Kent State University

Tucked into the heart of the Grand River Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA), Kent State University’s Ashtabula Campus offers one of the Midwest’s few specialized wine education programs. Established in 1958 as a regional branch of Kent State, the Ashtabula campus began offering its Associate of Applied Science in Enology and Viticulture in 2011 to support the growth of Ohio’s wine industry—now a $1.3 billion sector.

A Practical Pathway into Wine

Kent State Ashtabula’s program is built for career readiness. The hybrid format blends online theory with in-person vineyard and winery practicums, making it accessible to both traditional students and working adults. Students engage in hands-on training in viticulture, winemaking, wine chemistry, and winery business operations, completing the program in about two years full-time—or longer on a part-time basis.

The curriculum is tailored to the needs of the Ohio wine industry, emphasizing cool-climate varietals like Riesling, Vidal Blanc, and Chambourcin, all of which thrive in the Grand River Valley’s Lake Erie-influenced terroir.

Accessible Admissions, Industry Connections

Admission is open to anyone with a high school diploma or GED. Placement tests in math and English are required, and transfer credits are welcome, allowing flexibility for students with prior college coursework.

The program is led by Todd Steiner, a veteran of OSU’s viticulture extension team. Under his guidance, students benefit from deep industry ties. While the campus lacks a bonded winery, students train at local production sites including Ferrante Winery and Debonné Vineyards—two of the state’s most respected producers.

Outcomes & Recognition

The program has earned high marks for affordability and job placement. With tuition far below that of four-year programs, graduates often go directly into winemaking, cellar work, or vineyard management roles across Ohio and the broader Great Lakes region.

While the small class sizes (about 15–20 students per cohort) mean a more intimate learning environment, they also limit the breadth of the alumni network. And unlike larger programs, there is no B.S. or graduate pathway on-site—though students can transfer credits into four-year institutions if they choose to continue their education.

A Regional Anchor for Wine Education

What sets Kent State Ashtabula apart is its focus on cool-climate winemaking and strong alignment with the local wine economy. The program maintains formal affiliations with the Ohio Grape Industries Committee, the American Society for Enology and Viticulture (ASEV), and works closely with extension services to stay current with evolving vineyard and winery practices.

For aspiring winemakers and viticulturists in the Midwest, Kent State Ashtabula offers a rare, practical, and affordable gateway into the wine industry—especially for those looking to stay rooted in the region’s growing wine scene.