GETTYSBURG, Pa. – Enology, the making of wine, and viticulture, the growing of grapes, are two growing industries locally and nationwide. To meet the growing demand for a skilled workforce, HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, offers an Enology and Viticulture Program designed to meet both the needs of the growing number of wineries in the region and the heightened interest in creating a higher quality wine. An Enology and Viticulture information event will be hosted on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2014, at the Hauser Estate Winery, 410 Cashtown Road, Biglerville, from 3:30-5 p.m.

The information session will be an excellent opportunity for prospective students and those interested in grape growing and winemaking to learn more about HACC and its unique Enology and Viticulture program. Guests will also learn about professional opportunities associated with enology and viticulture, ranging from winemaker, cellar master or vineyard manager to laboratory or viticulture technician, retail sales manager or sommelier.

Guests will have the opportunity to see the Hauser vineyard, observe the winemaking process, ask questions and talk with HACC faculty, student services staff and current students.

Student services staff will be available to provide information on:

• HACC’s admissions process
• Financial aid and scholarships through the HACC Foundation, including the Helen Hauser Enology and Viticulture scholarship
• Transfer options to a four-year college or university
• HACC’s student life, clubs and athletics

The Enology and Viticulture information session is sponsored by the Gettysburg Campus Student Services Department. At the conclusion of the event, Hauser winemaker Stephen Rigby will host an optional wine tasting from 5-6 p.m. for a nominal charge of $5 per person. Guests must be at least 21 to attend the optional wine tasting. The registration deadline for the information session and wine tasting is Monday, Feb. 17, 2014.

For more information, contact Sara Ridley at HACC’s Gettysburg Campus, 731 Old Harrisburg Road, at slridley@hacc.edu or 717-339-3514.