Ann Marie Stephens Viticulture Program at Cochise College Overview
A little about Ann:
Through a generous donation, Cochise College is excited to announce the Ann Marie Stephens Viticulture Program at Cochise College. The program is intended to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in Southeastern Arizona’s growing wine industry. The program plans to collaborate with industry partners to provide hands-on learning and authentic experiences within the Southeastern Arizona viticulture industry.
Ann Stephens started her professional career as a clothing buyer after finishing her degree in textile chemistry. After several years as a clothing buyer, Ann left the industry to enroll in school to study wine. This change of careers afforded her trips to New York for an evening of cooking with James Beard and Julia Child. It also gave her a chance to frequently visit wineries and vineyards tasting wines.
In the early 1990’s, after Bashas’ had acquired AJ’s Fine Foods, Ann was hired to plan the wine department at the new store on Lincoln Dr. in Scottsdale. Ann believed the surest way to know a wine was the taste, learn its history, see where it comes from and know how it was made. During the slower summer months, Ann would tour wineries in France, Italy, Germany, Spain and Portugal.
Ann was instrumental in getting Arizona wines into a “chain” retail location. Ann championed Arizona wines before anyone knew we had vineyards and wineries. Some of the wineries first wholesale sale was with Ann at that AJ’s on Lincoln.
Throughout her career and in her personal investments, Ann always strived to be the best. She achieved Master Sommelier status in 1996, lead one of the busiest wine departments in Arizona for years and had a keen eye for tracking and investing in the stock market.
This brings us to today. Ann wanted to leave a positive legacy in the Arizona wine industry. With help of, an endowment was set up to fund a new viticulture program in Cochise Country. Ann’s wishes were for students to get their tuition, books, fees and internships paid for so they could focus on their education. Cochise College was identified as the best school to accomplish this. They are located within the largest vineyard area in the state. They have centers throughout the county, including Willcox, and two campuses in Douglas and Sierra Vista.
Ann has created an Endowment Fund with yearly distribution for Cochise College. This program is a long-term investment in the next generation vineyard managers and winemakers in Arizona Wine industry.
About Cochise College
Cochise College stands out nationally, earning accolades for its remarkable affordability, return on investment, and proven track record of student success. Our commitment to quality education is reflected in our small class sizes, providing students with personalized attention from accomplished faculty who bring real-world expertise to the classroom. As a leader in workforce development in Cochise County, Cochise College understands the importance of training its workforce for the new economy. The world is moving at lightning speed, and industries need highly skilled employees who can complete training quickly to keep up with productivity and growth rates.
The institution provides over 100 general and technical education programs, which lead to various workforce certificates, associate degrees, and two bachelor’s degrees. It provides an affordable and accessible pathway and seamless transfer to Arizona universities and other universities nationwide. Cochise College also provides community services, including workforce training, small-business counseling, and personal enrichment courses. The college also is home to outstanding athletic programs and hosts cultural and arts programs and conferences.
About the Ann Marie Stephen Viticulture Program at Cochise College
The Ann Marie Stephens Viticulture Program at Cochise College is intended to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in Southeastern Arizona’s growing wine industry. The program plans to collaborate with industry partners to provide hands-on learning and authentic experiences within the Southeastern Arizona viticulture industry.
Students will learn both the scientific and artistic aspects of the wine industry, preparing them for careers in vineyard management, winery operations, sales and marketing. With Arizona’s wine industry expanding, particularly in Cochise County and other parts of Southern Arizona, the program aims to meet local industry demand for skilled workers while also supporting sustainable farming practices and innovative wine production techniques.
Additionally, students will have access to college partnerships with local vineyards and wineries, providing practical experience and exposure to industry professionals. This program caters to both those new to the field and those seeking to advance their expertise, positioning graduates for success in one of the country’s fastest-growing wine regions.
We recognize that access to education is often limited by financial barriers, and we are committed to ensuring that the next generation of leaders in viticulture can access the unique program. With your support, we would establish a scholarship fund specifically for students pursuing a career in viticulture. These scholarships would ensure that talented students, particularly those with financial need, have the opportunity to study and work in the wine industry, one of Southeastern Arizona’s fastest growing economic sectors. Your generosity would provide critical financial support for students dedicated to excellence in this field, enabling them to gain both academic and practical experience that will prepare them for successful careers in viticulture, or related fields.
Background:
Cochise County, Arizona is home to the Willcox American Viticulture Area (AVA) located in the Willcox Bench, an area south of Willcox known for its ideal grape-growing conditions. AVAs are designated regions for growing wine grapes and provide an official appellation for the benefit of consumers and wineries. Wines from specific AVAs can have distinctive characteristics, and consumers often seek them out. The Willcox AVA produces 74% of Arizona’s wine grapes and is home to many highly rated wines. Cochise County is also the home of twelve vineyards and multiple tasting rooms located throughout the county. This unique situation provides an excellent opportunity for students to participate in an emerging industry with phenomenal potential for continued growth throughout the region.
Contacts
Dr. James Perey, Ed.D. | Executive Vice President for Academics – Cochise College | 901 North Colombo, Sierra Vista AZ 85635 | 520.515.5414 | pereyj@cochise.edu
Quintin Molina | Dean for Business & Technical Education – Cochise College | 901 North Colombo, Sierra Vista AZ 85635 | molinaq@cochise.edu
Astria Wong & Michelle Fallen | Co-Conservators | Ann Stephens Estate | astria@cox.net
Rod Keeling | Owner Keeling Schaefer Vineyards | President Willcox Wine Country
10277 E. Rock Creek Lane, Pearce, AZ 85625 | rod@keelingschaefervineyards.com
Dan Pierce | Owner Bodega Pierce Wines | Vice President Willcox Wine Country
4511 E Robbs Rd, Willcox, AZ 85643 | dan@bodegapierce.com
Kenra Riley | Owner Dawning PR | kendra@dawningpr.com
