Issue link: http://winesandvines.uberflip.com/i/62409
NEWS OF GRAPES AND WINES IN EASTERN NORTH AMERICA Editors' Note T he Viticulture and Enology Science and Technology Alliance (VESTA) partners with colleges to develop highly qualified technicians with industry-validated credentials in grape and wine production. In August, the National Science Foundation awarded VESTA a $4.99 million grant, which enabled it to expand from its mid-America origins and become national in scope. VESTA has since added five new institutions of higher education in California, Oregon, Washington, North Carolina and New York. We asked Michelle Norgren, director of the VESTA National Center, to provide an overview of the program and what it has to offer. The VESTA program combines online education with practical experience at commercial vineyards and wineries. VESTA Localizes Education Across U.S. Distance learning in viticulture and enology expands from Midwest to both coasts By Michelle Norgren (VESTA), an online education program based at Missouri State University. Collaborating with schools, government and industry, VESTA established online educational programs in viticulture and I n May 2003, the National Science Foundation (NSF) provided funding through its Advanced Technological Program to develop the Viticulture Enology Science and Technology Alliance enology. In addition to online coursework, the program offered students opportunities to get hands-on experience at area vineyards and wineries. Shortly thereafter, VESTA expanded to include a two- year college in Oklahoma. A second grant from NSF in 2007 made it possible for VESTA to expand its alliance to include Arkansas, Indiana, Kansas, Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota, Texas and Wisconsin. 150 Wines & Vines JAnUARY 2012