Wine industry opens its doors to schools

Friday, 2 June 2006

Student winemakers from more than 20 schools around Australia will showcase their products at the Australian Schools Wine Show on Monday, 5 June at the National Wine Centre.

The theme of this year's event is "Future Directions and Challenges." More than 100 wine entries have been received from schools including Urrbrae High School, Renmark High School and Corowa High School, NSW.

Event organiser Michelle Coe said students will learn about current trends in viticulture, winemaking and regional food production.

"Students can participate in workshops and interact with specialist lecturers from the University of Adelaide and TAFE SA. They will also meet other students, staff and industry representatives who have an interest in the production of wine and regional foods."

The wine show's chief wine judge will be the Advertiser's wine critic Philip White and staff from Collotype Labels will also be involved with judging throughout the day.

The University of Adelaide's School of Agriculture, Food and Wine is the major sponsor for the event, with additional support coming from TAFE SA.

Professor Iain Reid, Acting Executive Dean, Faculty of Sciences, University of Adelaide said the wine industry is extremely important to South Australia.

"Our wine education programs provide excellent training for graduates to pursue rewarding careers within the industry. Underpinning this is the establishment of a new Professorial Chair of Oenology in the Discipline of Wine and Horticulture, supported by the Grape and Wine Research Development Corporation (GWRDC)," he said.

According to Associate Professor Mike Keller, Acting Head of School, Food, Agriculture & Wine, "This event provides an opportunity for us to recognise the achievements of students participating in viticulture and wine production activities and to encourage them to carry out further studies in wine production and viticulture."

The event will be held between 9.15 - 3.00pm with the award winners announced from 2.00pm.

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