Why Graduate Diploma in Viticulture and Oenology?
Want to make a splash?
In this graduate diploma, you’ll learn how to stand out in Australia’s booming wine industry.
Adelaide is one of the world’s great wine capitals, with more than 200 cellar doors close by. Adelaide University itself is home to the Southern Hemisphere's largest agricultural teaching and research hub – and 70% of Australia’s wine research is conducted at our Waite Campus. Our viticulture and oenology degrees are known around the world for exceptional teaching standards. Where better to grow your skills and networks?
Overview
Step into the heart of Australia’s wine country with the Graduate Diploma in Viticulture and Oenology at Adelaide University. You’ll get loads of practical experience in the field, making the most of our state-of-the-art laboratories, vineyards and wineries.
You’ll learn how grapevines grow and how to boost vineyard yield. You’ll study the full winemaking process, from grape composition to balancing taste and aroma. You’ll explore viticultural science, sensory studies and hands-on production techniques.
When you graduate, you’ll be ready to take on exciting careers in Australia’s world-class wine sector – or continue on to the Master of Viticulture and Oenology to deepen your expertise.
Key features
Connect with over 150 local industry leaders and researchers in the field. - Access world-class wine facilities, including our state-of-the-art wine science laboratory.
- Gain practical experience and hands-on skills in local vineyards and wineries.
- Cover key areas in viticultural science, sensory studies and winemaking.
- Learn how to boost vineyard yield and grape quality.
- Innovate under the guidance of industry experts.
What you'll learn
Our Graduate Diploma in Viticulture and Oenology emphasises technical expertise and sensory (wine tasting) skills. You’ll study how grapevines grow, from when the buds first open to when the flowers and fruit develop.
You’ll learn the principles and practices of wine clarification and stabilisation. Investigate trends in precision viticulture. Learn how to optimise vineyard yield and grape quality.
You’ll take courses in:
- Sensory studies
- Introductory winemaking
- Viticultural science
- Viticultural methods and procedures.
You’ll graduate ready to make your mark in the field. Or consider taking your studies further with a Master of Viticulture and Oenology.
What courses you'll study
Complete 48 units comprising:
- 48 units from Core courses
Complete exactly 48 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Sensory Studies
|
Course code
WINE5002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Viticultural Science A
|
Course code
WINE5000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Viticultural Methods and Procedures
|
Course code
WINE5006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introductory Winemaking
|
Course code
WINE5005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Winemaking at Vintage
|
Course code
WINE5007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Stabilisation and Clarification
|
Course code
WINE5001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Viticultural Science B
|
Course code
WINE5003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Cellar and Winery Waste Management
|
Course code
WINE5004
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
| Semester 2 | |||
 |
Course name
Viticultural Science A
|
Course code
WINE5000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Sensory Studies
|
Course code
WINE5002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Introductory Winemaking
|
Course code
WINE5005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Viticultural Methods and Procedures
|
Course code
WINE5006
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Viticultural Science B
|
Course code
WINE5003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Winemaking at Vintage
|
Course code
WINE5007
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Stabilisation and Clarification
|
Course code
WINE5001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Cellar and Winery Waste Management
|
Course code
WINE5004
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
Career outcomes
There are plenty of exciting careers waiting for you in the world of wine and grape growing. You could innovate to make your own wines. You might run studies on how to grow better grapes. Perhaps you’ll travel to wine regions overseas, exploring new ideas from different winemaking cultures and climates.
You could also be a:
- Winemaker
- Vineyard manager
- Grower liaison officer
- Viticultural consultant
- Wine exporter
- Wine scientist.
Or, carry on your learning journey with our Master of Viticulture and Oenology.
Industry trends
The Australian wine sector contributes an additional $25.4 billion in value to the Australian economy (Wine Australia, 2025).
Still, the wine industry is dealing with many challenges. These include environmental pressures, new technology and changes in what people want to eat and drink. One big shift is the rise of No and Low (NOLO) alcohol options. This segment has been growing fast – more than 25% each year – and was worth $51.6 million in Australia in 2021 (Government of South Australia, 2023). To meet this demand, Adelaide University has stepped up with the world’s first trial-scale NOLO wine research facility at its Waite campus.
If you study a Graduate Diploma in Viticulture and Oenology at Adelaide University, you’ll get the skills to keep up and create fresh ideas, guided by people who know the industry inside out.
Ready to apply?
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.
