For University of Southern Queensland student Michael Arndt, there is a certain magic to the wine-making process.
As a connoisseur of medium bodied reds, Mr Arndt had searched far and wide for the perfect drop when he decided to enrol in a Bachelor of Wine Science at the University.
“I feel as if wine is integral to a lot of things we do throughout our lives – it’s part of every great occasion,” Mr Arndt said.
“You can have the same wine many different times, but it’s the people you’re with that help decide how good it tastes.
“To me, wine making is a little like alchemy, a little like magic.”
And it’s this magic that he hopes to one day bring to the community.
“In the future, I would love to open up a craft store on the Sunshine Coast focusing on organic, biodynamic, natural wines,” he said.
“Everyone can come and try some wine, and get to know everyone in the area.
“There’s nothing like that on the Coast at the moment and I think it’s ripe with opportunity.”
Mr Arndt said he chose to study wine science with the University of Southern Queensland because of its unique program structure.
He said one of the highlights was the chance to engage with boutique wine growers.
“The way they grow their wines here is different from your traditional, big growers,” he said.
“I find it more interesting and a great way to learn.”
University of Southern Queensland Wine Science lecturer Ursula Kennedy said the degree included plenty of practical experience.
“While a lot of the studies are external and online, the students come in a few times during their program to spend a week with us for the residential schools,” Ms Kennedy said.
This residential school was held at the University of Southern Queensland’s Queensland College of Wine Tourism at Stanthorpe (in the heart of Granite Belt wine country).
“We like to get out and make sure the students get their hands dirty and get immersed in real vineyards and wineries,” she said.
“And this is also really important for networking - a lot of careers are built through word of mouth.
“Once the students get out and start meeting people they realise it’s an extremely collegial, diverse and friendly industry.”
Do you want to be an important part of an exciting and growing industry? The University’s Bachelor of Science (Wine Science) allows you to combine your studies with another major, providing industry relevant skills.
Learn more about studying a Bachelor of Science (Wine Science).
