Wine and Viticulture Department

Cal Poly offers a unique interdisciplinary major in Wine and Viticulture with a three-pronged curriculum that combines an understanding of vineyards, wine making, and wine business. Our location in the heart of the Central Coast region gives our students access to some of the best growing conditions and internship opportunities in the industry.

On campus, Cal Poly features a 14-acre state-of-the-art commercial vineyard and pilot winery, providing students an excellent opportunity to practice the Learn by Doing method of education. All students are required to complete internships in the grape or wine industry and to participate in undergraduate research programs, clubs and enterprise projects on campus. To enhance our students' hands-on learning experience, we are planning a new Wine and Viticulture Innovation Center, a state-of-the-art teaching facility to replace our current pilot winery.

Through our international programs, students experience the harvest around the world, developing essential skills and collaborating with industry experts. With a BS in Wine and Viticulture from Cal Poly, students graduate ready to enter the multi-dimensional wine industry.

I got tremendous hands-on experience in agriculture at Cal Poly, and I’ve embraced Learn by Doing my entire life.

— Kenneth Q. Volk III, Founder, Kenneth Volk Vineyards and Wild Horse Winery.

Major: Wine and Viticulture

Department Office:
Building 11 Room 224
(805) 756-7308

Academic Advisor: Kristin McCain-Bender
cafesadvising@calpoly.edu