Oenology-Winemaking

Learn to make different types of wine, assess and analyse wine quality, investigate the chemistry and microorganisms involved in wine processing, and oversee the entire winemaking process.

Course Code: BHT258
Fee Code: S3
Duration (approx) Duration (approx) 100 hours
Qualification Statement of Attainment
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Learn to Make Wine

Wine making (known as "oenology") is an industry that can be traced back thousands of years. It has been a significant industry since the dawn of civilisation and remains such today. Producing wine is today a very technical process involving a sound understanding of science, but also a fine tuned appreciation of the human senses. This course deepens your awareness of both.

Why would you study this course?

  • Learn to make better wine
  • Learn to improve the quality of wine you make
  • Value add and diversify on a farm – to increase profit and sustainability
  • Work in other areas of the wine industry

This Course is for:

  • People who grow grapes
  • People who make wine
  • People who work in the wine media (writers, photographers, social media influencers)
  • People who trade in wine - retailers, wholesalers
  • Anyone with an interest in the process of wine making and/or the end product.

Lesson Structure

There are 10 lessons in this course:

  1. Scope and Nature of Oenology
    • Introduction
    • Global Wine Production
    • Global Wine Consumption
    • What Is Involved in Winemaking
    • Wine Making Terminology
    • Testing, Tasting and Monitoring
    • What Can Go Wrong In Winemaking
    • Alcohol And Health
  2. Fermentation Science
    • Fermentation
    • Carbohydrates
    • Microbiology
    • Enzymes
    • Quality control
    • Malolactic fermentation
    • Secondary fermentation
  3. The Winemaking Process
    • Outline of the winemaking process
    • Clarification and Stabilisation
    • Preservation
    • Methods to determine sugar and sulphur dioxide levels
  4. Factors affecting Grape Characteristics
    • Fruit characteristics affecting wine
    • Fermentation preparation
    • Effects of yeasts in winemaking
    • Managing yeasts
    • Methods to determine alcohol content, chemical and microbial stability
    • Determine pH
    • Inoculum of yeast
  5. Wine Classification
    • Types of wines
    • Selecting wine grapes
    • Varieties
  6. Sensory Science & Evaluation
    • Wine sensory science
    • Determine consumer preference
    • Types of senses
    • Wine evaluation
    • Wine food interaction
  7. Production of White Wine and Sparkling Wines
    • Harvesting Grapes
    • Crushing the Grapes
    • Managing the Must
    • Sparkling Wines
    • The Champenois Method
  8. Production of Red Wines and Rosé Wines
    • Harvesting and Crushing for Reds
    • Fermentation
    • Extracting Colour
    • Thermovinification
    • Getting a Wood Flavour
  9. Production of Spirits
    • Introduction to Distillation
    • Classification of Spirits
    • Spirit Groups
    • Liqueur and Liqueur Groups
    • Aperitifs
    • Sherry and Types of Sherry
    • Vermouth
    • Port and Types of Port
  10. Storage and Aging of Wines
    • Different Storage Methods
    • Maturation
    • Causes of Spoilage

Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to the school, marked by the school's tutors and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra reading.

Aims

  • Discuss the scope of winemaking and the set of characteristics.
  • Recognise the scientific processes of fermentation and simple control factors.
  • Investigate the practical tasks and required equipment needed for making wine.
  • Explain how yeasts and other flavour affecting factors can be managed to impact the final wine product.
  • Comprehend the scope of different wine types arising from various grape varieties and learn how they are classified.
  • Explain wine sensory science and how consumers interact with wines.
  • Explain unique processes used to make white and sparkling wines.
  • Investigate unique processes used to make red and rosé wines.
  • Explain how to make fortified wines and spirits.
  • Understand the importance of correct storage and how it prevent spoilage and enhances maturity.

