New Zealand Certificate in Cellar Operations (Level 3)

NMIT is part of Te Pūkenga

This means that you will now graduate with a Te Pūkenga qualification. Read more
Locations and dates

Marlborough:

14 August 2023

15 January 2024

13 August 2024

Online:

15 January 2024
Length

This programme is scheduled over 19 weeks including classroom study, practical work and winery internship.
Total credits

60
Fees

2023: $498 plus $120 Student Services Levy

A Compulsory Student Services Levy applies ($2 per credit).

Fees listed are for each year of the programme, indicative only and may vary with course selection.

View course details for individual fees.
National qualification code

NZ2722

Learn how to support the winemaker and become an integral part of the day-to day operation of a winery.

This programme is an intensive programme on the basics of winemaking and finishing procedures during a winery harvest, and when working in a cellar team.

The first six weeks will give you an introduction to the wine industry, the basics of winemaking and practice the tasks required to work successfully in a cellar vintage crew.

The practical days out in cellar operations increase through the programme before offering the opportunity of a paid practical vintage placement for 7-8 weeks while classes are paused to allow for uninterrupted support to wineries.

Post-vintage the last course, Wine Management Post-Fermentation, will be taught in part-time classes.

If you are keen to see if you want to have a career in the wine industry, this is the perfect programme for you. It gives you a pathway into winery work if you have no current experience.

This programme can also lead to further study on the Bachelor of Viticulture and Winemaking.

Learning that fits with your life | Part-time or full-time

Study full-time

The January intake is the full-time option delivered over 19 weeks, including classroom study, practical work and a winery internship.

Study part-time

If you work at a vineyard or have a busy schedule, you can take advantage of the part-time study option starting in August. This option is designed to fit around your existing commitments and will align with the various cellar operations activities from August to June.

*This option does not qualify for a student allowance.

We collaborate with industry leaders right here on campus

The NMIT winery and laboratories are situated within the Marlborough Wine Research Centre(external link), established with support from local and national wine and viticulture industries. The centre is a collaboration between NMIT, universities, Bragato Research Institute(external link), Plant and Food Research(external link), the Marlborough District Council(external link) and the owner, the Marlborough Research Centre Trust.

NMIT students are fortunate to rub shoulders with scientists conducting cutting-edge research in viticulture and wine and some of the researchers lecture part-time. The Bragato Research Institute has also launched a "world-leading" national research winery on the Blenheim campus of NMIT, which has opened up opportunities for students to get involved, the winery is now operational for the 2020 vintage.

Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand(external link) also now has its head office on campus.

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

For applicants under 20 years of age: NCEA Level 1 is required.
For applicants 20 years of age and over: there are no minimum academic requirements.

English language requirements

You must have a level of English sufficient to be able to study at this level.
If your first language is not English you should have an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) overall Academic score of at least 5 issued within the last two years with no less than 5 in any band or equivalent.

Other requirements

You must complete a questionnaire about your background and reasons for wanting to undertake the programme. The questionnaire provides information to ensure you are aware you may be subject to drug and alcohol testing while on their work placement component.
This programme has aspects that require a certain level of physical strength and fitness. You must be physically capable of completing all aspects of the programme.
Please note that Wineries have drug and alcohol restriction requirements.

Application requirements

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