Diploma of Wine Technology
11034NAT
Length
3 Years (part time)
Diploma of Wine Technology - 11034NAT
Course Overview
Course start dates are indicative and are subject to change. Students will receive information from their teacher upon enrolment including a confirmed start date and timetable. If applicable, students will also receive information about a course induction and directions on where to go on the first day.
Are you a wine lover? Then this course could be exactly what you need to make a career out of it. This course is designed to give students the skills and knowledge to work in the winery industry or take on the management of a small owner-operated wine-making business.
Specifically, the course provides individuals with:
- An understanding of vineyard operation and overall wine quality.
- Skills in winemaking with an understanding of the options available at each stage in the winemaking process.
- The ability to manage the correct testing processes for wine quality.
- The ability to plan, make decisions, and manage operations in a commercial winery.
- The ability to supervise cellar staff.
- The ability to operate and maintain wine-making equipment.
- The knowledge to ensure the sustainability of the enterprise with specific regard to environmental impact.
- The skills and knowledge needed to implement OH&S guidelines.
There are four streams offered for this course - students can choose between the plant health stream, business and grape production stream, soils & water stream, and the winery stream.
Careers & study pathways
Where can this course take me?
Roles graduates may be eligible for include:
- Senior Cellar Hand
- Assistant Winemaker
- Owner/Operator/Manager of a small winery
Further study
After graduating, participants might like to undertake further study in the:
- Bachelor of Wine Business or Wine Science offered by Charles Sturt University
- Graduate Certificate in Agribusiness
- Advanced Diploma of Agribusiness
Course details
Study units
Take a look at some of the subjects you’ll be studying when you take this course.
This course requires a total of 12 units: 10 core and 2 elective.
Core units
10 unit(s)
- AHCBUS511 Manage enterprise staff requirements
- AHCPHT509 Evaluate wine
- AHCPHT510 Manage a wine making process
- AHCWHS401 Maintain work health and safety processes
- AHCWRK502 Collect and manage data
- MSL912001 Work within a laboratory or field workplace (induction)
- NAT11034001 Research and evaluate wine grape production and wine processing systems
- NAT11034002 Analyse the influence of micro-organisms on wine production
- NAT11034003 Appraise wine quality
- NAT11034004 Analyse wine chemistry
Elective units
6 unit(s)
- AHCBAC509 Plan and manage long-term weed, pest and disease control in crops
- AHCPHT409 Develop a crop regulation program
- AHCSOL505 Monitor and manage soils for production
- AHCWAT503 Manage water systems
- NAT11034005 Evaluate vineyard and winery practices
- NAT11034006 Develop winery design and storage strategies
Attendance & commitment
General public blended delivery | 3 years course length | Part-time study load
All streams
Students are expected to:
- Students will be provided with a residential schedule prior to delivery, and every effort will be made to deliver workshops on sequential days.
- Undertake a two-week placement in the final year (may be undertaken at their regular workplace ).
- Consolidate learnings while working within the industry.
- Spend 10 hours per week learning/researching and completing assessments.
- Attend regular catch-ups with their trainer, timing is arranged directly with the trainer (trainers are available to assist students between residentials to provide one-on-one tutorials to support their studies).
Placement
- Students are required to undertake a two-week placement in a winery in their final year.
- Placement may be undertaken at the student's place of employment. In situations where all placement tasks are unable to be completed in the workplace, students have the option to gain their practical experience in another workplace, which has the necessary resources and placement opportunities.
- A practical placement agreement is entered into between GOTAFE, the student, and the host provider and is signed prior to the commencement of placement.
- Placement is organised by the student.
- GOTAFE uniform/PPE is required to be worn during placement.
Residential classes
Due to seasonal demands of the industry, this course in Years 1 & 2 is delivered between May - and December with exception of the final year (Year 3) which runs from January to December to allow for seasonal placement.
Students will be provided with a residential schedule prior to delivery & every effort will be made to deliver workshops on sequential days.
Students must attend residential classes, as outlined below:
Plant health stream
May intake:
- Year 1: May - August - 3 days of residential classes (7 hours each day).