What You Will Do

  • Research legislation around commercial alcohol production in your area.
  • Learn about the most popular wines where you live from local or national winemaking and selling data.
  • Find out about new or old winemakers, wine tours or tourism activities associated with wineries in your region.
  • Learn about enzymes in action through watching videos online.
  • Undertake a simple fermentation experiment at home using sugar (glucose) and yeast.
  • Find out what options are available for hobbyists and wine enthusiasts to buy equipment - to measure pH, sugar levels etc.
  • Create a table of equipment needed in wine making, include a possible price range if you can and suppliers/stockists list.
  • Make a list of winemakers clubs in your region/country. Contact at least one of the winemakers clubs you listed and find out what is on offer for members, wine makers, or other exclusive communities. Find out about any costs associated with the club and exclusive members benefits.
  • Examine the characteristics of those locally grown grape varieties (also known as cultivars) and two cultivars from further afield. Compare and contrast the information on the cultivars from both regions.
  • Contact any number of wine grape growers’ associations (or similar) in your region. Find out exactly their purpose.
  • Choose one scientific method used in winemaking e.g. determining pH or volatile acidity, then watch videos of that test being carried out. Imagine you are making a video on for the same test, using the same apparatus. Write a brief script for your video.
  • Write a script for a 5-minute presentation on wine regions and classifications which are of particular interest to you.
  • Go to an alcohol or wine retail shop or supermarket and read description of wines from different categories, e.g., light, full bodied etc. Recognise frequently used terms which describe wines from different categories.
  • Enjoy tasting a wine and identifying the notes mentioned on the label (optional activity).
  • Carry out a blind taste testing activity with friends.
  • Write a list of 10 different meals and wines which would best suit them. You can taste and try them as you wish!
  • Research wine grapes for sparkling wines. You may contact specialist wine clubs, producers, and wineries, watch videos, or read appropriate viticulture material.
  • Create a wine map of the world. Colour/highlight and label a blank world map with the different wine making regions in relation to climatic conditions.
  • Create an illustrated guide for how oak barrels are made. You may use images from online sources and label each stage in the process. Produce an A4 page step by step guide – keep text concise.
  • Visit a winery specialising in red and/or rosé wines in your region (if possible). The purpose is to use your senses when undertaking the visit, what do you see, hear, smell etc. Make notes on the sensory aspect of the experience.
  • Watch videos of colour extraction and identify which method is being used, its effectiveness and the popularity of the method.
  • Choose two of the classification categories of spirits and research the range and varieties of each available. Makes notes on the country of production, alcohol volume, price, and any other comparative data you can collect.
  • Use social media to follow or connect with one brand/company of two chosen spirits and learn about the company including their history and current offerings.
  • Visit a distillery in your region if possible. Aim to enjoy a guided tasting session. This task is optional.
  • Design a storage area for wines - produce a drawing. Label as necessary.
  • Design a small-scale wine production warehouse showing the equipment you would include - produce a labelled drawing.
  • For each of these activities, it is expected students will conduct further research to enhance knowledge and understanding where necessary. In the event a task or activity cannot be completed, tutors can adjust the activity (within reasonable limits) to suit a student’s learning needs.

Passionate about wine?

Wine making is to many not only a trade, but also a science and an art; and of course also an important business. For some it can become a lifelong passion.

Good wine is not the same as just any wine

You learn what makes a difference in quality when you study this course.

Anyone can make wine; but there is a huge difference between a home brew and a top shelf commercial product. Good winemaking involves a great deal of technical knowledge followed by solid experience. This course lays the foundation for good wine making with a solid study of all the important technical fundamentals 

  • Learn to produce high quality wine.
  • Understand the technical requirements of making good wines.
  • Train staff in the wine making process to increase their knowledge of wines and how they are produced.
  • Suitable for amateur and professional wine makers.
  • Become an expert in wine making
 
