Las Positas College Celebrates Ribbon-Cutting and Official Opening of New Viticulture and Winery Technology Facility

Las Positas College (LPC) is pleased to announce the official opening of its Viticulture and Winery Technology Facility, a cutting-edge educational space designed to enhance student learning and career readiness in the growing wine industry. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place on November 19, 2024, at 3:30 PM at Las Positas College, 3000 Campus Hill Drive, in Livermore. This event is open to students, faculty, staff, and community members.

The new facility, located in Buildings 3600 and 3700, represents an $8.6 million investment funded through community support via Bond Measure A. Equipped with state-of-the-art winemaking technology—including a covered crush pad, temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, a bottling line, and a dedicated barrel room—the facility offers students hands-on experience in viticulture, enology, and wine hospitality.

“Our new facility truly elevates the Viticulture and Winery Technology program, offering students access to the tools, equipment, and education necessary to be successful in the wine industry,” said Dr. Nan Ho, Vice President of Academic Services at LPC. “With hands-on opportunities from grape cultivation to bottling award-winning wines, our students graduate ready for success.”

Dr. Dyrell Foster, President of Las Positas College, emphasized the broader impact of the new facility: “This ribbon-cutting marks not only the expansion of our educational resources but also our commitment to workforce development in our local economy. Our students now have the opportunity to acquire in-demand skills and hands-on training that are essential in the wine industry. We are excited to continue our tradition of providing transformative educational experiences that benefit both our students and the community.”

The Viticulture and Winery Technology Facility is situated on the LPC campus in the heart of Livermore Valley Wine Country, giving students unique access to a region known for its rich winemaking history and innovation. In addition to classroom learning, the program provides practical experience through LPC’s Campus Hill Vineyard, where students cultivate grapes and produce a variety of wines. The program is further strengthened by strong partnerships with local wineries, that provide students with valuable internships, job opportunities, and mentorship from industry professionals.

Students in LPC’s Viticulture and Winery Technology program can pursue associate degrees, certificates, and transfer opportunities, equipping them for diverse career paths—from vineyard management and winemaking to wine hospitality and beyond. This new facility complements the recently opened Horticulture Facility, building on the region’s rich agricultural heritage and enhancing educational pathways in viticulture and sustainable agriculture. With the addition of this new facility, Las Positas College is poised to become a regional leader in viticulture education, contributing to the growth of Livermore’s wine and hospitality industries.

For more information about LPC’s Viticulture and Winery Technology program, please visit https://laspositascollege.edu/vwt/.