Program Description

Cortona is the perfect place to experience Italian culture while learning about the economic and historical significance of wine and the science of its production. Students will share dorm rooms on campus in a renovated 15th century convent and dinners in a local family-run restaurant. The course is co-taught by professors from the Departments of Horticulture, Plant Pathology and Food Science & Technology. You’ll study the health implications of wine consumption, characteristics of different grape varieties, cultivation techniques, grapevine diseases, and pest management. Enology topics covered include wine types, steps in the winemaking process, microbiological and chemical processes associated with vinification, and the sensory implications of winemaking decisions. Participants also learn to identify common taste components of red and white wines, identify common varietals by sensory analysis, and how to pair wine with food.

Program Highlights

The setting for the UGA Cortona Program is the small, quiet, walled hilltown of Cortona, Italy. Centrally located within the Tuscany region on the crest of Mont S. Egidio overlooking the vast Val di Chiana, Cortona is surrounded by beautiful olive groves, vineyards, rich valley farmland and immense history. The town of Cortona is a veritable museum that offers the student a rich artistic and historical environment that reveals itself through fine examples of Etruscan, Roman, Romanesque, and Renaissance art and architecture. Since 1970, the small community of Cortona and the University have shared a mutual tradition of goodwill and respect where the local government and citizens provide generous support and encouragement to the Program and its students. In this idyllic environment, the UGA Cortona -Viticulture and Enology Maymester Program provides a challenging opportunity for the serious student who wishes to combine international travel with an intensive period of classroom work while merging with the lifestyle and culture of a typical Italian community.

Eligibility Requirements

• Must have completed 2 years of undergraduate coursework at an accredited institution.

Academic Credit

Students who successfully complete the program will receive 4 UGA credit hours for:

• PATH (HORT)(FDST) 3050: Viticulture & Enology in the Mediterranean Region*

*This course will be processed as transfer credit for University of Tennessee students. Therefore, UT participants will need to request that their UGA transcript be sent to the UT Programs Abroad Office upon completion of the program.

The Viticulture and Enology course is co-taught by Horticulture, Plant Pathology, and Food Science & Technology professors. You will study the health implications of wine consumption, characteristics of different grape varieties, cultivation techniques, grapevine diseases, and pest mangement. Enology topics covered include wine types, steps in the winemaking process, microbiological and chemical processes associate with vinification, and the sensory implications of winemaking decisions.

Program Housing

Students live in a newly renovated 15th century monastery that provides premium studio spaces and living quarters with historic surroundings.

Cost Information

The UGA Program Website outlines important information, dates, and fees that are billed to all participants by UGA. You will pay UGA directly for the program. *A current SEC agreement allows UT students to pay UGA’s in-state tuition for this program’s academic coursework.

AT UT, you will pay a study abroad administrative fee of $175. This UT fee will appear on your MyUTK account and it is due according to the UT billing schedule for your study abroad term. Click the One Stop calendar to review the payment schedule.

You should carefully review costs, budgets, and financing when selecting and preparing for your experience abroad. If you have any questions at any step of the process, we encourage you to reach out to the program contacts for guidance.

Funding Your Study Abroad Program

You should carefully review costs, budgets and financing when selecting and preparing for your experience abroad. If you have any questions at any step of the process, we encourage you to reach out to your Programs Abroad Coordinator for guidance.

Steps to Financing Your Study Abroad Program

1. Review the program's Costs Sheet to understand the breakdown of program expenses.
2. Consider your Financial Aid options.
3. Search and apply for scholarships and grants on our Funding Opportunities tab.
4. Review your UTK financial aid package and speak with One Stop about applying it to your study abroad program costs.

If you wish to use your HOPE Lottery Scholarship for the summer term, you may be eligible to receive a prorated amount but you must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours.

Unique Funding Opportunities for Herbert College of Agriculture students

• UTIA Undergraduate Study Abroad Grants Program

Complete the UTK study abroad application by clicking on the blue Apply Now button below. Don't wait! You must complete the UGA application process, as well.

Both the UTK and UGA applications are required.