Member of Study Gold Coast Education Network.
Member of Study Gold Coast Education Network.
ACS Global Partner - Affiliated with colleges in seven countries around the world.
ACS Global Partner - Affiliated with colleges in seven countries around the world.
Member Nursery and Garden Industry Association.
Member Nursery and Garden Industry Association.
Since 1999 ACS has been a recognised member of IARC (International Approval and Registration Centre). A non-profit quality management organisation servicing education.
Since 1999 ACS has been a recognised member of IARC (International Approval and Registration Centre). A non-profit quality management organisation servicing education.
ACS is a Silver Sponsor of the AIH; and students studying designated courses are given free student membership. ACS and it's principal have had an association with AIH since the 1980's
ACS is a Silver Sponsor of the AIH; and students studying designated courses are given free student membership. ACS and it's principal have had an association with AIH since the 1980's
ACS is an organisational member of the Future Farmers Network.
ACS is an organisational member of the Future Farmers Network.
UK Register of Learning Providers, UK PRN10000112
UK Register of Learning Providers, UK PRN10000112

How can I start this course?

You can enrol at anytime and start the course when you are ready. Enrolments are accepted all year - students can commence study at any time. All study is self paced and ACS does not set assignment deadlines.

Please note that if a student is being assisted by someone else (e.g. an employer or government subsidy), the body offering the assistance may set deadlines. Students in such situations are advised to check with their sponsor prior to enrolling. The nominal duration of a course is approximately how long a course takes to complete. A course with a nominal duration of 100 hours is expected to take roughly 100 hours of study time to complete. However, this will vary from student to student. Short courses (eg. 100 hrs duration) should be completed within 12 months of enrolment. Certificates, Advanced Certificates and Awards (eg. over 500 hours duration) would normally be completed within 3 -5 years of enrolment. Additional fees may apply if a student requires an extended period to complete.
If a student cannot submit their assignments for 6 months to ACS, they should advise the school to avoid cancellation of their student
registration. Recommencement fees may apply.

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We also have Afterpay that will allow you to pay for your course or payment plans in four instalments (if you are in Australia).


What do I need to know before I enrol?

There are no entry requirements that you need to meet to enrol in our courses, our courses are for everyone.
If you are under 18, we need written permission from your parent/ guardian for your enrolment to continue, we can arrange that after you have enrolled.

You don’t need to purchase any additional resources to complete our courses.

We aim to teach you the essentials without you having to purchase any specific computer program.
We recommend that you have access to a word processing program, such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs, so that you can easily complete and submit your assignments.

You sure can. We are here to help you learn whatever your abilities.

Yes, if you are enrolling in a Certificate or Advanced Certificate, you might be eligible for credits if you have evidence of your previous studies or relevant experience. More information is here.

We recommend that you are able to browse websites, send emails and conduct online research. You will need to be able to type and submit your assignments.
If you have limited computer skills, we can make special arrangements for you.

This is possible, it depends on the institution. We recommend that if you would like to use our courses that you contact the institution first. Our Course Handbook is a good resource for this.

Our courses are written in English and we only have English speaking academic staff. If you can read and complete your assignments in English, our courses are ideal for you.

Our courses are designed to build knowledge, hands on skills and industry connections to help prepare you to work in the area, running your own business, professional development or as a base for further study.

This course has been designed to cover the fundamentals of the topic. It will take around 100 hours to complete, which includes your course reading, assignment work, research, practical tasks, watching videos and anything else that is contained in the course. Our short courses are a great way to do some professional development or to learn a new skill.

It’s up to you. The study hours listed in the course are a rough guide, however if you were to study a short course (100 hours) at 10 hours per week, you could finish the course in 10 weeks (just an example). Our courses are self-paced, so you can work through the courses in your own time. We recommend that you wait for your tutor to mark and return your assignment before your start your next one, so you get the benefits of their feedback.

The course consists of course notes, videos, set tasks for your practical work, online quizzes, an assignment for each lesson (that you receive feedback from your tutor from) and ends in an exam (which is optional, if would like to receive the formal award at the end), using our custom built Learning Management System - Login.Training.

Our courses are designed for adults to gain professional development and skills to further their careers and start businesses.

