The New Zealand Certificate in Cellar Operations (Level 3) is an entry-level qualification for people who want to start working in the wine-production/cellar sector.

NMIT describes it as suitable for:

• People already working in wineries
• Students with no previous winery experience
• People wanting to explore whether a career in wine is right for them.

The programme provides a foundation in:

• Wine industry operations
• Winemaking processes
• Cellar preparation
• Cellar operations
• Wine processing
• Wine management after fermentation
• Industry health and safety.

Programme Structure

The qualification consists of four compulsory courses.

CCO301 – Wine and Wine Industry

This introductory course provides an understanding of:

• The wine industry
• Wine production

• Industry terminology

• Basic winery processes
• The context in which cellar operations occur.

CCO302 – Wine Processing

Focuses on wine-processing activities and practical procedures used in production.

CCO303 – Cellar Operations

This is a central practical component.

NMIT describes learners as completing a range of team cellar operations while applying correct protocols and safety measures.

CCO304 – Wine Management Post-Fermentation

This course deals with activities undertaken after fermentation and is delivered after the vintage placement.

Practical Learning Structure

One of the programme's strongest features is the sequence of learning.

Stage 1 – Introduction to the wine industry

During the first approximately five weeks, students study on campus.

The focus includes:

• Wine industry fundamentals
• Winemaking processes
• Cellar preparation
• Practical winery skills.

Stage 2 – Vintage placement

Students then undertake approximately:

Six weeks of paid practical vintage work

This provides exposure to a genuine winery environment.

Stage 3 – Post-vintage study

Students return to campus for the final course:

Wine Management Post-Fermentation

NMIT says this is taught part-time over approximately one and a half days per week, on Monday afternoons and Fridays, in May.

Disciplines / Specialisations

There are no separate majors or specialisations listed for this certificate.

Instead, students receive introductory training across:

• Wine industry operations
• Winemaking
• Wine processing
• Cellar operations
• Post-fermentation wine management
• Winery health and safety
• Practical winery work. 

Why Study This Programme at NMIT?

1. Study in Marlborough

Marlborough is one of New Zealand's most important wine regions.

For someone pursuing wine production, studying in the middle of a major wine-producing region offers valuable industry exposure.

2. Hands-on learning

The programme is specifically designed around practical cellar work rather than classroom theory alone.

3. Paid vintage placement

The approximately six-week vintage placement is a major attraction.

NMIT describes this as a paid practical vintage placement, giving students an opportunity to gain real-world experience while applying their learning.

4. Industry-connected facilities

NMIT's winery and laboratories are located within the Marlborough Wine Research Centre.

5. Access to research environment

The centre brings together educational institutions and research organisations, and NMIT notes that some researchers lecture part-time.

6. Career-entry qualification

It can provide an entry route for someone with little or no previous winery experience.

7. Further-study pathway

Students interested in progressing academically can potentially move into the Bachelor of Viticulture and Winemaking.

Career Outcomes

This is primarily an entry-level wine-industry qualification.

Possible employment areas include:

• Winery cellar operations
• Cellar assistant
• Winery production support
• Wine-processing operations
• Vintage winery work
• Wine production support roles
• Cellar-hand positions.

Additional Expenses for International Students

The tuition fee is only one component of the total study budget.

Students should also plan for:

• Accommodation
• Food
• Local transportation
• Airfare
• Student visa
• Medical/travel insurance
• Personal expenses
• Study materials/equipment
• Medical examination, if applicable
• Other winery-related practical expenses.