Visit by Representatives of Vinifera EuroMaster

On October 21, the Faculty of Viticulture and Enology at Caucasus International University hosted representatives from Vinifera EuroMaster (EMaVE)—an international educational consortium focused on viticulture and winemaking.

The delegation from the French side included representatives from L’Institut Agro Montpellier: Project Director Laurent Torregrossa, Project Coordinator Patrice Lalleman, and Head of the Winemaking Program Aurélie Roland.

As part of the visit, a working meeting was held with the Rector of Caucasus International University, Mr. Kakhaber Kordzaia. In addition, the meeting was attended by Svetlana Kirakosian, Head of the International Relations Service; Olani Gotsiridze, Dean of the Faculty of Viticulture and Enology; and Davit Maghradze, Head of the Faculty Scientific Division. During the meeting, the parties discussed prospects for deepening institutional relations, opportunities for implementing joint research projects, and issues related to the internationalization of students and the expansion of internship programs.

Vinifera EuroMaster brings together 16 European universities and educational institutions. The consortium offers a two-year joint English-language Master’s program in Viticulture and Enology. According to the program’s academic structure, students spend their first year at L’Institut Agro Montpellier in France and continue their studies at partner universities during the second year, where they complete their master’s theses. The program brings together students from around the world and involves academic staff from leading European universities, fostering the internationalization of academic and practical experience.

Partnership between Caucasus International University and Vinifera EuroMaster has been actively developing for the second consecutive year. The partnership encompasses joint academic events, opportunities for CIU students to participate in individual modules of the program through academic mobility, and internships at wineries in France.

Notably, during the current academic year, five bachelor’s and master’s students from the Faculty of Viticulture and Enology have participated in a mobility project under the program. They are currently gaining theoretical knowledge and practical experience at wineries and wine-producing estates in the Bordeaux region of France. In addition, approximately ten students from the faculty have had the opportunity to participate in Vinifera EuroMaster’s summer schools and educational training programs.