Lake Michigan College’s Viticulture program is the only one of its kind in the midwest. It just opened a tasting room and is looking to spread the word about Michigan wine.
Southwest Michigan has been making wine for a long time, but there hasn’t been a way to formally educate newcomers to the business until three years ago.
That’s when Lake Michigan College, with help from locals in the industry started its wine and viticulture technology program.
Mike Moyer, the program’s director said it teaches all aspects of the business.
“Hands on experience making wine, learning how to make wine, learning how to manage vineyards, how to analyse wine for quality control and also anything about the wine business.”
Now with the tasting room, Lake Michigan Vintners, in downtown Baroda, students get the chance to market and sell directly to consumers. The business also serves as a way to financially support the program.
Tana Cole is one of the students. She’ll finish the program with an internship in Napa Valley, California this fall. She said the program is very hands-on.
“I think you also have to enjoy being outside. We spend a lot of time in the vineyard, we spend a lot of time in the winery. Probably about 20 hours a week I’d say, depending on the time of the year. And then two days a week we’re in class for two full days, so it’s a commitment.”
Moyer said part of having a viticulture program in Southwest Michigan is getting the word out about the region’s underappreciated wines and vineyards.
“To have the opportunity to manage a vineyard then participate in harvest, make the wine, analyse the wine and then sell it directly to consumers here in Baroda is very unique,” Moyer said.
Students can complete the program in as little as a year, if they have the time to commit to it. Though most take two or three years.
Moyer said they’re working to add certifications and continuing education classes to the program so people already working in the industry can expand their knowledge and skills.
He said the next step is to add certificate programs and continuing education classes for people already in the industry looking to learn more.