Yavapai Community College took a monumental step in their quest to build a first class Viticulture Program - they planted their first acre of vineyards. The College's Viticulture Program is the first in the state and one of only a few in the country. Viticulture is the science, production, and study of grapes, vineyards, and winemaking. The College envisions 16 acres of vines on the Clarkdale campus. This first acre of planting was funded by Merkin Vineyards Green Management who will work side by side with staff and students to nurture the vines. The initial planting is 900 Negro Amaro grape vines which are native to Southern Italy