Study Wine Science and Business in Italy with Penn State

By Blake Jackson

Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences is offering a unique study abroad course, FDSC/HORT 499: Comparing the Science and Business of Wine in the US and Italy, scheduled for May 12-24, 2026, in Siena, Italy.

This program provides students with an interdisciplinary understanding of grape cultivation, winemaking, and wine marketing, blending scientific principles with practical business insights.

Students will explore viticultural practices and learn how these methods influence wine chemistry, consumer perception, and acceptability.

The curriculum emphasizes the connection between grapevine physiology, vineyard management, and the overall production process, ensuring participants gain a comprehensive knowledge of how agricultural science informs the wine industry.

In addition to classroom-based lectures and reading assignments, the course includes hands-on exercises at a commercial vineyard and winery in Trequanda, located in the Province of Siena. Participants will observe viticulture and winemaking processes firsthand, applying theoretical concepts to real-world operations.

Field trips to wine production facilities in the Italian regions of Toscana and Emilia Romagna will further enhance students’ understanding of regional wine styles, fermentation techniques, and market strategies.

The program also covers consumer interactions with wine, focusing on branding, promotion, and tasting room sales strategies. Students will gain insights into how marketing and communication influence wine sales and consumer loyalty.

By combining science, business, and cultural immersion, the course prepares students for careers in viticulture, enology, agribusiness, and wine marketing.

Participants will leave with practical experience, an international perspective, and knowledge of how viticultural practices in Italy compare to those in the United States.

The application deadline for this program is October 31, 2025. Interested students can apply online here.

This study abroad opportunity represents a distinctive chance to engage deeply with the science and business of wine while experiencing Italian culture and expanding professional networks within the global wine industry.

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