Napa Valley College and the Napa Valley College Foundation celebrated the grand opening of the Wine Spectator Wine Education Center, a state-of-the-art facility that significantly expands opportunities for education, training, and career development in the wine industry.

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The new Wine Spectator Wine Education Center at Napa Valley College. (Image Courtesy Kitchell Construction Management)

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Thursday, September 4th, bringing together students, faculty, industry leaders, community members, and donors to honor the completion of Phase I of the Napa Valley College Wine Education Complex — and launch the next chapter: Phase II, construction of The Hospitality Training Center.

The 7,000-square-foot Wine Spectator Wine Education Center, completed on time, on budget and without public funding, more than doubles classroom and training space for the College’s Viticulture and Winery Technology (VWT) program. It features two flexible sensory classrooms a fully upgraded Evelyn Allen Laboratory Classroom, and faculty offices. The center supports certificates and degrees in Viticulture, Winemaking, and Wine Marketing & Sales, as well as industry certificates such as Winery Management, Vineyard Management, and Wine Laboratory Technician.

Phase I was made possible by a $10 million lead gift from the Wine Spectator Scholarship Foundation, alongside a significant contribution from the estate of longtime NVC supporter and alum Evelyn Allen.

“The ample educational opportunities offered through the Wine Spectator Wine Education Center will allow students to build extensive wine-related skills through an assortment of programs and degrees — all designed to enhance their careers,” said Marvin R. Shanken, Editor and Publisher of Wine Spectator. “I’m proud to support this vital resource for both Napa Valley College and the wine industry, and to give back to the wine and culinary communities, who have given so much to me.”

With Phase I complete, Napa Valley College and the Napa Valley College Foundation are turning their focus to Phase II of the Wine Education Complex — The Hospitality Training Center that will feature: classroom and training space for NVC’s hospitality and wine programs; a tasting bar and movable sit-down seating to emulate a variety of hospitality and tasting room scenarios; and event space to host industry trainings, educational events, guest lecturers and wine industry professionals.

Napa Valley College’s VWT program boasts job placement rates consistently above 80%, with many graduates experiencing a $14/hour average wage increase. NVC partners with leading industry organizations including the Napa Valley Vintners, Napa Valley Grapegrowers, and the Napa Farm Bureau.

For more information on Napa Valley College’s Vineyard & Winery Technology program visit: Viticulture & Winery Technology.

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The 7,000-square-foot Wine Spectator Wine Education Center more than doubles classroom and training space for the College’s Viticulture and Winery Technology (VWT) program.