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Viticulture Courses

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About Viticulture Courses

Viticulture is the craft of growing grapes for wine. Australia has built one of the world’s top wine industries around it. Growers care for the vines all year, from pruning to harvest, then hand the fruit to winemakers to turn into wine. It suits people who like outdoor work and want to see a season’s effort become a finished product.

Australia crushed 1.57 million tonnes of winegrapes in 2025, led by Shiraz and Chardonnay, according to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. The country exported 639 million litres of wine worth $2.48 billion in 2024-25. Growers work across about 65 wine regions, from the Barossa Valley to Margaret River. Around 4,200 people work as grape growers nationally, and most work full time.

You do not always need formal training to start. A certificate III or IV in viticulture still builds the skills employers want. Vineyard supervisors and managers usually hold a diploma. They combine field experience with knowledge of soil, irrigation and running a vineyard as a business. See the certificate III and certificate IV options listed on this page.

Many states offer subsidised training through schemes such as Free TAFE. This can lower the upfront cost of a course. Check government-funded course options to see what applies where you live.

FAQs

What qualifications do I need to work in viticulture?

A certificate III or IV in viticulture suits hands-on vineyard roles. A diploma suits people aiming for vineyard management. Compare nationally recognised courses through training.gov.au before you pick a provider.

Is viticulture a growing industry?

Demand stays steady thanks to strong export markets and steady wine production at home. Vineyards need skilled workers for planning, disease control and grape growing. Wine Australia tracks the sector’s outlook each year.

Do viticulture courses include practical training?

Yes. Most accredited courses require supervised work in a real vineyard. This gives students genuine industry experience before they finish.

Can I work while studying viticulture?

Many providers offer flexible or part-time study. This lets you keep working in a vineyard while you complete a course.

What’s the difference between viticulture and winemaking?

Viticulture covers growing and caring for the grapes. Winemaking, also called oenology, starts once the grapes reach the winery. The two work closely together across the wine industry.

Where can a career in viticulture take you?

A career in viticulture can lead to real jobs you'll enjoy. Here are some roles you could pursue.