University of California - Davis: Dijon - Introduction to Winemaking

This program introduces students to winemaking and covers grape types and grape production, the science of fermentation and wine styles, alcohol and health, sensory evaluation, wine history, and the major wine regions of the world. The first half of the program describes the technology of making red and white wines and includes material related to sparkling wine production. The second half of the program covers the geography of wine production with an emphasis on grape varieties used in various regions around the world, processing techniques unique to certain regions and the wine laws that govern production in those areas. We will use the opportunity of being in France to visit many of the major French wine regions, including Alsace, Burgundy, Beaujolais, the northern and southern Rhone, and Provence. These trips will include visits to producers as well as special tastings and meals.