Course Overview

The Degree Course in Viticulture, Oenology and Oenomarketing (L-26R) aims to train graduates with a comprehensive understanding of the activities and challenges related to the entire wine supply chain, from vine cultivation to wine production and its commercialisation in both national and international markets. It prepares professionals, also qualified to practise as Oenologists, capable of ensuring the technical and sustainable development of businesses operating in the viticulture, oenology and marketing sectors.

The Course is structured over three years and includes 20 examinations, among which are student-elective subjects. The curriculum is multidisciplinary and provides a solid scientific foundation in Biology, Physics, Mathematics and Chemistry, which supports the acquisition of specialised knowledge in viticulture, wine production and the economic management of wine enterprises.

In particular, students will gain both theoretical and practical knowledge required to apply cultivation techniques, from vineyard establishment and variety selection to agronomic management, as well as vineyard protection techniques for phytosanitary management, the use and operation of machinery and equipment employed in the vineyard and winery, winery management throughout the winemaking process, product distribution and marketing, and communication and marketing practices. Graduates in Viticulture, Oenology and Oenomarketing will also be proficient in at least one European Union language (English), developing specific linguistic competences for the wine sector, and will possess adequate digital skills enabling them to use information technology tools effectively.

The Course also includes additional educational activities, designed to support students’ entry into the world of work. A significant component is the traineeship, to be carried out at institutions or companies affiliated with the University.

The aim of the Degree Course is to train graduates who are able to:

• develop a comprehensive understanding of the activities and challenges associated with the entire viticulture and oenological supply chain;
• design and manage vineyards through the rational application of production methods and resources, cultivation techniques, and sustainable plant protection strategies, with a view to optimising wine production;
• apply innovative methods and techniques in the management of machinery, equipment, facilities, and resources, in both vineyard and winery;
• manage vinification processes and oenological practices for the production of white, red, and rosé wines, as well as specialised processes for sparkling wines, passito wines, and spirits;
• define and implement techniques for ageing, stabilisation, storage, and bottling;
• manage laboratories for microbiological, oenochemical, and sensory analyses of wines to assess product quality;
• apply management and organisational methods within wine-producing enterprises, including production, commercialisation, marketing, and wine tourism;
• acquire the knowledge required to achieve an appropriate proficiency of English for specific purposes in the wine sector.

The Degree Course in Viticulture, Oenology and Oenomarketing (L-26R) has open admission and does not require an entrance examination. Applicants are eligible for admission if they hold secondary school diploma or an equivalent qualification obtained abroad and recognised as suitable by the Degree Course Board. Students are also expected to possess, or to acquire, an adequate foundation in general knowledge and a basic scientific background, particularly in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics.

Information and enrolment procedures are available at the following link: https://studenti.smartedu.unict.it

The Degree Course in Viticulture, Oenology and Oenomarketing (L-26R) is an open-access course (https://www.unict.it/ammissioni-ai-corsi-di-laurea/numero-non-programmato). No entrance test is required; however, students must possess or acquire an adequate basic knowledge of Mathematics. Any Additional Learning Requirements (OFA – Obblighi Formativi Aggiuntivi) in Mathematics, to be fulfilled within the first year, are described at:

https://www.di3a.unict.it/it/content/ofa

Students will not be allowed to take examinations until any assigned OFA have been fulfilled.

FIRST YEAR >

• Biology, Morpho-physiology of Fruit Trees Species
• Integrated Course (I.C.) in Chemistry:

o General and Inorganic Chemistry

o Organic Chemistry

• Economics of the Wine Business
• Integrated Course (I.C.) in Fundamentals of Mathematics and Physics:

o Mathematics

o Physics

• Computer Laboratory
• Agronomy for a Sustainable Viticulture
• Agricultural Biochemistry, Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition Management
• Plant Genetics
• Viticulture
• English Language conversation

The Degree in Viticulture, Oenology and Oenomarketing is awarded upon successful completion of a final examination consisting of the discussion of literature-based dissertation, which may be written in either Italian or English under the supervision of a Faculty member, including one from another University, who acts as the supervisor.

For admission procedures and assessment criteria relating to the final examination, please refer to the Course Regulations (https://www.di3a.unict.it/corsi/l-26-vee/regolamenti) according to the academic year of enrolment.