TAFE NSW has taken home three medals at the NSW Small Winemakers Wineshow last week in Forbes. Made at TAFE NSW Kurri Kurri, which is a fully-functioning training winery, the wines were made by the Diploma of Viticulture students.

The Intuition 2018 Chardonnay was awarded a silver medal and the Intuition 2010 Sparkling Methode Traditionelle Chardonnay and Intuition 2017 Shiraz, both secured a bronze medal.

The local Diploma of Viticulture course is the only one of its kind in the state. TAFE NSW students enjoy a hands-on experience in the wine-making process on the doorstep of the Hunter Valley. Students and teachers operate the winery and manage its produce.

Diploma of Viticulture graduate, Marcus Wood, is one of the students who contributed to making the wines. Mr Wood secured employment in the related field of distilling at Hunter Distiller with the skills he learnt at TAFE NSW. Mr Wood said he is delighted with the result and to have been a part of the process.

“It’s very satisfying to know that the wines which my peers and I worked so hard on has won medals. I know the wines taste amazing but it makes the effort worthwhile to be recognised by a panel of judges from a prestigious organisation.”

“I am grateful to my TAFE NSW teacher, Geoff Broadfield, who provided me with the opportunities and guidance to learn not only the theory but so much hands-on knowledge in both wines and spirits, which I now use in my workplace every day.”

According to the recently released Grattan Institute report, in most cases a vocational qualification will lead to work in a relevant field.[i] Viticulture Acting Head Teacher, Albert Sherry says that the wine industry is growing and shows no sign of slowing down.

“There is an extremely healthy demand for skilled employees in the wine making industry and this extends to the hospitality industry which needs skilled sommeliers as a lot of the time, restaurants are unable to fill these positions.”  

Chief Steward of NSW Small Winemakers Wine Show, Alistair Lunn said TAFE NSW always produce quality wines which is a testament to the hardworking students and quality of education.

“The TAFE NSW wines made at Kurri Kurri were judged against some of the best winemakers in NSW. They were at a really superior standard and this is a reflection of the level of education and practical experience provided by TAFE NSW to students.”

“Congratulations to all of the students who had a hand in making these wines, winning medals this early on in their career shows the type of wine they will be producing in the future. We look forward to seeing what is produced next year.”

TAFE NSW wines are available to be purchased at the Hunter Valley Hotel Academy in Kurri Kurri.

For more information about Diploma of viticulture https://www.tafensw.edu.au/course/-/c/c/AHC51516-01/Diploma-of-Viticulture

Various TAFE NSW courses can also be studied online, when and where it suits students, via TAFE Digital. For more detail on TAFE NSW courses, face-to-face or online, visit www.tafensw.com.au or call 131 601.

Media contact: Sarah Lievore, TAFE NSW Media Officer, sarah.lievore1@tafensw.edu.au