Students help winery hit the Web

By Rachel Christie

The Bertagna Son Kissed Vineyards began operation in Chico in April 2007. Bertagna is a small winery which produced only 500 bottles in its first season. This growing winery is seeking to raise its profile among potential customers in the area.
           
Public relations students in Assistant Professor Matt Blake’s “Internet Newspapers and Magazines” class tackled this public relations challenge by creating a Web site for Bertagna in fall 2007.
           
Over the course of the semester, students were responsible for every aspect of the Web site development.
           
In small teams, students researched information for the Web site content. Other students were responsible for the design and layout of the Web site.
           
In addition to writing the copy for the project, the students also created art for the Web site.
           
“Some volunteers from the class went to the winery and took the photos that are on the Web site,” said Sarah Page, a student who contributed to the project.
           
The Web site includes information about the history of the winery, the process of wine making and where consumers can buy Bertagna wines locally.
           
Carol Bertagna, who owns Bertagna Son Kissed Vineyards with her husband, is happy with the final product.

“The students were great to work with,” said Bertagna.

Projects like this one allow students to get a taste of what it is like to work for real clients. Being part of a project from conception to research to implementation allows students to have real-world experience.
           
In addition, projects such as this allow Chico State students to make a positive impact on the community in which they live.

The positive results made an impact on the Bertagna Winery, as well.

“I realize what a great opportunity it is to work with the university in any way we can,” said Bertagna.

Click to view the Web site created for the Bertagna Son Kissed Vineyards.

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