Dr. Alan Busacca has been appointed director of Enology and Viticulture at Walla Walla Community College.

Busacca has an extensive background in both education and the wine industry. He is a professor emeritus of soil science and geology at Washington State University where he did research on the soils and terroirs of the Walla Walla Valley. He founded and co-owns Volcano Ridge Vineyard near The Dalles, Oregon and also co-owns Alma Terra Wines, a boutique winery.

After teaching at WSU, Busacca started a consulting business called Vinitas Vineyard Consulting and worked in Colorado, the Pacific Northwest, South America, and beyond.

The enology and viticulture program at Walla Walla Community College offers students a two-year degree in associated arts and sciences as well as a viticulture science certificate and a fermentation science certificate. A teaching vineyard and teaching winery provide students with hands-on experience.

Busacca begins his role as program director on July 29.