Are you interested in learning how to grow grapes and about all aspects of viticulture? This course is ideal for those working in vineyards, vineyard managers and winegrowers, as well as hobby farmers, amateur winemakers or anyone aspiring to work in this industry.
The Certificate of Viticulture – Vineyard and Grape Production is an online professional development program that will explore the nature and scope of the viticulture industry, grape varieties, vineyard establishment, grapevine culture, harvesting, selling and winemaking.
In this professional development course, you will learn how to choose an appropriate site for a vineyard, considering soil quality and appropriate grape varieties for different situations.
You will also learn the basic principles of winemaking, how to devise a procedure to establish a vineyard, from the harvest and post-harvest treatment of grapes to successful marketing strategies for vineyard products.
On completion of this course, you will feel confident to plan a venture into starting a winery business or pursue a career in the viticulture industry.
Course Overview
Unit - Viticulture
Unit 1 – Introduction
- Nature and scope of the viticulture industry both locally and worldwide
- Global viticulture
- Major winegrowing areas around the world
- The grape; genera and species
- Rootstocks
- Classification of grape varieties
- Table grapes
- Wine grapes
- Dried fruit
- Juice grapes
- Canned grapes
Unit 2 – Climate and Soils
- Suitable climate and soil conditions for vineyard site establishment
- Temperature; temperature calculations; latitude-temperature index and degree days
- Sunlight
- Rainfall
- Soil; soil types and wine regions; understanding soils; texture; characteristics; soil structure; chemical characteristics of soils including pH and nutrient levels
- Understanding plant nutrition
- Soil water content
- Simple soil tests; naming the soil
- Problems with soil; erosion; salinity; structural decline; soil acidification; chemical residues
Unit 3 – Selecting Grape Varieties
- Appropriate grape varieties for different situations.
- Grape types
- Selection considerations
- Matching the variety with the site
- Varietal characteristics
- Selecting wine grapes
- Yield
- Reviewing important varieties; chenin blanc; chardonnay; semillion; muscat ottonel; muscadelle; gewurztraminer; cabernet sauvignon; carignan
- Vitis rotundifolia
- Wine grapes; raisin grapes; juice grapes
- Importance of rootstocks
- Purchasing plants
- Phylloxera
Unit 4 – Vineyard Establishment
- Procedure to establish a vineyard
- Vineyard planning
- Site planning
- Vineyard layout
- Site preparation
- Planting the vines
- Vine spacing
- Shelter belts
- Crop infrastructure
- Equipment
Unit 5 – Grapevine Culture Part A (Training & Pruning)
- Techniques used in the culture of grape vines
- Pruning and training vines
- Shoot spacing
- Bud numbers
- Vine spacing
- How much to prune
- Machine pruning
- Summer pruning
- Combination pruning
- Pruning sultana vines
- Trellising
- Trellis construction
- Guyot system
- Geneva double curtain system
- Head training
- Cordoning
- Kniffen systems
- Umbrella kniffen system
- Pergola training system
Unit 6 – Grapevine Culture Part B (Weeds, Pests & Diseases)
- Types of weeds
- Controlling weeds
- Safety procedures when using agricultural chemicals
- Laws and guidelines
- Types of chemicals
- Weed management before planting
- Weed management in new vineyards
- Weed management in established vineyards
- Integrated pest management
- Pest control in vineyards
- Grape berry moth
- Grape mealy bug
- Grape leaffolder
- Grapevine rust mite
- Grape blossom midge
- Flea beetles
- Birds and arge animals
- Disease control in vineyards
- Fungal diseases; rots; mildew; eutypa dieback etc
- Bacterial diseases
- Viruses
- Organic culture of grapes; organic pest and disease control
- Companion plants
- Managing environmental problems including air, water, damage, frost, hail, wind and shade
- Water management; runoff; water saving
- Grape clones and varieties
Unit 7 – Grapevine Culture Part C (Irrigation & Feeding)
- Irrigating and feeding grapes
- Excessive irrigation
- Seasonal effects of irrigation
- Drip irrigation
- Monitoring and timing
- Feasibility of irrigation
- Design considerations
- Soil and water
- Measuring water available to plants
- Calculating permanent wilting point
- Calculating field capacity of a vineyard
- Available moisture range
- Measuring air filled porosity
- Tensiometer
- Estimating water
- Rate of growth
- Climate
- Drainage in vineyards; improving subsoil and surface drainage; subsurface drainage
- Soil fertility; choice of fertilizer; timing of application; fertigation
Unit 8 – Improving Grape Quality
- Ways to ensure or improve grape quality.
- Plant stock
- Crop management
- Post harvest impact on quality
- Improving flower and fruit set
- Second set
- Girdling
- Berry thinning
Unit 9 – Harvesting & Selling
- Procedure for harvest and post-harvest treatment
- Harvesting
- Testing for ripeness
- Influence of weather
- Harvesting techniques
- Selling grapes
- Vineyard resume
- Selling grapes
- Marketing contracts
- Selling online
- Developing a marketing plan
- Advertising
- Market research
- Legal considerations with marketing
Unit 10 – Wine
- Basic principles of wine making
- Overview of winemaking process
- Production principles
- Fermentation
- Making white wine
- Making red wine
- Methods
Study Hours
Estimated duration 50 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Testimonials
The course was well set out, I didn’t need much support for the course, as I had most knowledge about the course, but if I did the tutors were always there for me
B. Corker, Wangaratta, VIC | Certificate of Viticulture – Wine Production
It was a good experience to be able to pace myself throughout the course when time suited. The support, when needed was quick, clear and valuable
J. Peters, Kellyville, NSW | Certificate of Viticulture – Vineyard and Grape Production
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no entry requirements or pre-requisites for entry into this program.
How long will it take to complete this course?
The approximate study hours for this course is 50 hours. We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply).
Can I purchase optional printed materials?
While printed materials are not available for purchase, PDF copies are available for download and self-printing for this program.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
Will I receive a certificate upon completion of this course?
Yes! You will receive a Certificate of Attainment upon successful completion of your assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our e-learning system and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Additional Assessment Information
Please be advised that you will need to purchase a soil testing kit to complete your assessment.
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and Direct Deposit
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
Professional Development for:
- Hobby Farmers
- Vineyard Managers
- Amateur Wine Makers
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