Master Vigneron Academy
Master Vigneron Academy® and the Credential of Master VigneronCM
“A vigneron is someone who husbands the vineyard for winemaking. In modern practice, what that means is that it is the person that directs the crews that gets the job done.”
Established in 2012 by the Lake County Winegrape Commission, the Master Vigneron Academy® (MVA) was created to support the professional development of vineyard leaders and strengthen the long-term sustainability of the region’s winegrowing community. The program focuses on the people behind the vineyards — supervisors, crew leaders, and skilled workers whose knowledge and leadership play a critical role in producing high-quality winegrapes.
Over the past decade, the Academy has provided hands-on education and industry insight to vineyard professionals throughout Lake County. Courses are offered in Spanish to ensure accessibility for the region’s vineyard workforce and to support practical, in-vineyard learning.
Today, the Master Vigneron Academy continues as a series of Spanish-language educational sessions offered periodically throughout the year. These classes cover topics such as viticulture practices, vineyard management, safety, and leadership, while providing opportunities for vineyard professionals to learn from industry experts and from one another.
The goal remains the same as when the program was first launched: to invest in the people who work in the vineyards and strengthen the knowledge, pride, and professionalism of Lake County’s winegrowing workforce.
The Master Vigneron Academy concept is credited to Randy Krag, former Vineyard Manager with Beckstoffer Vineyards – Red Hills and a former Board Member and Research and Education Chairman for the Lake County Winegrape Commission.
MVA reflects Lake County winegrowers’ commitment to sustainable farming. While sustainability is often associated with environmental practices, growers recognize that the human element is equally important. By supporting education and professional development, the program helps ensure vineyard teams have the knowledge and skills needed to grow exceptional grapes and sustain the region’s wine industry for generations to come.