wine glass
Promoted by Eastern Institute of Technology

Swirl, sip and study: Kick-start your career in the wine industry

Ever wanted to make your own wine? Maybe even own or manage your own winery or vineyard someday? Thanks to an increase in consumer demand from countries like the U.S and China, the global wine industry is flourishing, and there’s never been a better time to turn your fermenting interest into a tasteful career!

On top of this, a report from The Telegraph, a major publication in the UK, has shown that six in 10 people prefer wine over other alcoholic beverages, citing it as the ‘drink of choice’ among the majority of Brits. The demand for good-quality wine is also expected to grow, as the market is predicted to reach a global consumption of more than 30 billion litres over the next three years.

Due to surging popularity of this particular beverage, the demand for wine education in key consumer markets such as China, the UK, and North America has also seen a rise. So, if you’re looking to kick-start your education in this exciting business, study at a top-rated institute in a world-class wine producing country – New Zealand.

wine education

Image courtesy of Eastern Institute of Technology

Known for producing highly regarded red and white wine specimens, the country’s wine exports hit $1.5 billion last year, making it the sixth-largest export in New Zealand. So where better to learn about growing grapes and the techniques behind making wine, than the Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT)?

Ranked one of New Zealand’s top institutes of technology and polytechnics, EIT is an outstanding institution that hosts the widest range of viticulture and wine-based qualifications in the country . It  is committed to providing quality education that’s relevant to industry and employer needs through globally-recognised courses. Let’s not forget that you’ll also get to spend some time studying in a winery and vineyard – that’s definitely a vin!

EIT it is a specialist government tertiary education institution that delivers applied technical and professional higher education and skills-based training, consistently producing work-ready graduates with the power to take on the world. “So whether you are a school leaver, international student, someone looking to up-skill or to extend your formal qualifications, you can have full confidence that in choosing to study at EIT you have chosen one of the outstanding tertiary education institutes in New Zealand,” says Chris Collins, Chief Executive Officer of Eastern Institute of Technology.

Discover the secrets of wine through a rich array of courses

At EIT, students choose from a range of courses depending on their interests. The institution offers a Certificate in Grapegrowing and Winemaking, a Diploma in Wine Marketing, a Diploma in Grapegrowing and Winemaking, Bachelor of Viticulture, Bachelor of Wine Science, Bachelor of Viticulture and Wine Science (Concurrent degree), a Graduate Diploma in Viticulture, and a Graduate Diploma in Oenology.  Students from a diverse range of cultures and backgrounds choose to pursue these programmes, all of them at different stages in life and their professional career. Whether you’re just starting out, in need of a change, or have been in the industry for a good while, the EIT grants the tools you need with warm and open arms.

wine education

Image courtesy of Eastern Institute of Technology

For those aiming to pursue a Bachelor’s degree, you’ll be studying in one of the country’s premium winemaking districts, learning about how you can help grapes grow, as well as the soils and environments they are best suited to, and the intricate science behind one of New Zealand’s most popular exports.

All degree programmes seek to provide you with the expertise needed to succeed in a career in either viticulture or the winemaking industry. Besides providing students with outstanding facilities that include a purpose-built, modern teaching and research winery, a world-class sensory laboratory, a vineyard and glasshouses, the faculty also organises field trips and excursions for students to network and gain knowledge from key players in the business.

But if you’re looking for a more hands-on approach to wine, EIT offers the Certificate in Grapegrowing and Winemaking for those aiming to work in a vineyard or a winery. With this, you’ll gain a firm foundation of wine theory and practical skills that will later provide you with the chance to work in a cellar and tend the vines.

An additional factor of this course is that students can choose to study in either Napier or Gisborne, allowing them to experience winemaking throughout an entire vintage in the on-campus commercial winery, as well as forming part of the management in both the on-campus and commercial vineyards.

From tasting wine to making wine, the opportunities are endless

wine education

Image courtesy of Eastern Institute of Technology

Studying at EIT not only provides you with the skills employers seek in recent graduates, but also lets you reap the benefits from the Institute’s long-established industry connections that span the nation. This is undeniably a degree that opens more than just a window of opportunity; it opens doors to a long and prosperous career. Graduating with a Bachelor in Viticulture allows you to work as a vineyard manager, owner or operator of a winery/vineyard, or to work in research and development and so much more. For those with a degree in Wine Science, you could get to be a winemaker, a wine or viticulture educator, or a manager within the wine, brewing or food industries.

A location like no other

New Zealand is arguably home to one of the best landscapes in the world, from gorgeous sandy beaches that stretch for miles, to the snow-capped soaring mountains, it all forms part of the country’s unique charm. It’s also ranked the world’s fourth most peaceful country, according to the Global Peace Index, providing parents and students with peace of mind when choosing a country in which to study abroad. Another thing that makes New Zealand so unique is its perfect blend of outdoors and contemporary city life. Students who are studying viticulture and wine science courses are situated at Napier, a coastal city in the Hawke’s Bay region that hosts a vibrant, modern city and beautiful weather that rivals the South of France. To top it off, surrounding the local area is a productive region known for its award-winning wines.

So, if you’re looking to turn your passion for wine into a career, this is the place to get started. With the vineyard as your classroom, your time at the Eastern Institute of Technology is guaranteed to be as unforgettable as it is career-defining.

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