• What is viticulture & winemaking?
• Why study viticulture and winemaking at NMIT?
• What is the cost of studying at NMIT?
• Where will studying viticulture and winemaking at NMIT take me?

What is viticulture & winemaking?

Viticulture is the production of premium quality grapes and covers vineyard establishment and harvesting, involving the design, construction and management of vineyards. Winemaking involves processing of the grapes, bottling and the marketing of wine. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics the majority of grape crops in Australia are used in wine. In 2002-2003, 89 per cent of all grapes produced were used for winemaking.

In the ten-year period to 2002-03 the domestic sales of Australian wines rose by 29 per cent, from 312.1 million litres to 402.5 million litres. Australian wine exports increase from 102.8 million litres in 1992-93 to a staggering 518.6 million litres in 2002-03. The total annual exports of Australian wine exceeded domestic consumption for the first time in 2001-02.

According to the 2001 Census of Population more than 30,000 people were directly employed in viticulture and winemaking. There were 14,480 employed in the manufacture of wine, and 15,629 employed in grape-growing.

Why study viticulture & winemaking at NMIT?

The course at NMIT provides a study of the science and technology of viticulture & winemaking and the application of this knowledge on site at NMIT's diverse vineyard locations (encompassing five different climatic regions) and wineries.

NMIT has established the vineyards and wineries as research and commercial facilities designed to industry standards. NMIT's vineyards are at Eden Park , Yarra Glen, Ararat, Strathbogie Ranges and Mulwala. NMIT has wineries at its Epping and Ararat campuses.

Specialised equipment at the vineyards include a fully automated irrigation system, computerised weather stations, fertigation systems, frost control systems, farm tillage ands soil analysis systems. Specialised equipment at the wineries for commercial production of wine includes rotary fermenters, bottling lines, presses, crusher/destemmer and quality tanks.

The Bachelor of Viticulture and Winemaking is taught by qualified academic staff supported by highly-experienced industry practitioners.

What is the cost of studying at NMIT?

Students can enrol in NMIT's bachelor courses for three year's full time, or have the option of enroling part time or online. The degree programs are fee for service and costs AU$12,000 each year, however all courses have the option of FEE-HELP for eligible students. No amenities fees are charged for any higher education courses.

Students opting for the distance-education study program, a cost of $1500 a subject will apply.

The tuition fees are calculated based on full-time study. Part-time fees per year depend on subjects chosen (part-time study is only available to domestic students).

Where will studying viticulture and winemaking at NMIT take me?

This multi-disciplinary course is designed to produce graduates with an extensive and specialised knowledge of viticulture and winemaking practices through all seasons of the grape growing and wine making calendars. This course includes a study of plant biology and physiology, microbiology, entomology, chemistry, soil science and water management.

With rapid expansion of the Australian and international viticulture and winemaking industry there is a need for skilled professionals to improve sustainability in both production and management. Employment opportunities in the viticulture or wine making industries include owner/manager of a winery or vineyard, technical assistant, winery laboratory technician, winemakers assistant, wine/viticulture education, wine marketer, wine retailer, wine exporter.