Wine Stability and Sensory Evaluation

Online

Combining the two key topics of wine stability and sensory evaluation, this course provides current and future winemakers with an introduction to the science involved in controlling wine stability in bottled wines. Explore various methods for testing and controlling wine stability including: filtration, bitartrate stability, protein instability, metal stability, fining agents, and oxidative and hydrolytic enzymes. Learn the basic anatomy and physiology of the human organoleptic senses as they influence our interaction with wine. In addition, you will be introduced to basic sensory science analyses, such as component recognitions tests, discrimination tests, paired comparisons and triangular tests. By the end of this course, students will have an effective competency in the theory and practice of wine analyses and processes to produce q stable wine product for the marketplace.

Learning Outcomes

  • Evaluate the stability of wine and suggest remedial action for problem wines
  • Understand and identify the principle mechanisms of sensory perception
  • Recognize major faults in wine such as imbalance, oxidation, microbial spoilage and hazes
  • Identify the main sensory testing methodology used in the wine industry

Skills You Will Gain

  • Sensory perception and testing methodology
  • Juice conditioning
  • Filtration, absorption and ion exchange principles
  • Fining of wines
  • Wine oxidation and browning reactions
  • Membrane filtration and preparation for bottling
Academic Units
4
Section Number
261WMC354
Instruction Method
Online class

Section Notes

Access to your course in Canvas will be available 7 days before the course start date. Please note that course start and end dates, as well as live sessions (if applicable), are subject to change.

Enrollment Policies

Drop requests (withdraw with a refund) will be approved, less a $30 processing fee, if the request is received before the refund deadline. Click here to view complete enrollment policy information including details on withdrawals and transfers.  
 
Refund Deadline: 7/13/2026. Refunds and/or enrollment transfers will not be approved after this date.   
 
Students enrolling after the first day of class are expected to reach out to their instructor to make sure they receive all content and are on track with the course. 

Prerequisites

Introduction to Wine and Winemaking, Wine Production.

You must successfully complete (with a grade of "C" or better) all prerequisites in order to take this course.

Technical Requirements

To ensure your success in this course, please review our technical requirements page at online learning.

Discounts

CAAA Member Discount

Current members of the Cal Aggie Alumni Association (CAAA) and other UC alumni associations receive 10% off the course fee of one course per quarter, not to exceed $100. If you don't have your discount code, contact CAAA at alumni@ucdavis.edu to request it.