Why Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology?
Let your palate lead the way. Adelaide is one of the great wine capitals of the world, boasting over 200 cellar doors within an hour of the city.
Join a community of groundbreaking and cultural leaders in viticulture and winemaking at Australia’s largest teaching winery. Get your hands dirty and learn in our on-campus vineyard. Build practical skills among the largest agricultural teaching and research precinct in the Southern Hemisphere. You’ll graduate as a fully trained winemaker or viticulturist – ready to manage a vineyard, develop innovative technologies or focus on sustainable winemaking.
Overview
Our Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology teaches best-practice techniques for growing wine grapes and making wine. Learn on a campus where 70% of Australia’s wine research happens. You’ll be equipped with practical skills to develop winemaking and viticultural practices across an array of careers.
These include:
- viticultural management
- winemaking and winery management
- food and beverage technology
- Supply chain logistics and management.
This four-year degree will place you amongst winemakers and innovators who are cultural leaders driving Australia’s economy. Get a head start by completing a practical placement based on work experience among Australia’s best commercial vineyards and wineries. You’ll learn grape and wine chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology and genetics, and how these are applied in practical viticulture and winemaking under challenging conditions.
Collaborate with cutting-edge researchers to build important problem solving and critical thinking skills. Take advantage of our global reach and explore international wine regions on a study tour. You’ll have the opportunity to collaborate and gain practical skills, ready to graduate and make a difference.
Key features
Get hands-on and learn to make wine at Australia’s largest teaching winery.- Explore our on-campus vineyard and learn directly from the source.
- Complete a practical placement in a commercial vineyard or winery.
- Benefit from the knowledge of over 150 researchers and partners in wine and grape science.
- Study at the largest agricultural teaching and research precinct in the Southern Hemisphere.
- Access cutting-edge research through world-renowned academics.
What you'll learn
Adelaide University’s Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology will teach you essential techniques to succeed. Our practical approach will ensure that you build the skills and knowledge to be an innovator in the field.
Firstly, you'll hone your skills in basic biology and chemistry practices to gain a comprehensive understanding of their role in grape growing and winemaking. You’ll also evaluate principles of physics and their applications in agricultural and biological sciences. Hands-on work will focus on foundations of wine science and dive into grapevine anatomy.
In second year, you’ll explore advanced concepts in plant, animal and microbial metabolism, strengthening your knowledge in agricultural biochemistry. Courses also include grapevine life cycles, sensory evaluation, winemaking principles and practices and general plant life cycles.
Third year is designed to hone your wine production knowledge with viticulture and oenology-specific courses. These include hands-on wine grape management, practical winemaking from grape to glass, and learning the principles and practices of wine clarification and stabilisation – essential for future careers in producing top-level wines. You’ll also discover how Australian and overseas sparkling wine is produced and gain insights into how grape spirits are distilled and used in fortification.
In your final year, you’ll put your knowledge to practice in industry with a 10-week viticulture or oenology placement. This is a practical placement, based on work experience at a commercial vineyard or winery during vintage.
Assessments include a combination of oral presentations, written assignments, practical work and/or examination work.
