Why Master of Viticulture and Oenology?
From vine to wine – develop unique flavour profiles at one of Australia’s largest teaching wineries.
Viticulture and oenology offer a unique blend of science, art and nature. Explore trends in precision viticulture through advanced technologies. Emphasise sustainability and smart adaptation to climate change.
Meet consumer demands for organic and natural wines. Manage production dynamics and market challenges. Take your expertise to esteemed wine regions like the Hunter Valley, Tasmania or New Zealand.
You’ll become an innovator and cultural leader. Great wine is central to South Australia's identity – make it a part of yours too.
Overview
The wine industry is currently adapting to multiple challenges – environmental, technological and consumer. Navigate a global industry. Advocate and champion organic and biodynamic cultivation. Do all this and more with the Master of Viticulture and Oenology.
Study at the Waite campus, where 70% of Australia’s wine research is conducted. Access cutting-edge research through over 150 industry partners and academics. Choose from specialised winemaking electives.
Our intensive two-year degree is renowned worldwide for its exceptional teaching standards. Maximise your learning outcomes. Gain practical experience through a 10-week placement. Or complete a research dissertation on a topic of choice. Build hands-on scientific and technological skills in local vineyards and wineries.
Study the cultivation of grape vines and vineyard establishment. Learn how to optimise vineyard yield and grape quality.
Practical experience in the field will be highly valued. You’ll be the future of the wine industry, qualified for diverse careers. Perhaps as a vineyard manager, viticultural consultant or winemaker. Contribute new practices and techniques, blended wines and unique flavour profiles to industry.
Key features
Develop your skills at the Southern Hemisphere's largest agricultural teaching and research hub. - Blend science and technological skills to discover how vineyards and wineries operate.
- Make wine in our state-of-the-art wine science laboratory.
- Collaborate with over 150 researchers and industry partners in grape and wine science.
- Explore cutting-edge research through innovative wine projects.
- Take part in a 10-week industry placement or complete a research project.
What you'll learn
Our Master of Viticulture and Oenology is underpinned by a strong fundamental scientific background. A hands-on approach means you’ll have the ability to implement progressive scientific-based approaches to grape and wine production.
Throughout this program, there is an emphasis on the key technical methods and sensory (wine tasting) skills required for a career in viticulture and oenology.
Focus on the principles and practices of wine clarification and stabilisation. Dive into cellar and winery management, gaining an insight into key aspects of vintage planning and logistics.
Cover the entire life cycle of the cultivated grapevine. Take advantage of the vine growth phases that occur from bud burst, flowering and fruit-set leading up to harvest on-campus.
In your final year, you’ll choose to complete a research project or professional experience placement. Depending on your career aspirations, you’ll choose the project best for you.
Your placement will be a 10-week block in an approved viticultural enterprise or commercial winery. You’ll gain experience and fresh perspectives in the wine industry during the vintage period. Alternatively, you’ll complete a laboratory or industry-based research project.
You may also choose up to five electives from select oenology and science courses. These include specialised topics on fermentation technology and soil and plant nutrition. Perhaps you might even undertake a science international study tour at a partner institution.
Assessments will include assignments, practical reports and a final examination.
What courses you'll study
Complete 96 units comprising:
- 54 units for all Core courses, and
- 12 to 24 units for Discipline courses, and
- 18 to 30 units for Electives
Complete 54 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Viticultural Science A
|
Course code
WINE5000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Stabilisation and Clarification
|
Course code
WINE5001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Sensory Studies
|
Course code
WINE5002
|
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
Introductory Winemaking
|
Course code
WINE5005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Viticultural Methods and Procedures
|
Course code
WINE5006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Winemaking at Vintage
|
Course code
WINE5007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Advances in Wine Science
|
Course code
WINE6003
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 2 | |||
 |
Course name
Sensory Studies
|
Course code
WINE5002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Introductory Winemaking
|
Course code
WINE5005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Viticultural Science A
|
Course code
WINE5000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Viticultural Methods and Procedures
|
Course code
WINE5006
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Stabilisation and Clarification
|
Course code
WINE5001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Winemaking at Vintage
|
Course code
WINE5007
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Viticultural Science B
|
Course code
WINE5003
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Advances in Wine Science
|
Course code
WINE6003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Experience & Perspectives in the Wine Industry
|
Course code
WINE6006
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Cellar and Winery Waste Management
|
Course code
WINE5004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Sensory Studies
|
Course code
WINE5002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Introductory Winemaking
|
Course code
WINE5005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Viticultural Science A
|
Course code
WINE5000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Viticultural Methods and Procedures
|
Course code
WINE5006
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Stabilisation and Clarification
|
Course code
WINE5001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Cellar and Winery Waste Management
|
Course code
WINE5004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Winemaking at Vintage
|
Course code
WINE5007
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Viticultural Science B
|
Course code
WINE5003
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Advances in Wine Science
|
Course code
WINE6003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Viticulture & Oenology Research Project
|
Course code
WINE6005
|
