Master Vigneron Academy graduates eighth class
- Lake County News reports
- Posted On
KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – The Master Vigneron Academy recently graduated its eighth class, awarding nine students with the credential of Master Vigneron.
To date, 82 vineyard managers and supervisors have completed the year-long Spanish-language program, gaining insight into many aspects of the wine industry and bringing valuable skills back to their employers.
The Master Vigneron Academy is the first of its kind anywhere.
Created in 2012 by the Lake County Winegrape Commission, the Master Vigneron Academy remains ahead of the curve in recognizing that the key to quality winegrapes and sustainable practices is the professionalism of those in the vineyard.
Now an established and successful program, the Master Vigneron Academy has been cultivating a professional workforce for eight years, providing vineyard managers and supervisors in Lake County and other parts of the North Coast with knowledge and skills that would not otherwise be available to them. It serves the economic interests of families, the wine industry, and the greater Lake County community.
"The Lake County Winegrape Commission recognizes that what is often overlooked in sustainable farming is the human element," said Paul Zellman, the Lake County Winegrape Commission's Educational Programs Consultant. "The Master Vigneron credential program addresses training needs of vineyard managers and supervisors and represents an investment in a critical part of sustainable farming-people."
The concept originated with Randy Krag, former Lake County Winegrape Commission Research & Education Chair and former vineyard manager at Beckstoffer Vineyards, now retired.
"The Master Vigneron Academy connects our employees to a modern business environment. It creates a bond with the larger industry, and it gives them a perspective of their role in the larger purpose," said Krag.
The Academy offers a model for developing an industry-wide standard by which a supervisor's knowledge and achievement are formally recognized. Leaders in other winegrowing areas have expressed interest in establishing the Master Vigneron Academy in their regions.
More information about the Master Vigneron Academy is available on the Lake County Winegrape Commission's website.
Wine industry leaders who would like to learn more are encouraged to contact the Lake County Winegrape Commission at 707-279-2633.
The Winegrape Commission also recognizes the following winegrowers for their support of the Master Vigneron Academy.
Adobe Creek Packing
Amberview Vineyards
Beckstoffer Vineyards
Bella Vista Farming Company
Cache Creek Vineyards
Dorn Vineyards
JAC Ag Services
L & L Vineyards
Langtry Farms
Lyon Vineyards
Mauritson Farms
Michael Hat Farming
Nissen Vineyard Services
Noble Vineyard Management
Obsidian Ridge Vineyard
Oldham Vineyard
Red Hills Vineyard
Robinson Lake Vineyard
Rogers Vineyards
Shannon Ranches
Six Sigma Vineyards
Stokes Farming
Stonehouse Cellars
Sun Alpine Vineyards
Trinchero Family Estates