What courses you'll study
Complete 192 units comprising:
- 162 units for Core courses, and
- 6 units for all Work integrated learning, and
- 24 units for Electives
Complete 162 units comprising:
- 144 units from Program core courses, and
- 18 units from Program core selective courses
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Soils and Landscapes
|
Course code
AGRI1003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Soil and Water Resources 2
|
Course code
AGRI2004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Agricultural Biochemistry
|
Course code
AGRI2006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Biology 1A: Molecules, Genes and Cells
|
Course code
BIOL1003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Biology 1B: Evolution and Diversity of Organisms
|
Course code
BIOL1004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Agricultural Genetics
|
Course code
BIOL2010
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Foundations in Plant Science
|
Course code
BIOL2024
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Plant Health
|
Course code
BIOL3018
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Foundations of Wine Science
|
Course code
BUSI5028
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Data Skills for Scientists
|
Course code
STAT1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Viticultural Science 2
|
Course code
WINE2000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Microbiology for Viticulture and Oenology 2
|
Course code
WINE2001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Sensory Studies 2
|
Course code
WINE2002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introductory Winemaking 2
|
Course code
WINE2003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Wine Packaging and Quality Management 3
|
Course code
WINE3000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Stabilisation and Clarification 3
|
Course code
WINE3001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Cellar and Winery Waste Management 3
|
Course code
WINE3002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Viticultural Science 3
|
Course code
WINE3003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Distillation, Fortified and Sparkling Winemaking 3
|
Course code
WINE3004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Viticultural Methods and Procedures 3
|
Course code
WINE3005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Fermentation Technology 3
|
Course code
WINE3006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Winemaking at Vintage 3
|
Course code
WINE3007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Advances in Wine Science 3
|
Course code
WINE3010
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Engineering for Viticulture and Oenology 3
|
Course code
WINE3011
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Foundations in Chemistry
|
Course code
CHEM1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Chemistry 1A
|
Course code
CHEM1002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Chemistry 1B
|
Course code
CHEM1003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Foundations in Physics
|
Course code
PHYS1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Physics for the Life and Earth Sciences A
|
Course code
PHYS1009
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
 |
Course name
Biology 1B: Evolution and Diversity of Organisms
|
Course code
BIOL1004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Foundations of Wine Science
|
Course code
BUSI5028
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Soils and Landscapes
|
Course code
AGRI1003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Biology 1A: Molecules, Genes and Cells
|
Course code
BIOL1003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Data Skills for Scientists
|
Course code
STAT1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Soil and Water Resources 2
|
Course code
AGRI2004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Agricultural Biochemistry
|
Course code
AGRI2006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Foundations in Plant Science
|
Course code
BIOL2024
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Microbiology for Viticulture and Oenology 2
|
Course code
WINE2001
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Agricultural Genetics
|
Course code
BIOL2010
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Viticultural Science 2
|
Course code
WINE2000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Sensory Studies 2
|
Course code
WINE2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Introductory Winemaking 2
|
Course code
WINE2003
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Plant Health
|
Course code
BIOL3018
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Stabilisation and Clarification 3
|
Course code
WINE3001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Viticultural Science 3
|
Course code
WINE3003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Winemaking at Vintage 3
|
Course code
WINE3007
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Distillation, Fortified and Sparkling Winemaking 3
|
Course code
WINE3004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Viticultural Methods and Procedures 3
|
Course code
WINE3005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Fermentation Technology 3
|
Course code
WINE3006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Engineering for Viticulture and Oenology 3
|
Course code
WINE3011
|
Units
6
|
| Year 4 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Cellar and Winery Waste Management 3
|
Course code
WINE3002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Industry Experience (Viticulture and Oenology)
|
Course code
WINE3008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Wine Packaging and Quality Management 3
|
Course code
WINE3000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Advances in Wine Science 3
|
Course code
WINE3010
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Complete 6 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Industry Experience (Viticulture and Oenology)
|
Course code
WINE3008
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Biology 1B: Evolution and Diversity of Organisms
|
Course code
BIOL1004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Foundations of Wine Science
|
Course code
BUSI5028
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Soils and Landscapes
|
Course code
AGRI1003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Biology 1A: Molecules, Genes and Cells
|
Course code
BIOL1003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Data Skills for Scientists
|
Course code
STAT1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Soil and Water Resources 2
|
Course code
AGRI2004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Agricultural Biochemistry
|
Course code
AGRI2006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Foundations in Plant Science
|
Course code
BIOL2024
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Microbiology for Viticulture and Oenology 2
|
Course code
WINE2001
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Agricultural Genetics
|
Course code
BIOL2010
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Viticultural Science 2
|
Course code
WINE2000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Sensory Studies 2
