Newsletter: Jan 2021

Summer greetings,

New Zealand's wine story has been one of resounding success over the last decades. Our wine business is now a $2 billion dollar sector, attracting significant investment and exporting wines all over the world. Such dynamic growth offers new career opportunities especially in sales and marketing, at the cellar door, in food and wine tourism and enhancing customer experience in restaurants, cafes, bars and hotels.

In 2021, we are delighted to announce two new NZQA qualifications: NZ Certificate in Professional Wine Knowledge Level 5 and the NZ Diploma of Wine Management Level 6. Both qualifications are supported by NZ Winegrowers and will be available full time or as a part time weekend programme with some remote learning options for people living outside of Auckland. They embed the WSET Level 2 and 3 Award in Wine and the WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits. NZ residents will be eligible for student loans and allowances and Free Fees if they meet the criteria.

became the first approved provider of the WSET qualifications in New Zealand. Graduates of the programme include people like Simon Kelly who went on to work at Hans Herzog, Yealands and more recently establishing Kelly Washington wines with his wife, Tamra. Connal Findlay, enrolled as a school leaver and has gone on to study chemistry at University, now specialising in Green chemistry for his honours degree with plans to progress to PhD. Other graduates like Tori Haysom are working as a Fine Wine Account Manager for Dhall + Nash. Benji Smith who worked as Sommelier for O' Connell Street Bistro is now based in Marlborough working in the vineyard and cellar door of Te Whare Ra.

The 16-week Level 5 Certificate is also available part-time over 11 weekend includes - WSET Level 2 Award in Wines, WSET Level 3 Award in Wines and a Spirits module which includes practical bartending along with the WSET Level 2 Spirits.

The business module looks at wine and food tourism experiences that underpin the success of many international wine regions.

From the majestic chateaux of the Loire, whose local vineyards showcase Chenin Blanc made in so many different styles from Sparkling to dry to lusciously sweet; to the wines of Toscana and the historic villages of Chianti; to the wines of the remote Uco Valley in Mendoza and their unique experience located on ancient glaciers formed by the Andres.

These two qualifications are designed to give a deeper understanding of the international beverage sector and provide graduates with practical skills to enhance the customer experience whether face to face in a restaurant or at the cellar door or through digital marketing tools to communicate directly with customers online.

Sommelier Andrea Martinisi will be a part of our professional wine service programme.

Certificate in Professional Wine Knowledge, Level 5

This is a 16-week classroom-based teaching programme and offers hospitality professionals or wine enthusiasts both an NZQA Accredited Level 5 Qualification alongside the internationally recognised WSET qualifications. This forms the Semester one of the Diploma in Professional Wine Knowledge, Level 6.

Full-time course starts: 9 March 2021

9 March 2021 - 26 June 2021
16 weeks Full Time
Tuesday - Friday (4 days per week)
9am - 2:30pm

Part-time course starts: Saturday 17 & Sunday 18 April

17 April 2021 - 11 October 2021
11 Weekends Part Time
Saturday - Sunday: 9am - 4pm

Look here for the full Part-time schedule for this course.

For more information on the course, please look here.

Domestic students are eligible for Free Fees and Student Loans for this course.

Diploma in Professional Wine Management, Level 6

We are currently the only WSET® authorised provider in New Zealand offering this 32-week classroom-based teaching programme and is spread over 2 Semesters.

Students will gain a thorough understanding of the principle wines and spirits of the world, destination marking concepts, viticulture, Evaluate premium international wines, spirits & Sake and key factors influencing style, quality and value.

Available in Full Time / Part Time options.

The course begins on 9 March 2021.

For more information on the course, please look here.

Domestic students are eligible for Free Fees and Student Loans for this course.

Certificate in Cookery, Advanced (Level 4)

The Advanced Certificate in Cookery consists of two semesters. Semester One covers the NZ Certificate in Cookery (Foundation) Level 3 and Semester Two builds on these foundation skills. Speed, accuracy and consistency are characteristics that you will develop. As your confidence grows you learn to correct mistakes, adjust seasoning and enjoy experimenting with flavours.

Weekly specialist workshops -

Artisan Breads
Mediterranean
Pates & Terrines
Chocolate workshop

As the programme progresses you will focus on preparing three-course menus, Menu planning & costing and Wine.

The next intake begins on 9 February 2021.

The evening intake for the Certificate in Cookery, Foundation (Level 3 only) starts on 12 April 2021 - 23 Sept 2021. It will be scheduled for 3 weekday evenings and spread over 24 weeks.

More details of the course

Humpridge Track Expedition

New Zealand’s Great Walks have enchanted and exhausted countless kiwis and international visitors over many decades. The most recent addition that officially joins the network of tracks in 2022 is the Humpridge, located along the southern perimeter of Fiordland National Park.

Just a few days before Christmas 2020, I have been joined by my three children, Oliver, Daniel and Alice to discover the challenges and knee-strengthening exercises involved in climbing from sea level to 1000m on Day 1 and then back down again on Day 2 via copious wooden stairs, along with moist Southland mud and our favourite New Zealand beech tree roots.
Read the full story here.

Certificate in New Zealand Wine

This programme provides a comprehensive introduction to wine regions, grape varieties and wine styles that have made New Zealand wines famous around the world.

Tuesdays & Thursdays, Online: 5pm - 8pm

16, 18, 23, 25 February
4, 6, 11, 13 May

Upcoming WSET Courses in 2021

The world of wine is very exciting.

Learning more about wine can enrich your life in many ways - whether it be for career development, or to become more skilled at choosing wine to enjoy with friends.

WSET Level 1 Award in Wines - Learn the language of wine, and become comfortable with aromas, flavours, structural characteristics and more! 9, 11, 16 February

WSET Level 2 Award in Wines - You will learn about the major wine growing regions from around the world, understand their grape varieties and styles of wine as well as interpret their labels.
13, 14, 27, 28 February

WSET Level 3 Award in Wines - The class-room based course over 4 weekends ensures you develop a detailed understanding of the principal wines regions of the world. Starts 27 Feb

WSET Level 2 Award in Spirits - Comprehensive understanding of the most important spirit and liqueur categories; how they are produced and how they can be used as beverages and transformed as cocktails. 23, 25, 30 March & 1 April

More dates available on our website.