June 3, 2026 (Napa, CA) — Napa Valley College and the Napa Valley College Foundation celebrated the grand opening of the Donna Altes Hospitality Training 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 Tuesday, June 2nd, bringing together students, faculty, industry leaders, community members, and donors to honor the opening.
The Donna Altes Hospitality Training Center provides specialized training in all aspects of wine marketing, sales, and hospitality, including winery food programs, wine club membership, tasting room management, tourism and the role of a winery chef. The center’s programming offers practical skills for careers in wine hospitality, including professional table service, wine sales, and education on the region’s history. It is designed for students seeking entry-level work or professional advancement.
“The Donna Altes Hospitality Training Center is the fruition of my life’s work – a place destined to teach, counsel, and guide others through education and opportunity,” said Donna Altes. “It stands as the legacy I hoped to leave behind and a lasting gift that will continue to inspire, nurture, and transform lives for generations to come, long after I have crossed the rainbow bridge.”
Additional funding and support for the Donna Altes Hospitality Training Center, was provided by the estate of long-time Napa Valley College supporter Evelyn Allen.
“Evelyn was a big supporter of Napa Valley College. She began taking classes there in 1944 and continued to do so for most of her life,” said Pam Elder, Evelyn Allen Family member. “She was a lifelong learner and was extremely proud of her association with the College. She would be absolutely thrilled to see the completion and opening of this Center.”
The Donna Altes Hospitality Training Center features:
- 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 Donna Altes Hospitality Training Center completes the Napa Valley College Wine Education Complex, which now includes two state-of-the-art facilities, including the Wine Spectator Wine Education Center which opened in the fall of 2025.
“The Napa Valley College Wine Education Complex 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. Without the generous gifts from the Wine Spectator, the estate of Evelyn Allen, Donna Altes, and Napa Valley College Foundation board members, alumni and industry partners, the Complex would not be possible.”
For more information on the Napa Valley College Wine Education Complex, please visit: napavalleycollegefoundation.org/wine-education-complex.
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 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.
