Assistant winemaker at Martinborough’s celebrated Ata Rangi winery, Jannine Rickards feels more competent doing her job because of her study at Hawke’s Bay’s Eastern Institute of Technology.

The 29-year-old finds studying for EIT’s Graduate Diploma in Oenology by distance suits her busy lifestyle.

“Study by correspondence takes huge commitment, but I love a challenge and I’m enjoying every aspect of the course.”
The wine science and viticulture graduate programmes are designed for those who already have a degree qualification in science or science-related areas.  However, would-be students with a lot of experience in the wine industry may also be considered.

Jannine did EIT’s Certificate in Wine some years ago and went on to work in wineries in New Zealand, South Africa, the USA and France.

“The in-depth chemistry is challenging,” she says of the graduate diploma study, “and I’ve had to do a few extra papers.   But staff are helpful and the resources are there when I need them.”

From next year, EIT will also offer the wine science graduate diploma programme on campus – part or full-time.  Distance learning coupled with compulsory residential schools in Hawke’s Bay will remain an option.

Emphasising the scientific, technical and managerial aspects of winemaking, the Graduate Diploma in Oenology is particularly suited to people working in the wine industry who want further skills and knowledge to advance their careers.

Jannine says EIT and Ata Rangi have been enormously encouraging and supportive in giving her the opportunity to study for the only distance qualification of its kind in New Zealand.