Students and staff kitted up for a winery inspection.

A large cohort of EIT students and staff recently explored wineries and vineyards in Marlborough and Nelson on an annual field trip aimed at broadening their understanding of other wine regions.

The School of Viticulture and Wine Science group, encompassing bachelor and graduate diploma students, all but filled a 60-seater bus, says viticulture lecturer Dr Stewart Field, who has organised the last two trips.

“It’s something we do every year,” explains Stewart. “We alternate between Marlborough/Nelson and Auckland/Gisborne although Central Otago/Waipara is a possibility for next year.

 “The students learn about different varieties and what various winemakers are trying to achieve.  And that’s the point, to expose them to the wine culture and subregions of other wine-producing regions.  Their study programmes are not just about Hawke’s Bay and the way this region makes wine. 

“This year, we covered 12 vineyards and wineries in three days in Marlborough and three in one day in Nelson.  It was pretty full-on and the students did well, asking questions from beginning to end.  They were motivated and enjoyed the trip, learning a great deal from what they saw.”

The field trip was also an opportunity for students to network, not only with winery and vineyard staff but also among themselves.  They were accompanied by Stewart as well as viticulture lecturer Tim Creagh and wine science lecture Shaun La Franco.

With its strong reputation as a leading wine educator, EIT is attracting growing numbers of internationals, including Indian and Chinese enrolled in graduate diploma programmes.  Away from the classroom setting, the various nationalities get to know one another better.

This year’s trip got off to a strong start with a master class in Sauvignon Blanc presented by winemaker Kim Crawford.  A visit to Framingham Wines was another hit, with the wine company ordering in Marlborough-made gourmet pork pies to accompany its Riesling tasting.

“Nelson’s Falcon Ridge Estate and Loveblock Wines were among the viticultural highlights,” says Stewart. “Both undertook major earthworks, levelling out hills and gullies to set up their recently-established vineyards.” 

Students observed large scale production at Matua, Yealands Estate, Indevin and Marisco Vineyards while also learning more about organic/biodynamic production at Seresin Estate, Mahana Estates, Loveblock Wines, Framingham Wine Company and Giesen Wines.

Stewart says many of the students who have fulfilled their degree requirements by visiting both the Marlborough/Nelson and Auckland/Gisborne regions felt they benefitted so much from their trips that they are keen to part of it again next year.                                                                                                                                                                         

EIT would like to thank the following for their hospitality:  Marlborough Wine Institute, Giesen Wines, Matua, Mahana Estates, Falcon Ridge Estate, Seifried Wines, Yealands Estate, Ormond Nurseries, Wither Hills, Marisco Vineyards, Indevin, Seresin Estate and Framingham Wine Company.