Chris Habershaw

 

Student Name: Chris Habershaw

Community College: Surry Community College

Area of Study: Viticulture and Enology Technology

Career Goal: Winemaker

 

 

Meet Chris. He is a 20-year veteran of the United States Marine Corps, where he served as an aviation electrician. During his service, Chris’ brother started a career in the wine industry, which led to many chats about Chris’ plans after retirement. After purchasing a home winemaking kit, Chris was hooked.

He then enrolled in the Viticulture and Enology Technology program at Surry Community College.

 

“My experience at Surry couldn’t have been better. At graduation I was very confident the classes provided me with the base to succeed in the industry,” he said. “Surry provided me with hands-on education while attending classes but also having a schedule where I could work with other wineries and still maintain a healthy family life.”

Within two months of graduating, he found an apprenticeship at Windsor Run Cellars in Hamptonville where he spent a year learning more about the production of wines, meads, and distilled spirits.

After the apprenticeship, he accepted a position at RayLen Vineyards & Winery in Mocksville where he works today alongside his brother, Micah.

 

“Surry provided me with hands-on education…[and] a schedule where I could work with other wineries and still maintain a healthy family life.”