Verde Valley News – Yavapai College has named Ryan Avery Follensbee as the new Director of its Viticulture & Enology Program.
“This is a great honor and a wonderful opportunity,” Follensbee said. “Everybody in the wine industry knows the reputation of Yavapai College and the Southwest Wine Center.”
A certified sommelier and graduate of Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Follensbee was drawn to Viticulture and Enology back in 2008, while working in a wine store in Park City, UT. “I just fell in love with it,” he said. “When you’re in a wine store, the wines are like little museums: time and place captured in a bottle.”
Follensbee began his formal study of wine in 2013 at Walla Walla Community College, in Eastern Washington, and built a resumé that draws extensively from the classroom, the tasting room and the vineyard. He worked as a research associate in the Sonoma Valley and supervised coastal operations for the Frei Brothers and Ernest & Julio Gallo wineries in Healdsburg. He has harvest experience in vineyards from Sonoma to Ithaca, New York to Eastern Washington State and Grand Junction, Colorado, where he currently teaches Viticulture and Enology courses at Colorado Mesa University.
“We are thrilled to welcome Ryan, whose enthusiasm and problem-solving skills will undoubtedly enhance our department.” YC’s Verde Valley Campus Associate Dean Heather Mulcaire said. “With his awareness of industry trends and robust blend of educational and professional experiences, we are excited about the fresh perspectives and collaborative opportunities he will bring to the Arizona Wine Industry.”
Follensbee will begin his duties in June. “I have great respect for Yavapai College’s VEN program, and the caliber of student and wine created there.” He said. “I want it to continue to be an open, welcoming center of enological knowledge in the community.”