September 5, 2025 (Napa, CA) — Napa Valley College and the Napa Valley College Foundation celebrated the grand opening of the Wine Spectator Wine Education Center, a state-of-the-art facility that significantly expands opportunities for education, training, and career development in the wine industry. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Thursday, September 4th, bringing together students, faculty, industry leaders, community members, and donors to honor the completion of Phase I of the Napa Valley College Wine Education Complex — and launch the next chapter: Phase II, construction of The Hospitality Training Center.
The 7,000-square-foot Wine Spectator Wine Education Center more than doubles classroom and training space for the College’s Viticulture and Winery Technology (VWT) program. It features two flexible sensory classrooms seating up to 80 students combined, a fully upgraded Evelyn Allen Laboratory Classroom with 28 lab stations, and faculty offices. The center supports certificates and degrees in Viticulture, Winemaking, and Wine Marketing & Sales, as well as multiple industry certificates such as Winery Management, Vineyard Management, and Wine Laboratory Technician.
Phase I was made possible by a $10 million lead gift from the Wine Spectator Scholarship Foundation, alongside a significant contribution from the estate of longtime NVC supporter and alum Evelyn Allen.
“The generosity of Marvin Shanken’s $10 million gift from the Wine Spectator Scholarship Foundation to Napa Valley College, combined with the additional support from the estate of Evelyn Allen, has allowed the Napa Valley College Foundation to fully fund Phase I of this project solely through private fundraising,” said Dr. Torence Powell, Superintendent/President of Napa Valley College. “The Wine Spectator Wine Education Center will prepare students for thriving careers in viticulture and winemaking, while Phase II — the Hospitality Training Center — will ensure they have the complementary hospitality skills that are in such high demand in Napa and beyond.”
“The ample educational opportunities offered through the Wine Spectator Wine Education Center will allow students to build extensive wine-related skills through an assortment of programs and degrees — all designed to enhance their careers,” said Marvin R. Shanken, Editor and Publisher of Wine Spectator. “I’m proud to support this vital resource for both Napa Valley College and the wine industry, and to give back to the wine and culinary communities, who have given so much to me.”
Launching Phase II: The Hospitality Training Center
With Phase I complete, Napa Valley College and the Napa Valley College Foundation are turning their focus to Phase II of the Wine Education Complex — The Hospitality
Training Center. The new facility will address a growing industry need for skilled hospitality professionals trained in wine marketing, direct-to-consumer sales, wine club management, tourism, and culinary hospitality.
The Hospitality Training Center will feature:
- Classroom and training space for NVC’s hospitality and wine programs.
- A tasting bar and movable sit-down seating to emulate a variety of hospitality and tasting room scenarios.
- Event space to host industry trainings, educational events, guest lecturers and wine industry professionals.
“The Wine Spectator Wine Education Center is one of the most significant projects we’ve undertaken,” said Jessica Thomason, Executive Director of the Napa Valley College Foundation. “We have been able to complete the project on time, on budget and without public funding, which is rare, especially for a community college. We’re well into building out Phase II, The Hospitality Training Center, and without the initial and generous gift from the Wine Spectator, the Napa College Wine Education Complex would not be possible.”
A Lasting Impact
Napa Valley College’s VWT program boasts job placement rates consistently above 80%, with many graduates experiencing a $14/hour average wage increase. NVC partners with leading industry organizations including the Napa Valley Vintners, Napa Valley Grapegrowers, and the Napa Farm Bureau.
For more information on Napa Valley College’s Vineyard & Winery Technology program visit: Viticulture & Winery Technology.
About Napa Valley College
Napa Valley College prepares students for evolving roles in a diverse, dynamic, and interdependent world. The college is an accredited open-access, degree-and certificate-granting institution committed to student achievement through high-quality programs and services that are continuously evaluated and improved. The college serves students and the community in transfer courses; career-technical education and training; basic skills; and self-supporting contract education and community education classes. River Trail Village, on-campus student housing, is available now. Napa Valley College is at 2277 Napa-Vallejo Highway in Napa. Learn more at napavalley.edu.
About Wine Spectator
Wine Spectator is the world’s leading authority on wine. Anchored by Wine Spectator magazine, a print publication that reaches around 3 million readers worldwide, the brand also encompasses the Web’s most comprehensive wine site (WineSpectator.com), mobile platforms and a series of signature events. Wine Spectator examines the world of wine from the vineyard to the table, exploring wine’s role in contemporary culture and delivering expert reviews. Parent company M. Shanken Communications, Inc., also publishes Cigar Aficionado, Whisky Advocate, Market Watch, Shanken News Daily and Shanken’s Impact Newsletter.
About Napa Valley College Foundation
The Napa Valley College Foundation was founded in 1968 to increase community awareness and provide financial support for the Napa Valley College and its students. The Foundation engages the Napa Valley community by cultivating relationships, leveraging partnerships, and inviting generosity for Napa Valley College. The Foundation’s Board of Directors includes professional, business, and philanthropic leaders who have a dedicated interest in the College and its students. The Napa Valley College Foundation is an independent California nonprofit, public benefit corporation and is tax-exempt as provided by IRS Sec. 501 (c)3. Federal ID# 23-7003565. Learn more at www.napavalleycollegefoundation.org.
