Description

This all-day workshop is targeted to provide a baseline level of knowledge to company interns specializing in activities or training related to Washington State viticulture. The idea is to train interns in: 1) What Happens Throughout a WA Growing Season, 2) Pest and Disease Scouting, 3) Cold Damage and Yield Estimation, 4) Nutrient Disorder Identification and Understanding Fertilizers, and 5) General Internship Planning and Organization. Participants will have both in-class and in-vineyard experiences, and will also begin to develop a resource guide they can reference throughout their internship and beyond.

Target Audience

Individuals classified as “interns” in a Washington State Viticulture industry-related field (vineyard management, crop consulting, etc).

Interns are typically early-career individuals, working in a mentored position for a professional or a company. Most interns are often students enrolled in formal post-secondary education in viticulture or a related field.  This workshop does assume a basic level of knowledge / understanding of horticulture / viticulture / farming. 

Learning Objectives

After participating in this boot camp, interns should be able to:

• Understand the timing of major viticulture activities in Washington State vineyards.
• Identify major pests and diseases in Washington Viticulture, and how to best scout and sample for them.
• Identify cold damage, and understand how and when to best estimate yield in vineyards.
• Distinguish between most major nutrient deficiencies, read a soil and tissue test report, and understand basic fertilizer calculations.
• Effectively plan out their internship reports, and learn how to be proactive in engaging their internship mentors.

Registration

Registration is limited to 25 people, with preference given to those completing an internship at a Washington, Oregon, or Idaho viticulture-related business. Please see the list of topics in the agenda below for a better understanding of the day’s events.

Registration URL: Opening in April 2026

Registration fee:   TBA

Pre-registration is required, and there is an attendance cap to facilitate participant engagement.  Registration will close on May 1, 2026.

The fees for this workshop cover all workshop handouts, printed extension publications, lunch and snacks.

Anticipated Agenda – Friday, May 15, 2026

Morning:

• 8:00 – Welcome
• 8:15 – Round Table Introduction
• 8:30 – Module 1 – A Viticulture Year in Review
• 9:00 – Module 2 – Pest and Disease Scouting – Classroom
• 9:45 – Break
• 10:00 –  Module 2 – Continued
• 10:45 – Transition to Field
• 11:00 – Module 2 – Pest and Disease Scouting Activity – Vineyard
• 12:00 – Transition to Classroom / Lunch

Afternoon:

• 1:00 – Module 3 – Cold Damage Assessment and Yield Estimation – Classroom
• 1:30 – Transition to Field
• 1:45 – Module 3 – Yield Estimation Activity – Vineyard
• 2:15 – Return to Classroom / break
• 2:45 – Module 4 – Vine Nutrition and Nutrient Disorders – Classroom
• 3:15 – Module 4 – Interpreting Soil and Tissue Tests – Activity
• 4:15 – Module 5 – Professional Development and Optimizing Your Internship Experience – Classroom
• 4:45  Session Wrap-up

Anyone attending this program who requires auxiliary aids or services, please contact Michelle Moyer at 509-786-9234 or michelle.moyer@wsu.edu. Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local Extension office.

https://extension.wsu.edu/about-extension/extension-is-for-everyone/