Our custom online learning portal allows you to conduct your learning online. There may be practical tasks that you can do offline. You have the option of downloading your course notes or print them to read later.

There is also the option to pay an additional fee for printed course notes and or USB (availability limited to location and deliverability).

Yes, if you don’t have access to the internet, you can receive the course as paper notes or on a USB stick for an additional fee. We can also make alternative arrangements for you to send your assignments to us.

We offer printed notes for an additional fee. Also, you can request your course notes on a USB stick for an additional fee.

Yes, your tutor is here to help you. Simply post any questions you have in your login.training portal or contact the office and we can pass on a message to your tutor.

We are more learning focussed, rather than assessment focussed. You have online quizzes to test your learning, written assignments and can complete an exam at the end of the course (if you want to receive your certificate). You will not receive a pass/ fail on your course work. If you need to add more details on your assignment, we will ask you to resubmit and direct you where you need to focus. If you need help, you can ask your tutor for advice in the student room.

Each module (short course) is completed with one exam.

Exams are optional, however you must sit an exam if you would like to receive a formal award. You will need to find someone who can supervise that you are sitting the exams under exams conditions. There is an additional cost of $60 incl. GST for each exam.
More information is here

There are practical components built into the course that have been designed to be achieved by anyone, anywhere. If you are unable to complete a task for any reason, you can ask your tutor for an alternative.

When you complete the course work and the exam and you will be able receive your course certificate- a Statement of Attainment. Otherwise, you can receive a Letter of Completion.

You can bundle the short courses to create your own customised learning bundle, Certificates or Advanced Certificates. More information is on this page.

Yes, our courses are built to be applicable for people living anywhere in any situation. We provide the fundamentals, and each student can apply their own unique flair for their own interests, region and circumstances with the one-on-one guidance of a tutor. There is also a bit of student directed research involved.

Employers value candidates with industry skills, knowledge, practical skills and formal learning. Our courses arm you with all of these things to help prepare you for a job or start your own business. The longer you study the more you will learn.

ACS has an arrangement with OAMPS (formerly AMP) who can arrange Professional Indemnity from Australian and New Zealand graduates across all disciplines. Ph: 1800 222 012 or email acs@oamps.com.au.


Who are ACS Distance Education?

ACS Distance Education have been educating people for over 40 years.

We are established and safe- we have been in education for over 40 years.
We are focused on developing innovative courses that are relevant to you now and what you will need to know in the future.
We are focused on helping you learn and make the most of your experience.
You can enrol at any time, you can work on your course when it suits you and at your own pace.
We are connected to many industry bodies and our staff participate in continuous improvement and learning activities to ensure that we are ahead of what learning is needed for the future.

Our courses are not accredited by the Australian Government. However many of our courses are recognised and held in high regard by many industry bodies.

Our courses are written by our staff, who all have many years experience and have qualifications in their speciality area. We have lots of academic staff who write and update our courses regularly.


How do I enrol my staff/ sponsored students?

Yes, you can do a request for a bulk enrolment and request an invoice on our Invoice Request Form

We can prepare an invoice, quote or proforma invoice. Simply complete your details on our Invoice Request form

We can arrange bulk discounts for your course enrolment, please get in touch with us to discuss your needs.

Yes, we have many students who are in locked facilities, such as prisons or hospitals. We can cater by also offering paper notes at an additional cost.


What if I have any more questions or need more information?

We can assist you to find the right course for your needs. Get in touch with us via email (admin@acs.edu.au) call on +61 7 5562 1088 or complete our course advice form.


What if I change my mind?

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If you would like ACS Distance Education to delete your information at any time (whether you are a customer or a prospective customer), please contact our privacy officer and we will process this ( admin@acs.edu.au ).

If students require a reproduction of their certificate, an electronic copy can be provided at a cost of AUD$35 incl GST. Printed copies are not available.




Course Contributors

The following academics were involved in the development and/or updating of this course.

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