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Subject Overview

New Zealand has an excellent reputation for winemaking. If you want to be a part of this exciting industry, postgraduate study in Wine Science will give you an understanding of the science of winemaking (oenology) and help prepare you for a career in this field.
You’ll be based at the beautiful Goldwater Wine Science Centre on Waiheke Island, a 40-minute ferry trip from Auckland city, and you’ll get hands-on experience in our winemaking facilities and in the vineyard, alongside opportunities to work with professional winemakers.

Knowledge and Skills

Courses in the Wine Science programme examine the science of grape production and winemaking, and analytical techniques in winemaking.

You will have the opportunity to learn about the organisation and operation of the wine industry as a whole, and you will be encouraged to pursue a particular field of interest by completing a research project in wine science.

Areas of research interests open to exploration include:

  • - Post-fermentation processes in winemaking
  • - Sensory evaluation and statistical methods
  • - The business of wine production
  • - The science behind grape production
  • - The science behind winemaking
  • - Viticulture
  • - Winemaking in a New Zealand setting

Potential Careers

Wine Science prepares students to work within the wine industry, either as a winemaker or in another role. With training in Wine Science you are qualified to work in New Zealand or overseas, and it’s also a great preparatory programme for other jobs in the food and beverage industry.

Our graduates learn the essential theory and practical skills to begin their employment in the winemaking and hospitality industries.

Jobs related to Wine Science

  • Cellar manager
  • Lab technician
  • Laboratory research worker
  • Marketer
  • Quality assurance manager
  • Vineyard operator
  • Viticulturist
  • Winemaker

Schedule

Schedule Notes

Prerequisite subject: Wine Science or an equivalent subject approved by the Academic Head or nominee

Plan Schedules

Complete 120 points comprising:

  • 120 points for all Thesis

Thesis

Complete 120 points for ALL of the following: