About the programme
The Graduate Diploma in Viticulture and Oenology is an NZQF level 7 programme at Lincoln University in New Zealand that introduces degree holders to grape growing and winemaking over one year of full-time study and 120 credits, drawing on New Zealand's wine expertise.
Lincoln works closely with the country's grape and wine industry. Research hosted by the university played a direct part in establishing South Island regions as viable places for cool-climate viticulture and winemaking.
The diploma is hands-on: students grow their own grapes and make their own wine. They develop wine tasting and analysis skills, learn about New Zealand's distinctive wine styles and study innovative, sustainable winemaking methods. The programme stresses how vineyard and winery work fit together, and covers site selection and development, plant material and vine management, grape processing, fermentation and finishing.
Core courses cover viticulture, the principles of wine science and wine quality assessment. Students add at least three courses from a list that includes grape pest and disease management, winery equipment and structures, strategic management in wine and horticultural businesses, and wine chemistry and technology. On top of any course-specific trips, everyone takes part in a compulsory multi-day field tour. A course advisor helps keep course choices coherent. Teaching is on the Lincoln University campus.
The programme suits graduates from other fields who want to enter the wine industry, and people already working near it who want structured training.
Entry requirements
- A completed undergraduate degree from an accredited New Zealand higher education institution
- Or an equivalent level of education or achievement
- A 100-level chemistry paper or equivalent can satisfy the prerequisite for the wine science courses
- Applicants whose first language is not English must meet the university's English language requirements
What you study
- WINE 201 — Viticulture I
- WINE 202 — Principles of Wine Science
- WINE 301 — Viticulture II
- WINE 302 — Wine Quality Assessment
- PLPT 323 — Grape Pest and Disease Management
- ENGN 361 — Winery Equipment and Structures
- MGMT 344 — Strategic Management in Wine and Horticultural Business Systems
- WINE 304 — Wine Chemistry and Technology
- Compulsory multi-day field tour
Post-study work visa
Generally not available for this qualification
Depends on the qualification, the length of study and other Immigration New Zealand requirements.
This description is based on the official programme page, checked on 09/09/2026. Ask an NIU adviser about fees and intake dates — the programme page on the Lincoln University website