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Latina Vineyard Workers Get Opportunities Through Women-Only College Course

Wenatchee Valley College
Students in the Latino Ag Education Program (LAEP) at Wenatchee Valley College learn hands-on skills during a field trip to a vineyard.

Washington state is one of largest wine producers in the U.S., second only to California.  As demand for Washington’s silky reds and crisp whites goes up, so does the need for labor. Growing grapes can be a complicated job. You have to learn the right way to prune vines and manage irrigation. 

In recent years, more Latina women are applying for jobs in vineyards. In response, Wenatchee Valley College recently expanded their successful grape-growing program to include classes exclusively for Spanish-speaking women.

Leo Garcia started the viticulture program initially for both sexes, but found Latina women were quiet until they got their own class.

“When you have an all-women class, it’s more opportunity for participation," said Garcia. "They’re not afraid to speak and say whatever they think about something, you know.  It’s pretty amazing.”

Garcia says a worker who has some education tends to get promoted to supervisor in the field. The second year of classes starts this fall, but already there are women-led teams in several vineyards around the state.