|
Course code
WINE2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Introductory Winemaking 2
|
Course code
WINE2003
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Plant Health
|
Course code
BIOL3018
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Stabilisation and Clarification 3
|
Course code
WINE3001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Viticultural Science 3
|
Course code
WINE3003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Winemaking at Vintage 3
|
Course code
WINE3007
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Distillation, Fortified and Sparkling Winemaking 3
|
Course code
WINE3004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Viticultural Methods and Procedures 3
|
Course code
WINE3005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Fermentation Technology 3
|
Course code
WINE3006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Engineering for Viticulture and Oenology 3
|
Course code
WINE3011
|
Units
6
|
| Year 4 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Cellar and Winery Waste Management 3
|
Course code
WINE3002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Industry Experience (Viticulture and Oenology)
|
Course code
WINE3008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Wine Packaging and Quality Management 3
|
Course code
WINE3000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Advances in Wine Science 3
|
Course code
WINE3010
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Complete 24 units comprising:
- 24 units from Program electives
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Business Management for Applied Sciences 3
|
Course code
AGRI3001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Horticultural Production and Quality 3
|
Course code
AGRI3009
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Soil and Water Management and Conservation 3
|
Course code
AGRI3011
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Soil and Plant Nutrition
|
Course code
AGRI3013
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Soil Ecology and Nutrient Cycling 3
|
Course code
AGRI3014
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Plant Biotechnology
|
Course code
BIOL3017
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
eChallenge
|
Course code
BUSI1005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Communicating Science
|
Course code
EART4004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
GIS for Agriculture and Natural Resources
|
Course code
ENVI3008
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Brewing Technology and Beer Production 3
|
Course code
FOOD3013
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Food Production in a Future Climate
|
Course code
FOODX300
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Consumer Behaviour
|
Course code
MARK1001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Marketing
|
Course code
MARK1008
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Digital Media in Business
|
Course code
MARK2006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Science Study Tour
|
Course code
SCIE3013
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Grape and Wine Industry Practice, Policy and Communication 3
|
Course code
WINE3009
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Biology 1B: Evolution and Diversity of Organisms
|
Course code
BIOL1004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Foundations of Wine Science
|
Course code
BUSI5028
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Soils and Landscapes
|
Course code
AGRI1003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Biology 1A: Molecules, Genes and Cells
|
Course code
BIOL1003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Data Skills for Scientists
|
Course code
STAT1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Soil and Water Resources 2
|
Course code
AGRI2004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Agricultural Biochemistry
|
Course code
AGRI2006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Foundations in Plant Science
|
Course code
BIOL2024
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Microbiology for Viticulture and Oenology 2
|
Course code
WINE2001
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Agricultural Genetics
|
Course code
BIOL2010
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Viticultural Science 2
|
Course code
WINE2000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Sensory Studies 2
|
Course code
WINE2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Introductory Winemaking 2
|
Course code
WINE2003
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Plant Health
|
Course code
BIOL3018
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Stabilisation and Clarification 3
|
Course code
WINE3001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Viticultural Science 3
|
Course code
WINE3003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Winemaking at Vintage 3
|
Course code
WINE3007
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Distillation, Fortified and Sparkling Winemaking 3
|
Course code
WINE3004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Viticultural Methods and Procedures 3
|
Course code
WINE3005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Fermentation Technology 3
|
Course code
WINE3006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Engineering for Viticulture and Oenology 3
|
Course code
WINE3011
|
Units
6
|
| Year 4 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Cellar and Winery Waste Management 3
|
Course code
WINE3002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Industry Experience (Viticulture and Oenology)
|
Course code
WINE3008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Wine Packaging and Quality Management 3
|
Course code
WINE3000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Advances in Wine Science 3
|
Course code
WINE3010
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Career outcomes
This Adelaide University degree will prepare you for a career as a qualified viticulturist and oenologist. You could manage your own winery or vineyard. You might work with the latest technologies to develop innovations and efficiencies in related industries. Perhaps you’ll focus on sustainable and natural practices, building an organic production system, biodynamic or solar-powered future for the wine industry.
Your career prospects include:
- Winery technician
- Brewer
- Vineyard operator
- Vineyard manager
- Winemaker
- Beverage technologist
- Grape and wine scientist
- Wine exporter
- Distiller.
Industry trends
Adelaide University’s Waite Campus is home to 70% of Australia’s wine and grape research and extension capability. Waite researchers are active across the entire value chain, from understanding the interactions of vines with the environment to sensory research and consumer preferences.
Approximately 40% of Australia’s population are wine drinkers (KPMG, 2023) – with wine grape growing, winemaking, wine exports and wine tourism contributing significantly to Australia's economy. It’s up to our innovative graduates to lead future growth and ensure resilience of the industry.
Ready to apply?
Please note that a non-refundable application fee of AUD$150 applies for every application submitted to Adelaide University.
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
