A fully online certificate presented by Keuka College and Hunt Country Vineyards.

Millions of tourists travel to New York's Finger Lakes region each year to taste what USA Today calls some of the greatest wines in the world. 

This Wines of the Finger Lakes certificate is your all-access pass to unlocking the art, science, history, and tradition of wine and winemaking in the Finger Lakes. Whether you're a native to the region or are just starting to explore, you'll find immense value in this fully online experience.

Wines used in the program are shipped right to your door, and you and a small group of wine enthusiasts from around the world will taste, read, watch, and interact virtually as you refine your palette and enrich your wine appreciation.

Explore one of the world’s preeminent wine regions, guided by some of its most famous winemakers and vintners, from the comfort of your own home.

Each lesson is one week and involves tasting wine, watching videos, reading materials, and conversing with classmates online. Lessons are asynchronous, meaning you'll master Wines of the Finger Lakes at your own pace.

The Wines of the Finger Lakes certificate is awarded from Keuka College after you complete 10 lessons. Each of which will cover a selection of topics ranging from viticultural practices, harvesting, soil and climate, as well as refining your understanding, appreciation, and confidence of wine.

Wines talked about in each course are shipped right to your door directly from Hunt Country Vineyards.

Beautifully crafted course content was filmed and produced in the heart of the Finger Lakes, bringing you unique images, videos, and insights from growers, winemakers, sommeliers, and winery owners.

The history of grape growing and wine production in the Finger Lakes region, with a special focus on Keuka Lake.

The vine-to-bottle process of wine making in the Finger Lakes.

How to refine your tasting palette for different wines, especially those varietals grown in the Finger Lakes. 

An introduction to sustainability in wine including soil health, renewable energy, waste reduction, and wildlife habitat.

The importance of community in wine making.

The elements and concept of terroir.

Art Hunt is co-founder and co-owner of Hunt Country Vineyards with his wife, Joyce. The Hunts are some of the founding members of the modern Finger Lakes wine region. Art has worked closely with Cornell University over the years, helping to pioneer important innovations and techniques for grape growing in the Northeast. Art also helped craft legislation that made it possible for the Finger Lakes wine region to become what it is today. His family has been farming this same land on Keuka Lake for seven generations.

Suzanne Hunt oversees strategic development for Hunt Country Vineyards and is helping evolve the family business for the next seven generations. She is also president of HuntGreen LLC and has more than a decade worth of experience helping companies, governments, farms, and communities - across the country and around the world - transition to renewable energy and implement sustainable transport and agricultural practices.

Karsten König joined Hunt Country in January bringing with him several years of professional experience in both the public and private sectors. He has his Level 3 Certification in Wines from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) and is pursuing his Level 4 Diploma in Wines. In his free time, you can catch Karsten enjoying Keuka Lake or travelling the world.

Nishant Ceyyur joined Hunt Country in June after completing his Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 3. He brings his passion for education to the winery working with staff and customers to elevate their experiences on premise. When not at the winery, you can spot him with his camera capturing the sights and sounds of the Finger Lakes.

Craig Hosbach is the head winemaker at Hunt Country Vineyards. Fifteen years ago, Craig got hooked on winemaking while working at a local winery in New Jersey where he grew up. A year later, he was named head winemaker. Since 2008 Craig has been honing his skills at the craft in New York State. In 2017, Craig joined the Hunt Country team and is focused on making incredible wines from estate-grown hybrids and vinifera grapes.

A full case of wine will be shipped to your door no later than one week before the course begins.

We'll send you a shopping list of wines to purchase from your favorite wine retailer.