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WELCOME TO VESTA

Enrollment Deadlines:

Fall 2008 - August 29, 2008

Fall Classes Ready for Enrollment

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:

Fall 2008 - August 29, 2008

Tasting and Talking About Wine
September 26 and 27

(Two identical sessions to choose from)
Featuring – Ray Johnson
Wine Judge - Author - Professor

Come and enjoy learning about wine. Experience for yourself tasting and talking about a broad spectrum of wines, from local to international, with Ray Johnson, author of the “The Good Life Guide to Enjoying Wine”.

Click here for complete information.

NEW!! Welcome our New Instructors NEW!!

We would like to take this opportunity to welcome the newest additions to the VESTA faculty.

Vickie Wahlstrom, Fresno CA, will be teaching VIN 268 - Wine and Must Analysis. Vickie is Operations Director at Cone Tech, the world's largest alcohol adjustment center.

Stacey Jenkins, will be teaching VIN 190, Vineyard Safety and VIN 290 - Winery Safety. Stacey lives in Minnesota and serves as a consultant with the National Education Center for Agriculture Safety (NECAS)located at Northeast Iowa Community College.

Jeff Wheeler, Carbondale, IL, will be teaching VIN 213 - Midwest Vineyard Management. Jeff has recently completed his Masters degree in Plant, and Soil Science with and emphasis in horticulture (viticulture) at Southern Illinois University and works as a research analyst at the SIU Horticulture Research Center.

Job Vacancies

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

VESTA Faculty Profile - Dr. Barry Gump

If you have a question about the wine industry, Dr. Barry Gump is an excellent person to ask.
Dr. Gump’s career in enology began in 1980 when he was asked to teach a wine analysis course at California State University in Fresno. This work with their Enology program soon led to his fascination and research in analytical methodology applied to grapes, juices, and wines. In addition to his numerous positions, Dr. Gump has been honored with many awards throughout his career.

Click here to see the full story about this incredible VESTA instructor.

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 and Talking About Wine, Distillation Workshop, Sensory Evaluation for the Winemaker, Home Winemaking for the Public, Making and Marketing Fruit Wines and Balanced Cropping..

Click here for dates, times and registration information.

Illinois Shawnee Hill Wine Trail in the News

In this edition of Cruisin' Illinois, Julian Crews takes a trip along the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. There are bed & breakfast inns, wine to taste, and beautiful scenery across Southern Illinois.

click here to view this wonderful news story

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?