- Year 1: Sep - December - 3 days of residential classes (7 hours each day)
- Year 2: May - August - 3 days of residential classes (7 hours each day)
- Year 2: Sep - December - 4 days of residential classes (7 hours each day)
- Year 3: May - August 3 days of residential classes (7 hours each day).
September intake:
- Year 1: Sep - December - 3 days of residential classes (7 hours each day).
- Year 2: May - August -3 days of residential classes (7 hours each day)
- Year 2: Sep - December - 4 days of residential classes (7 hours each day)
- Year 3 : May - August - 6 days of residential classes (7 hours each day)
Business & grape stream
May intake:
- Year 1: May - August - 3 days of residential classes (7 hours each day)
- Year 2: Sep - December - 3 days of residential classes (7 hours each day)
- Year 2: May - August - 3 days of residential classes (7 hours each day)
- Year 3: Sep - December 3 days of residential classes (7 hours each day)
- Year 3: May -August 4 days of residential classes (7 hours each day)
September intake:
- Year 1: Sep - December - 3 days of residential classes (7 hours each day).
- Year 2: May - August -3 days of residential classes (7 hours each day)
- Year 2: Sep - December - 3 days of residential classes (7 hours each day)
- Year 3 : May - August - 7 days of residential classes (7 hours each day)
Solis & water stream
May intake
- Year 1: May - August - 3 days of residential classes (7 hours each day)
- Year 1: Sep - December - 3 days of residential classes (7 hours each day)
- Year 2: May - August - 3 days of residential classes (7 hours each day)
- Year 2: Sep - December - 4 days of residential classes (7 hours each day)
- Year 3: May - August 4 days of residential classes (7 hours each day)
September intake
- Year 1: Sep - December - 3 days of residential classes (7 hours each day).
- Year 2: May - August -3 days of residential classes (7 hours each day)
- Year 2: Sep - December - 4 days of residential classes (7 hours each day)
- Year 3 : May - August - 7 days of residential classes (7 hours each day)
Winery stream
May intake:
- Year 1: May - August - 3 days of residential classes (7 hours each day)
- Year 1: Sep - December - 3 days of residential classes (7 hours each day)
- Year 2: May -August - 3 days of residential classes (7 hours each day)
- Year 2: Sep - December - 2 days of residential classes (7 hours each day)
- Year 3: May - August - 2 days of residential classes (7 hours each day)
September intake
- Year 1: Sep - December - 3 days of residential classes (7 hours each day).
- Year 2: May - August -3 days of residential classes (7 hours each day)
- Year 2: Sep - December - 2 days of residential classes (7 hours each day)
- Year 3 : May - August - 5 days of residential classes (7 hours each day)
Assessment methods
Assessment methods may include:
- Knowledge questions
- Practical report
- Written questions
- Written project
- Case studies
- Review questions
- Presentation and observation
- Workplace projects
- Exams
- Statistical analysis
Before you begin
Entry requirements
GOTAFE entry requirements
Before being accepted into this course applicants must:
- Complete a Basic Key Skills Builder (BKSB) online test to ensure the required literacy & numeracy levels for the course are met.
- Undertake a Pre-training Review by interview to ensure the course suits their needs and aspirations, and that they are likely to complete the course successfully.
- Be over 18 years of age.
- Be employed for a minimum of two days per week in the wine industry.
Placement requirements
Attendance at a two-week placement organised by the student in their final year. This is to be organised by the student and may be undertaken at their regular workplace if employed.
Inherent requirements
Students must have:
- Physical stamina to carry out indoor tasks such as crushing and pressing.
- Physically demanding outdoor tasks as required by their chosen stream.
Student resources
Students must have:
- A laptop/computer with internet access, including access to YouTube.
- Access to a digital camera or video camera for visual and audio assessment tasks.
- General stationery (pens, pencils, rulers).
