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Field Practicum

An essential component of the VESTA program are the hands-on field experiences that are woven into our courses.  Students are required to participate in field practicums through partnerships with area vineyards and wineries. 

Viticulture Program

Student Practicum Site Report Form

Those students enrolled in VIN 111, VIN 212, VIN 214, or VIN 215 must contact a vineyard in their area that would be willing to serve as a field practicum site and provide a mentor to guide the student during their hands-on experiences in their viticulture course(s).  Students can utilize the Practicum Site map, or contact their state coordinator or the VESTA Program Office (417-255-7736) for assistance in identifying an appropriate location.  After identifying a field site and mentor, the VESTA student should complete the Student Practicum Site Report Form and request the mentor to confirm their willingness to serve in this role by contacting VESTA Coordinator Brenda Smith by email ( VESTA@MissouriState.edu) or phone (417-255-7736).  Once their agreement has been confirmed, the cooperating mentor and student will be sent complete information regarding the mentor's role via email.

Vineyard Field Practicum Site

VESTA approved vineyard practicum sites will have the following characteristics:

  1. Minimum 3 years as a Commercial Vineyard with 3 commercial harvests.;
  2. 500+ vines preferred but not required;
  3. Two different varietals are preferred but not required;
  4. Mentor must have a minimum of 3 years of commercial vineyard experience;
  5. Willingness to provide a training experience for the VESTA student.

Enology Program

Student Practicum Site Report Form

Those students enrolled in VIN 146, VIN 246, VIN 247, VIN 257 or VIN 259 must contact a winery in their area that would be willing to serve as a field practicum site and provide a mentor to guide the student during their hands-on experiences in their enology course(s).  Students can utilize the Practicum Site map, or contact their state coordinator or the VESTA Program Office (417-255-7736) for assistance in identifying an appropriate location.  After identifying a field site and mentor, the VESTA student should complete the Student Practicum Site Report Form and request the mentor to confirm their willingness to serve in this role by contacting VESTA Coordinator Brenda Smith by email ( VESTA@MissouriState.edu ) or phone (417-255-7736). Once their agreement has been confirmed, the cooperating mentor and student will be sent complete information regarding the mentor's role via email.

Winery Field Practicum Site

VESTA approved practicum sites will have the following characteristics:

  1. 3+ employees (including working owners and temporary/part-time employees).;
  2. 5+ years as a commercial operation;
  3. 5,000 gallons of production preferred but not required;
  4. An active Barrel program is preferred but not required;
  5. Active utilization of the following equipment: Crusher, Destemmer, Press, Filtration system, Bottling line, Pumps;
  6. Mentor must have a minimum of 3 years of commercial winery experience;
  7. Willingness to provide a training experience for the VESTA student