The Bachelor of Viticulture and Winemaking is an applied NZQF Level 7 bachelor's degree designed for students who want professional careers in the wine and grape-growing industries.

The programme combines:

• Viticulture
• Winemaking
• Plant science
• Wine science
• Chemistry
• Microbiology
• Vineyard management
• Wine industry business
• Sustainability
• Research
• Industry practice

Why Study Viticulture and Winemaking at NMIT?

Study in the heart of New Zealand's wine industry

The programme is delivered at NMIT's Marlborough Campus, in one of New Zealand's most important wine-producing regions.

NMIT says Marlborough produces more than 75% of New Zealand's wine and has more than 568 independent grape growers.

This gives students access to an unusually strong real-world environment for wine education.

Learn from industry professionals

Students are taught and mentored by:

• Winemaking professionals
• Viticulture researchers
• Industry specialists
• Guest speakers
• Industry-connected tutors

Hands-on learning

The programme is not simply classroom-based.

Students can work with:

• Vineyards
• Wineries
• Laboratories
• Wine-production facilities
• Industry research projects

NMIT specifically highlights field trips, research projects and practical industry experience.

Vintage work opportunity

One of the most attractive features is the programme's structure around the New Zealand wine industry's vintage/harvest season.

NMIT says semester breaks during harvest allow students to potentially undertake paid vintage work. Second- and third-year students may work as:

• Cellar hands
• Viticulture assistants
• Similar vintage roles

Programme Structure

The programme is designed around four major knowledge areas:

Viticulture

Students learn about:

• Grapevine development
• Grape varieties
• Vineyard management
• Canopy management
• Plant physiology
• Vineyard soils
• Crop protection
• Vineyard sustainability

Winemaking

Students develop knowledge of:

• Wine production
• Wine chemistry
• Microbiology
• Wine analysis
• Sensory evaluation
• Wine faults
• Winery operations

Business / Management

Students can develop skills in:

• Wine industry management
• Business decision-making
• Industry development
• Marketing
• International wine industry

Research

Students undertake:

• Research methodology
• Applied research
• Industry projects
• Data/investigation
• Independent project work

Disciplines / Specialisation Areas

The degree is not simply divided into conventional "majors", but in the third year students can develop expertise around their interests.

Potential focus areas include:

Viticulture

For students interested in:

• Vineyards
• Grapevine production
• Crop management
• Vineyard operations
• Viticulture research

Winemaking

For students interested in:

• Winery production
• Wine chemistry
• Fermentation
• Wine analysis
• Cellar operations
• Quality control

Wine Industry Management

For students interested in:

• Winery management
• Vineyard management
• Business
• Operations
• Industry strategy

Research

For students interested in:

• Viticulture research
• Wine science
• Sustainability
• Experimental projects
• Industry innovation

Sustainability

Sustainability is increasingly important in the wine industry and NMIT incorporates this into the programme.

The Kaitiakitanga and Sustainable Grape and Wine Production course examines sustainability across the entire wine-production chain.

Students therefore gain exposure to:

• Sustainable grape growing
• Environmental responsibility
• Resource management
• Sustainable production
• Wine-industry environmental challenge

Facilities

The Marlborough Campus provides specialist wine-industry learning facilities.

These include:

• NMIT vineyard
• Winery
• Viticulture laboratory
• Wine sensory room
• Experimental vineyard
• Marlborough Wine Research Centre
• New Zealand Wine Centre
• Research winery

Industry Connections

NMIT emphasises close relationships with:

• Local wineries
• Vineyards
• Researchers
• Viticulture specialists
• Winemakers
• Industry organisations

Career Outcomes

Graduates can pursue careers throughout the wine-production chain.

NMIT identifies career possibilities including:

• Viticulture technician
• Vineyard manager
• Vineyard owner
• Wine marketer
• Winemaker

Other potential roles include:

• Assistant winemaker
• Cellar supervisor
• Wine-production technician
• Viticulture consultant
• Vineyard supervisor
• Vineyard operations manager
• Wine laboratory technician
• Wine-quality technician
• Wine researcher
• Wine-industry business/marketing roles

Other Study and Living Costs

International students should additionally budget for:

• Accommodation
• Food
• Local transport
• Airfare
• Student visa
• Medical/travel insurance
• Books and learning materials
• Personal expenses
• Clothing/workwear where required
• Possible practical/industry costs

Student Visa

An international student coming to New Zealand for this bachelor's degree will generally require a:

Fee Paying Student Visa

Immigration New Zealand states that this visa is for students who pay international tuition fees and meet the relevant financial, health, character and genuine-student requirements.

You generally need:

• NMIT Offer of Place
• Evidence of tuition funding/payment
• Evidence of living funds
• Passport
• Acceptable insurance
• Evidence supporting your genuine study intentions
• Health/character documents where required

Highlights at a Glance

• Qualification: Bachelor of Viticulture and Winemaking
• Level: NZQF Level 7
• Credits: 360
• Duration: 3 years full-time
• Study mode: On-campus + online/distance options
• Main campus: Marlborough
• Campus address: 85 Budge Street, Blenheim
• 2027 intake: 25 January
• 2027 mid-year intake: 19 July
• IELTS: 6.0 overall, minimum 5.5 in each band
• International tuition 2026: NZ$26,576/year
• Student Services Fee: NZ$2.50/credit; current programme page displays NZ$300
• Wine industry location: Marlborough
• Industry placement: Yes
• Vineyard practice: 100 hours
• Winery practice: 300 hours
• Applied Industry Project: 300 hours
• Research component: Yes
• Vintage employment opportunity: Potentially available
• Specialisations/focus: Viticulture, Winemaking, Industry Management, Research
• Online study: Available with additional workplace requirements
• Student visa: Fee Paying Student Visa generally required
• Living-fund requirement: NZ$20,000/year
• Current student work rights: Up to 25 hours/week if visa conditions allow
• Potential post-study pathway: Post Study Work Visa
• PSWV: Degree Level 7 graduates can potentially work in any legal job, subject to eligibility
• NMIT provider status: NZQA Category 1
• 2026 institutional update: NMIT became an independent polytechnic