University of Nebraska
                               Viticulture Program
        
      

"Vines, Wines and You" is a class taught by Professor Paul E. Read

The Graduate College has approved the following curriculum
  - New Course - HORT 471/871

871.  Vines, Wines and You (NUTR 871) (3 cr II) Lec, lab. Prereq:  6 hrs science or equivalent experience; 21 years or older.  Note:  Proof of age required.  Origin, botany, historical and cultural significance of the grapevine and related species.  Principles and practices of vineyard establishment, management and processing of grape products, importance and/or scope of grape and wine industry; global and local significance.  Culinary applications, health, environmental and safety-related issues, business and industry relations and experience. This class is offered in the Spring of 2005 as HORT 471/871.

Below are the projected Topics and Activities

Introduction, definitions, resources, origins and ancient history Vitis
Grapes, wine and culture, impact on civilization, modern history, Prohibition, modern wine regulations
Botany of the grapevine, introduction to viticulture, site selection ("terroir"), propagation, planting, trellising
Table grapes, raisins ("dried fruit") harvest timing.  Brix, TA, pH, balance, 'Thompson Seedless' ('Sultana')
Wine and health, safety, designated drivers, temperance movements.  Guest Lecturer
Field Trip to Meet at James Arthur Vineyards, Raymond, NE

Quiz, winemaking, bottles and closures, methods of evaluating and scoring wines, wine types/nomenclature
Winemaking, bottles and closures, methods of evaluating and scoring wines, wine types/nomenclature
The retail industry.  Guest Lecturer from the industry.

Wine etiquette, reading a wine label, ordering wine, matching food and wine.  Opening wine. 
German and Australian wines.  France, Italy, Spain and Portugal.  Fortified wines, cooking with wine, sparkling wines.
Eastern Europe, New World Wine Regions (Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Argentina, South Africa).
Major U.S. production:  California, New York, Washington, Oregon, Texas (Pierce's disease).
Nebraska's developing grape and wine industry.  Other Mid-America regions.

Educational Objectives:  Upon completion of this course, the student will:

    1.    Understand the origin, botany and cultural importance of grapevines (Vitis spp.).

    2.    Know the basic principles of grapevine management and culture.

    3.     Gain an appreciation for the place of grapes and wine in everyday meal preparation and human health.

    4.    Become comfortable with selecting and purchasing wine, including ordering wine in a restaurant.

    5.    Understand the importance and scope of the grape and wine industry in Nebraska, the USA and the world.

The InThe Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.  It is the policy of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln not to discriminate on the basis of gender, age, disability, race, color, religion and marital status, veterans status, national or ethnic origin or sexual orientation.l Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.  It is the policy of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln not to discriminate on the basis of gender, age, disability, race, color, religion and marital status, veterans status, national or ethnic origin or sexual orientation.

[ Home ] [ Up ]

Send mail to dmichel@unl.edu with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 2002 University of Nebraska Viticulture Program
Last modified:  April 8, 2008