Survey of the Wine Industry Across the Americas

Note: This program is offered in both 8 credit and 16 credit options. Students signing up for 8 credits will attend class with both faculty members on Saturdays, while students in the 16 credit option will have additional meeting times with Jorge Gilbert during the week.

The primary aim of this program is to explore the wine industry in the Americas using history, geography, political economy, and economics as an exemplar of the interactions of physical and human processes in time and space. Special emphasis will be placed on the impact of globalization on locally-based wine production and marketing, international trade and the likely future impact of climate change on the global distribution of wine production. California, Washington, and Chile will be used as case studies.

During the first two quarters, students will analyze the cultivation of vines and the production and consumption of wine in a geographical context focused on spatial variations within its relevant physical, cultural and social factors. Topics covered include the history of wine production and consumption, viticulture, including the environmental requirements of different vine varieties, the elements of wine-making and how these vary nationally and by region, as well as the comparative characteristics of wine production in Europe, California, Washington, and Chile. In addition, these two quarters will expose students to the economics of wine making. In particular, students will learn about economic modeling and concepts such as market structure, sustainable development, labor markets, international trade, and foreign exchange, among others.

The program includes trips to Washington wine regions in fall and winter quarters. Field trips will provide a unique hands-on experience for the students and will allow them to meet and learn from the wine-makers and business owners themselves. During spring quarter, students will also have the option to travel to Chile. Under the general goal of using history, geography, political economy, and economics to analyze the wine industry, the spring program will expose the students to wine production within the context of Chilean life. In addition, this quarter will allow students to participate in some population studies under Chile's current neo-liberal model of economic development, such as elimination of poverty, popular culture, artistic expression, women's issues and environmental concerns. These studies will involve research and observation, and will allow the student to closely collaborate with community organizations, cooperatives and public institutions affecting the industry.