Yakima Valley Community College received a three-year, $570,504 grant from the National Science Foundation to redesign its two-year programs in vineyard and winery technology to better address the growing demand for employment in Washington state’s wine industry. Under the revised program, students will work in externships at local vineyards and wineries while completing associate degrees. Details: yvcc.edu.

Olympic event for Bourgue
Virginie Bourgue, owner/winemaker at 350-case Lullaby, Walla Walla, Wash., will serve as consulting winemaker for 10,000-case Olympic Cellars, Port Angeles, Wash. She steps in following the departure of Benoit Murat, who is taking a sabbatical in his native France to pursue a diploma in enology. Owned and operated by women, Olympic is best known for its Working Girl line.

Antonini goes Haywire
International consulting winemaker Alberto Antonini will be consulting enologist at British Columbia’s new Haywire Winery in Summerland. The Italian native will work with owners Christine Coletta and Steve Lornie of Switchback Vineyard, and wine advisor David Scholefield.

Desert Wind promotes Chargin
Former assistant winemaker Mark Chargin was promoted to head winemaker at 30,000-case Desert Wind Winery, Prosser, Wash. Scott Silver was promoted from lab technician/enologist to assistant winemaker. Previously, winery owner Greg Fries was head winemaker. He remains active in the business.