Yavapai College Provides a GRAPE Education

Yavapai Community College took a monumental step in their quest to build a first class Viticulture Program - they planted their first acre of vineyards. The College's Viticulture Program is the first in the state and one of only a few in the country. Viticulture is the science, production, and study of grapes, vineyards, and winemaking. The College envisions 16 acres of vines on the Clarkdale campus. This first acre of planting was funded by Merkin Vineyards Green Management who will work side by side with staff and students to nurture the vines. The initial planting is 900 Negro Amaro grape vines which are native to Southern Italy’s Appelation district. This is the first time that this grape varietal has been planted in Arizona, but confidence is high that it will do well.


The vines that will be planted at the college will all be experimental, meaning they have never been grown in Arizona before. The campus vineyards will be a working laboratory for students who are taking viticulture classes. Tom Schumacher, Executive Dean of the Verde Valley Campus, says “This first acre of vines is an important step in establishing what Yavapai College envisions as a world-class program where students will be able to earn certificates and degrees in Viticulture and Enology. The program currently offers seven classes in Wine Appreciation and Viticulture and our degree/certificate program’s will be modeled after successful Viticulture programs at other accredited institutions.” The College’s expansion of the Viticulture program is another step in the development of the Verde Valley’s prominence as a wine region.


Eight wineries and tasting rooms dot the Verde Valley Wine Trail. Verde Valley wines are getting some high praise from wine connoisseurs. People are starting to open their mind to the fact that Arizona can and does produce some exceptional wine. In the last year, several events have elevated the profile of the Verde Valley wine region. The Verde Valley Wine Trail was formed along with its website, www.vvwinetrail.com to connect people interested in wine and area activities. The film Blood Into Wine which premiered in February and has aired nationwide, features winemaking partners Eric Glomski and Maynard Keenan’s efforts in making quality wine in Arizona. The wineries in the Verde Valley have won numerous awards and high ratings from wine experts. Wine Trail touring companies add unique experiences for the public to enjoy wineries and tasting rooms as well as area activities. Expansion of Yavapai College’s Viticulture Program is one more noteworthy event that is putting the Verde Valley on the map as a wine region to watch!