Units
24
|
Complete 12 to 24 units comprising:
- 12 to 24 units from Research courses
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Viticulture & Oenology Research Project
|
Course code
WINE6005
|
Units
24
|
|
|
Course name
Experience & Perspectives in the Wine Industry
|
Course code
WINE6006
|
Units
12
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Sensory Studies
|
Course code
WINE5002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Introductory Winemaking
|
Course code
WINE5005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Viticultural Science A
|
Course code
WINE5000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Viticultural Methods and Procedures
|
Course code
WINE5006
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Stabilisation and Clarification
|
Course code
WINE5001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Winemaking at Vintage
|
Course code
WINE5007
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Viticultural Science B
|
Course code
WINE5003
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Advances in Wine Science
|
Course code
WINE6003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Experience & Perspectives in the Wine Industry
|
Course code
WINE6006
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Cellar and Winery Waste Management
|
Course code
WINE5004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Sensory Studies
|
Course code
WINE5002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Introductory Winemaking
|
Course code
WINE5005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Viticultural Science A
|
Course code
WINE5000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Viticultural Methods and Procedures
|
Course code
WINE5006
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Stabilisation and Clarification
|
Course code
WINE5001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Cellar and Winery Waste Management
|
Course code
WINE5004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Winemaking at Vintage
|
Course code
WINE5007
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Viticultural Science B
|
Course code
WINE5003
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Advances in Wine Science
|
Course code
WINE6003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Viticulture & Oenology Research Project
|
Course code
WINE6005
|
Units
24
|
Complete 18 to 30 units comprising:
- 18 to 30 units from Program electives
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Plant Health
|
Course code
BIOL3018
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Topics in Soil and Land Systems
|
Course code
EART6007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Brewing Technology and Beer Production 3
|
Course code
FOOD3013
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Wine Packaging and Quality Management
|
Course code
WINE6000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Distillation, Fortified and Sparkling Winemaking
|
Course code
WINE6001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Fermentation Technology
|
Course code
WINE6002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Engineering for Viticulture & Oenology
|
Course code
WINE6004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Communicating Science (PG)
|
Course code
SCIE5001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Science International Study Tour (PG)
|
Course code
SCIE6002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Soil and Plant Nutrition
|
Course code
AGRI3013
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
GIS for Agriculture and Natural Resources
|
Course code
ENVI3008
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Sensory Studies
|
Course code
WINE5002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Introductory Winemaking
|
Course code
WINE5005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Viticultural Science A
|
Course code
WINE5000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Viticultural Methods and Procedures
|
Course code
WINE5006
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Stabilisation and Clarification
|
Course code
WINE5001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Winemaking at Vintage
|
Course code
WINE5007
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Viticultural Science B
|
Course code
WINE5003
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Advances in Wine Science
|
Course code
WINE6003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Experience & Perspectives in the Wine Industry
|
Course code
WINE6006
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Cellar and Winery Waste Management
|
Course code
WINE5004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Sensory Studies
|
Course code
WINE5002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Introductory Winemaking
|
Course code
WINE5005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Viticultural Science A
|
Course code
WINE5000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Viticultural Methods and Procedures
|
Course code
WINE5006
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Stabilisation and Clarification
|
Course code
WINE5001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Cellar and Winery Waste Management
|
Course code
WINE5004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Winemaking at Vintage
|
Course code
WINE5007
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Viticultural Science B
|
Course code
WINE5003
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Advances in Wine Science
|
Course code
WINE6003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Viticulture & Oenology Research Project
|
Course code
WINE6005
|
Units
24
|
Career outcomes
Open doors to the grape and wine industry with an Adelaide University degree. A career in this industry is full of opportunities in Australia and internationally. Work across a variety of roles from vineyard to winery, business and cellar-door.
Perhaps you’ll conduct studies to improve grape varieties, cultivation techniques, or winemaking processes. Maybe you’ll craft wines and oversee the entire production process from grape to bottle. You might even liaise with wine regions overseas to learn different winemaking cultures and terroirs.
You might also consider a role as a:
- Grower liaison officer
- Vineyard manager
- Winemaker
- Wine exporter
- Wine scientist.
Industry trends
Wine tourism is a crucial component of the Australian wine industry, particularly for smaller wineries. Total wine tourism expenditure in Australia will increase by an average of 6% per year, reaching $223 billion in 2028 (Wine Australia, 2024).
You’ll be recognised as an Adelaide University wine graduate and wine ambassador. Be equipped with the tools to continue lifelong learning and become a leader in the current and future wine industry sector.
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.