Enrolment
Please note: Eligible individuals who wish to access a government-subsidised place, must participate in a Pre-training Review. This will consider your:
- Aspirations/career goals
- Educational attainment and capability
- Literacy and numeracy skills
- Suitability for Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer
Skills recognition / Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Skills Recognition is an assessment only process that may result in credits towards a part or full qualification. There is no formal training involved, although you may choose to complete further training as a result of the assessment process.
You can apply for Skills Recognition before you enrol in the qualification you are seeking. You can apply for Skills Recognition through one or both of the following processes:
- Credit Transfer for formal training that might be equivalent to a new qualification or partial qualification.
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for people who have relevant and current skills and knowledge that they have gained through non-formal or informal learning i.e. work or life experience.
Fees and payments
Fees and costs
GOTAFE offers a range of payment options to help you pay your tuition fees, so you can get on with your studies.
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding to eligible individuals.
Please note that the fees on this webpage, for this particular course:
- are correct at the time of publishing for those enrolling in 2025 and may change without notice.
- will be discussed with applications as part of the application process to ensure it is understood what is being paid for and which fee rates they may be eligible for.
Course Fees consist of three different components:
- Student Tuition Fee - covers the costs of training and assessment. These fees vary across courses and are calculated based on a rate per nominal hour enrolled in. The student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Circumstances may include:
- an individual’s eligibility for Victorian (Skills First) and Commonwealth government-funded training
- an individual’s eligibility for concession rates on Victorian (Skills First) and Commonwealth government-funded training
- ineligible individuals who are required to pay the full fees for tuition and other costs.
- Material Fee - where applicable, cover the costs of classroom consumables, handouts and booklets, e-Learning resources and associated license access fees and excursions.
- Student Services Fee (SSF) – contributes to the provision of student engagement, learning and support services. SSF is a non-refundable annual fee that does not apply to short-course participants.
Additionally, some courses require students to purchase or supply textbooks, kits, tools, uniforms and personal protection equipment. Some specific materials may be purchased through the GOTAFE Bookshop. A full list with associated costs will be provided to you at your course information session, induction session, or during the pre-training review interview.
GOTAFE offers a range of payment options to help you pay your fees.
Learn more about fees, charges, refunds and payment options
Student support
As an enrolled student at GOTAFE you may access a wide range of academic support services to assist you to meet the academic challenges of your course from our Learning Support Unit.
Learning support
A free and confidential service to help you build the foundation skills you need to be successful at TAFE. Improve your english language, maths and/or writing skills; enhance your computer, exam and study skills.
Learn more about our learning support services
Library
Our library team are passionate about supporting students to achieve their study goals. They have subject guides, referencing help, and online resources to assist you with you assessments.
Find how to reach out to our library in Shepparton
Jobs and study options
Our Skills and Jobs Centres can assist and talk through options for courses, careers, assistance with job applications and more.
Reach out to our Skills and Jobs Centres
Contingent Study Arrangements
Where a situation arises that prevents campus attendance (such as COVID restrictions, natural disasters, etc.) and it is deemed an appropriate response in protecting the health and safety of staff, students, and visitors, this course will adapt to alternative training arrangements, possibly using online methods of teaching and/or communication while students engage from home with their Trainers. Any required practical components of the course will be moved to a more appropriate time.
Whether you need support with time management, your mental health, grief and loss, a diagnosed disability, financial hardship, or any other challenge life throws your way, we are here to help.
Support for personal issues
We have a dedicated team to ensure students have the help they need with personal issues impacting studies such as homelessness, family problems & setting up payment plans.
Find out how the Student Experience Team can help you
Disability support
Get access to the supports and adjustments you need for your disability or medical condition to be successful in your studies.
Seek support from our Equitable Learning Advisors
Counselling services
We offer free counselling services to help you work through life's challenges including grief and loss, mental health or relationships.
Learn about our Student Wellbeing Advisors
Koorie Unit
The Koorie Unit is a culturally safe space on our Shepparton Fryers Street Campus for all Koorie students enrolled and studying through GOTAFE, or with one of our education partnering organisations.
Refer to the Student Handbook for information regarding Learner’s Rights Student Handbook.
Further information is provided at course induction.
This course is government accredited and has national recognition.
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