Northern Nevada suffers from no lack of enthusiasm for wine. Small home vineyards sprinkle the hills and there is an ever-growing wine scene, buzzing with sniffing, swirling and sipping. The University of Nevada, Reno now offers a six-week program for people wanting to elevate their wine experience even more: "Vines to Wine: An In-depth Study of Wine." Offered by Extended Studies at the University’s Redfield Campus, the course is designed to benefit wine enthusiasts looking to hone their skills, hospitality professionals and those considering a career in the wine industry.

Sessions focus on viticulture (grape cultivation), viniculture (winemaking practices), varietals (cultivars/grapes), wine-growing regions of the world, glassware, serving temperatures and food pairings. Discussion topics also include how environmental, geographical and culture conditions, and the actions taken by the winemakers influence the finished wines. Additionally, the course will introduce participants to careers associated with the wine industry, such as sommelier, food and beverage director, hospitality manager, retailer and importer/distributor. 

“Once you really understand and appreciate the number of hands involved to go from vines to wine, you can fully enjoy not only the end result, but the people, culture, geography and terroir itself,” said instructor Doug Flannery. “This course highlights some of the intricacies of grape growing, production, varietals, wine regions of the world and service that provide a well-rounded introduction to this beautiful commodity.”

The course is an outgrowth of the grape-growing research and wine-industry support that the University’s College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources has been doing for more than 30 years. In 2022, a partnership, the Northern Nevada Demonstration Vineyard & Winemaking Network, was formed to build on practical experience in the region, as well as drawing on viticulture expertise from around the western United States. The primary partners include the College, of which Extended Studies is a part; the College’s Experiment Station and Desert Farming Initiative; and the Nevada Grape Growers & Winemakers. College Dean Bill Payne has been pushing for a Vines to Wine-type noncredit course for enthusiasts for several years.

“I am very pleased to see this course come together,” Payne said. “I know there are people in Northern Nevada who are very interested in growing wine grapes, winemaking and all that goes with it. We have a vibrant community of wine enthusiasts who I think will really appreciate this opportunity.”

The noncredit course meets 5-7 p.m. Wednesdays, Feb. 18 – March 25, at the University’s Redfield Campus, 18600 Wedge Parkway. Tuition is $950, and those interested should register online by Feb. 16.

Flannery has completed two start-up businesses in the wine industry. He is a Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) with the Society of Wine Educators and has earned a Level 3 Award in Wine (with distinction) from the Wine & Spirits Education Trust.

Flannery says the course also is designed so participants will have the knowledge to take exams for Level 1 and Level 2 Awards from the Wine & Spirits Education Trust. The exams, however, are not part of the program.

For more information on Vines to Wine, visit the Vines to Wine website.