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Napa Valley College Viticulture Teaching Winery
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  • Project Overview

    The Napa Valley College Viticulture Teaching Winery project, located in Napa, California, is an innovative educational facility designed to provide students with hands-on experience in the field of viticulture and enology (the science of winemaking). The winery offers state-of-the-art facilities for training, research, and production, giving students an opportunity to learn all aspects of grape growing and winemaking in the heart of the world-renowned Napa Valley wine region. This project serves as both an educational tool and a resource for the local wine industry.

    This new center, funded by a $10 million donation from the Wine Spectator Scholarship Foundation, will more than double the classroom and training space, adding 10,000 square feet of modern learning areas, including sensory classrooms and upgraded laboratory facilities .

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Project Objectives

  • State-of-the-Art Educational Facility: Develop a cutting-edge teaching winery that supports Napa Valley College’s viticulture and enology programs by providing students with practical learning experiences.
  • Hands-On Training: Create spaces for winemaking, wine storage, laboratory testing, and tasting that allow students to gain real-world experience in the industry.
  • Community and Industry Collaboration: Foster collaboration between the college, local wineries, and the greater Napa Valley wine community to advance viticulture and enology education.
  • Sustainable Design and Practices: Integrate sustainable and environmentally responsible building and operational practices in the construction and functioning of the winery.

Project Scope

  • Winemaking Facilities: The winery features a modern production area with state-of-the-art equipment for fermenting, aging, and bottling wines, providing students with hands-on opportunities to learn each phase of the winemaking process.
  • Classrooms and Laboratories: Dedicated classrooms and laboratories are available for theoretical instruction, scientific analysis, and research related to viticulture and enology.
  • Wine Storage and Barrel Rooms: The winery includes specialized wine storage areas, barrel rooms, and fermentation tanks that simulate a professional winery environment, allowing students to engage in realistic production activities.
  • Tasting Room: A tasting room provides a venue for students to conduct sensory evaluations, host industry professionals, and engage with the public to understand the commercial aspects of winemaking.
  • Sustainability Features: The design emphasizes sustainability with energy-efficient systems, water conservation, and the use of local, environmentally friendly materials.

Construction Timeline

  • Pre-Construction Phase: Initial planning and design began in 2022, with consultations between Napa Valley College, local industry experts, and architects to ensure the facility met both educational and practical needs.
  • Construction Phase: Groundbreaking occurred in 2024, followed by the construction of the winery, classrooms, and wine storage facilities. The project was completed in 2025.
  • Opening: The Napa Valley College Viticulture Teaching Winery officially opened its doors in 2025, welcoming students and industry professionals alike.

Sustainability and Compliance

  • Green Building Practices: The project incorporated energy-efficient systems, water-saving technologies, and sustainable building materials, such as reclaimed wood and locally sourced stone.
  • Environmental Impact: The winery was designed to have minimal environmental impact, with sustainable farming practices incorporated into the vineyard operation to serve as a model for students.
  • Compliance with Industry Standards: The facility meets the highest industry standards for viticulture and enology, ensuring that students receive top-tier training that aligns with professional winemaking practices.

Community Impact

The Napa Valley College Viticulture Teaching Winery plays a vital role in the region by providing an educational foundation for the next generation of winemakers and viticulturists. The project strengthens Napa Valley College’s viticulture and enology programs and enhances the local wine industry by producing skilled professionals who contribute to the region’s ongoing success. The facility also creates opportunities for local industry collaboration and provides educational outreach to the community through wine tasting events and tours. Ultimately, the winery supports both the educational goals of the college and the economic growth of the Napa Valley wine industry.

  • Year

    2025

  • Location

    Napa, California

  • Category

    Educational

  • Project Manager

    Justy Tadlock

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