specialty products: Prepare for a career in winemaking, grape growing, brewing, cidermaking, and distillation, or use your degree as a springboard for opportunities in business, education or research.
  • Internships and study abroad: Enology classes in Australia? Vineyard work in California? Marketing internship in Burgundy? Choose from dozens of options, both international and close to home.

Academic Standards

  • No prerequisite courses are necessary before declaring the Viticulture and Enology major.
  • All major requirements must be taken for a letter grade, except when not an option.
  • A grade of C- or better must be earned to meet major requirements.
  • Both lecture and laboratory section must be taken for major elective credit. Students taking only the lecture will not receive credit for the course towards completion of the major.
  • The Viticulture and Enology major is designed to be completed in 4 years at full-time enrollment (minimum 12 credit hours per semester).
  • Core requirements minimum is 54 credits.
  • Minimum elective requirements is 17 credits, of which at least 5 credits must be VIEN courses.