An eleven year employee involved in the developing the enology/viticulture program, he has served in his current position for over six years: reliable sources claim he has given notice to College of his intent to resign
Although Yavapai Community College has not officially confirmed his departure, reliable sources have informed the Blog that Michael Pierce, Director of the Viticulture and Enology program, has given two weeks’ notice of his resignation.
Pierce has been with the college for 11 years, serving as Director of the Viticulture and Enology program for more than six of those years. While there has been no formal announcement, it is thought that Pierce may have accepted a position with Arizona State University.
In addition to his role at Yavapai College, Pierce lists himself on LinkedIn as the winemaker for Pierce Wines Arizona, a role he has held for over 15 years. He is currently identified as the winemaker for the company.
Pierce’s journey into winemaking began as a hobby during his college years. According to a 2015 interview with Wines and Vines, Pierce studied electronic media and visual communication at Northern Arizona University, graduating in 2004. After graduation, he initially worked in print and web design but pursued his interest in winemaking by taking online viticulture and enology courses through the University of California, Davis, extension. In 2007, he transitioned to Washington State University’s program.
Pierce told the Wines and Vines interviewer that he gained practical experience by working harvest jobs in New Zealand, Oregon, and Tasmania (Australia). In 2010, he secured a winemaking position at Arizona Stronghold Vineyards. Four years later, he joined Yavapai Community College as the Director of Enology. In 2018, his responsibilities expanded when he was named Director of the Viticulture and Enology program.
Michael Pierce’s departure, if the information provided the Blog is accurate, marks the end of a significant chapter at Yavapai Community College, where he played a key role in developing the Viticulture and Enology program.
You may Read the full 2015 interview in Wines and Vines at: https://winebusinessanalytics.com/sections/printout_article.cfm?content=152124&article=feature