By Sharon Ko

ROSEBURG, Ore. -- Umpqua Community College is working to build a winery on its Roseburg campus and is nearing its donation goal to get construction started.

Several organizations have already donated to the campaign; they believe the addition of the winery will be a huge benefit for UCC's Southern Oregon Wine Institute, along with the local economy.

"We will be able to catalyze this whole wine cluster in our area, create opportunity for business, tourism and certainly the wine industry itself," said UCC Foundation Board President Lee Paterson.

There's broad support for the project, including some from Oregon State University.

"Their mandate is the research. What is the new and best thing to do in growing grapes and making wine," said Chris Lake, director of the Southern Oregon Wine Institute.

The program will use that research to educate students and wineries all across Oregon to help consumers better understand a thriving Oregon industry.

"We take their information, and spread that back to students and industry who want to know what's the newest research," said Lake.

Along with economic and educational opportunities, SOWI boosters say the winery's addiction will help attract tourists.

"The wine industry in Douglas County has shown great growth and wonderful future potential. This location will actually attract people to our community," said Ford Family Foundation President Norm Smith.

The Ford Family Foundation is one of many organizations that made donations to the institute. So far, the campaign has reached 90 percent of its fundraising goal, but UCC still needs to raise nearly $1 million.