V&E Undergraduate Alumni Reflect on Their Experience at Cornell

It isn’t, of course, only the V&E courses that profoundly impact our students’ academic pursuits. Part of the appeal of a Cornell education is the breadth of knowledge possible by taking courses across the university. Jay Owens found a soil science course to be integral to his success at his previous position as a vineyard manager for Gallo and, currently, as the Orchards manager at Cornell. Misha Kwasniewski also said, “the fundamentals I learned in classes that were general food science or soil science courses, for instance, also laid a solid groundwork.”

Jay Owens believes learning to find creative solutions to problems is the most important lesson he learned during his time at Cornell as a student. Abbie Stamp agrees with this, saying her Cornell education gave her “the scientific foundation and the critical thinking skills I needed for a career in winemaking.” These critical evaluation skills are mastered in many courses across the university campus.

As already mentioned, coursework is only part of a Cornell V&E education. Misha Kwasniewski stated that “Cornell facilitated getting me tapped into that network of people working in production, sales appreciation and research… These connections have helped my research and my career in innumerable ways”.

Mari Rossi mentioned the importance of practical experience as “the fastest way to gauge what part of the industry you are drawn to, while also providing invaluable real-world experience with the winemaking/grape growing process.” Mari found that summer internships during college cemented the knowledge she was learning in classes, and working in a variety of wineries after graduation helped her find a satisfying position in the Washington wine industry. “My love for math and science initially drew me to enology & viticulture, but the combination of science, creativity, and physically hand crafting a product that brings people joy is what keeps me loving my job.”

Fostering Diversity in the Wine Industry

Something that we heard was important to many of our V&E alumni agreed completely with a goal of faculty and staff working in the V&E major at Cornell—the desire to increase the diversity of people working in all aspects of the wine industry. That goal can be advanced partially by increasing the pool of students who apply to the V&E program, broadening the diversity of our V&E major students.

We know that you don’t need to come from an agricultural family to pursue V&E and succeed in the wine industry or other careers. Of the group of graduates we interviewed, most did not come from agricultural backgrounds, and that is typical of our student body each year. The challenge for the V&E program at Cornell, and for our alumni and supporters, is to find ways to show more students, from different backgrounds, what V&E is and why it might be right for them. Different perspectives strengthen our program and the industry. Matthew Murray advised students to travel, “There is so much value from meeting people from different countries, and from different backgrounds and different experiences.”

Quotes from Alumni About Their Chosen Careers

“I couldn't imagine myself in any other career. Winemaking incorporates such a wide variety of tasks and every vintage is different. It's hard to get bored and it's so rewarding to produce a finished product you are proud of.” (Abby Stamp)

“Cornell helped me narrow in on an industry that combines my love of math and science with a handcrafted, highly creative product. An industry that is small and collaborative, while also spanning across the world. Cornell helped open my eyes to a job that I love.” (Mari Rossi)

“I really love being outside, I grew up in agriculture and still work in it … The other bit is the international industry, you meet and interact with lots of different people from lots of different perspectives.” (Matt Murray)

“For me there is nothing more hopeful than pruning vines as I am tired of winter, or as satisfying as punching down a well-formed cap, feeling the pushback of a happy fermentation.” (Misha Kwasniewski)

“When I was an undergrad I was really terrified by the specialization of the program, but it turned out to serve as a great foundation to build from. Wherever your passion lies, you are really set up for success.” (Matt Gura)

Faculty and staff in the V&E undergraduate program at Cornell are impressed with our students and our alumni. It was gratifying to learn that the alumni interviewed by the students in the Wines & Vines laboratory course are happy with their choice of V&E major, whether they are in the wine industry or their career path has led elsewhere.

Kathy Arnink is lecturer in the viticulture and enology program at Cornell, where she teaches undergraduate courses in enology.