New Zealand Certificate in Cellar Operations (Level 3)

We are evolving

From 2023, NMIT and the programme you have enrolled in will become part of
Te Pūkenga, and you will graduate with a Te Pūkenga qualification. See more here.
Locations and dates

Marlborough:

15 August 2022

16 January 2023

14 August 2023
Length

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

60
Fees

2022: $480 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 eligible for fees-free under the Targeted Training and Apprenticeships Fund (TTAF). Please note fees will only be covered under TTAF until 30 June 2023. Find full details about the fund here.(external link) Students are advised to enquire about their eligibility for any other fees-free funding when enrolling.

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.

Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund (TTAF) | 2023 update

Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund (TTAF)(external link) funding ends on 31 December 2022.

This affects ākonga (students) currently on 2022 TTAF funded programmes(external link) that extend into 2023, plus those considering starting in the second half of 2022 on programmes that will extend into 2023.

The portion of fees not covered by TTAF funding will be met by Te Pukenga, with no cost to ākonga for the 6-month period to 30 June 2023.

This does not cover first-time enrolments in 2023 on programmes that were previously TTAF eligible.

However, some ākonga will have the 2023 portion covered by their Tertiary Education Commission Fees Free entitlement.

If you require any further clarification, please contact enrolments@nmit.ac.nz

We collaborate with industry leaders

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 the area of 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

Ngarita Warden Wine Scientist

I am Ngarita Warden and I teach two winemaking programmes at the NMIT Marlborough campus in the wine science departments.

I teach wine science on the Bachelor of Viticulture and Winemaking programme and also teach Cellar Operations, the level three introduction to winemaking programme.

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