Home Page

WELCOME TO VESTA

Enrollment Deadlines:

Summer 2008 - May 23, 2008

Fall 2008 - August 29, 2008

VESTA, the Missouri State Fruit Experiment Station and Missouri State University Department of Agriculture will host the Spring 2008 Wine Chemistry Workshop featuring Dr. Barry Gump, May 16 - 17, 2008 in Shannon Hall in Mountain Grove, MO. This two day workshop will focus on basic wine and must tests including Soluble Solids, Sugars, pH, Titratable Acidity, Ethanol, Malolactic Fermentation, Nitrogen, Sulfuric Dioxide and Acetic Acid .

Enrollment is limited so register early. Click here for complete schedule and registration information.

Congratulations to VESTA our Instructors Cory Bomgaars and Andrew Snyder on awards received at the 2008 Finger Lakes International Wine competition.

Andrew Snyder - Sand Hill Winery, OK

Silver - Pinot Noir

Cory Bomgaars - Les Bourgeois Vineyards - Rocheport, MO

Silver - Sparkling Methode Champenoise

Silver - Vignoles

Silver - White (Vignoles/Traminette)

Bronze - Norton

Bronze - White (LaBelle)

Bronze - White (Solay)

Complete competition results can be found at http://www.fliwc.com/results/2008results.asp

Congratulations to our VESTA Institutional Partners for awards received at the 2008 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition.

Summerside Vineyards and Winery - Vinita, OK

St. Genevieve Winery - Ste. Genevieve, MO

Presque Isle Wine Cellar - Northeast, PA

Tabor Home Vineyards and Winery - Baldwin, IA

Complete competition results can be found at http://www.fliwc.com/results/2008results.asp

NEW!! Job Vacancies NEW!!

New job vacancies have been posted. Click to see what is new in the job market.

Summer and Fall Classes Ready for Enrollment

Summer 2008 Semester Fall 2008 Semester

Now is the time to take advantage of a program that harnesses the full power of the Internet and distance education technologies to bring master instructors and industry experts to you, anytime and anywhere. VESTA will help you bring your grape and wine production to new heights. Classes are now enrolling for the Summer and Fall 2008 semesters. Select your course or courses from our complete listing, complete your admission/registration form and fax or mail to the VESTA office.

Enrollment Deadlines:

Summer 2008 - May 23, 2008

Fall 2008 - August 29, 2008

VESTA Student Profile - Lucas Snodgrass

One might wonder if it is possible to start an organic vineyard in the Midwest, considering the humid climate. With family support, a good mentor, and a flock of sheep, VESTA student Lucas Snodgrass is willing to give it a try. The appeal that Snodgrass finds in growing grapes and making wine began when his father decided to put in a vineyard. However, Snodgrass is going above and beyond just helping out with the family business. He and his father have visited area vineyards, read literature on starting and managing vineyards, and after discovering VESTA online, Lucas enrolled in the program.

Tasting Room Management Workshop

VESTA, the Missouri State Fruit Experiment Station and Missouri State University Department of Agriculture will host the Tasting Room Management Workshop featuring VESTA instructor and Sand Hill Winery owner and operator Mr. Andrew Snyder. The workshop will take place July 10, 2008 in Faurot Hall on the Missouri State - Mtn. Grove campus, Mountain Grove, MO. This workshop will focus on the necessary strategies and skills every winery owner must know to assure that your customers will return again and again.

Click here for complete schedule and registration information.

Rachel Cristaudo Hired as VESTA Coordinator for Rend Lake College

VESTA Partner, Rend Lake College, IL, appointed Rachel Cristaudo former winery manager and administrative assistant for the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, as the VESTA Project Coordinator for Rend Lake College. Cristaudo will be working with Steve Holman, a professor of biology who is the program's senior personnel at the school. Cristaudo has experience in the grape and wine industry, including production, marketing and advertising. In addition, Rachel holds a Master's Degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.

Click here for full information about Rachel and Rend Lake's partnership with VESTA.

Missouri State University - Mtn. Grove to Host VESTA Workshop Series

Missouri State University—Mtn. Grove Campus will be hosting the VESTA Workshop Series. Presentations include Tasting Room Management, Distillation Workshop Part I, Wine Appreciation for the Consumer, Sensory Evaluation for the Winemaker, and Home Winemaking for the Public.

Click here for dates, times and registration information.

Industry Support

VESTA seeks the involvement of the grape and wine industry as field practicum sites, internship sites, mentors, and future employers. Click the link above to see how your vineyard or winery can be included as a VESTA Approved Field Practicum Site.

Online Student Self-Assessment

Want to find out if Distance Learning is for you? Complete the survey to find out.

Field Practicum Sites

Enrolled in a course that requires a field practicum and looking for a place to do that field practicum? Vineyards and Wineries are volunteering to help you out. Click the link above to explore the new listing of sites that have expressed a desire to have VESTA students intern at their facilities.

Job Vacancy Postings

Grape growers and winemakers, are you in need of qualified help? Let VESTA help you. Take a few moments to complete the Job Vacancy Posting Form and fax the completed form to the VESTA office. Your job opening will be placed on the VESTA website. Students from all over the United States participate in the VESTA courses; what better place to search for qualified employees?