Certificate in New Zealand Wine (Foundation)
Growing & Vines
A course by
New Zealand School of Food & Wine
An NZQA-approved micro-credential introducing students to New Zealand wine, covering key grape varieties, regions, wine styles, and foundational knowledge for wine appreciation or hospitality industry entry.
Online study
Flexible online learning from anywhere
New Zealand School of Food and Wine, Auckland
Core skills this course teaches
Understand New Zealand wine regions and grape varieties
Identify and describe key New Zealand wine regions, grape varieties, and styles.
Explain environmental and technical influences on wine
Discuss how geography, climate, environment, and winemaking techniques contribute to wine character and quality.
Develop foundational wine tasting and evaluation skills
Utilize guided tastings to begin developing sensory evaluation skills for wine.
What You're Signing Up For
This online or on-campus micro-credential introduces wine enthusiasts and aspiring professionals to the wine regions, grape varieties and wine styles that have established New Zealand's reputation for fine wines. It explores the impact of geography, climate, and winemaking techniques, using the NZ Wine Guide by Celia Hay. The course includes theory, remote wine tastings (with a separate wine tasting pack purchase for online learners), and is suited to both general interest students and those seeking career pathways in hospitality, wine, or beverage sectors.
Course Content
- Introduction to major New Zealand wine regions
- Key grape varieties grown in New Zealand
- Wine styles and their characteristics
- Influence of geography, climate and environment on wine
- Winemaking techniques and their impact
- Vision and achievements of leading New Zealand winemakers
- Use of the New Zealand Wine Guide (textbook included)
- Interactive online tastings (wine pack required for remote learners)
What you need to know first
Basic computer and internet access for online study
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Hospitality
Wine industry
Beverage sector
Tourism
Future employment opportunities might be
Entry-level roles in hospitality or beverage sectors
Wine sales or retail roles