Positive feedback overflowed from the Queensland wine industry after University of Southern Queensland (USQ) students put on associate judges hats in Toowoomba earlier this month (June 2, 3).
Students contributed to the Royal Agricultural Society of Queensland (RASQ) 2012 Wine Show and Mediterranean Challenge as a part of USQ wine sensory analysis residential school activities.
University of Southern Queensland Associate Professor Robert Learmonth said it was the first time that students have had the opportunity to be involved in the running and judging of a wine show as a part of their formal degree studies.
‘It is a great opportunity for students to gain experience, knowledge and to network within the industry,’ Associate Professor Learmonth said.
‘This year five students participated in the residential school with fantastic results.’
‘USQ would like to continue to offer the residential school as an annual event for students studying the Bachelor of Technology (wine).’
The residential school was first developed as part of the 2009 launch of the Bachelor of Technology (wine) that is offered by the university as an external and practical based degree. After two days of residential school practical training in sensory analysis, students were able to participate in the industry judging panels of a real wine show.
‘While it is the judges who make the final decision, the associate judges can influence the final placing in a wine category.’
Patrons of the (RASQ) 2012 Wine Show and Mediterranean Challenge attended a Black Tie Presentation Dinner on the night of Saturday, 9 June in Toowoomba for the presentation of industry awards for the event.
In support of the industry USQ sponsors the USQ Winery of the Future Award, the Queensland only white class non-Mediterranean varieties and the Queensland only red class non-Mediterranean variety medals.
Associate Professor Learmonth acted as Chief Steward and students acted as stewards and associate judges during the event.
In addition USQ staff members Ursula Kennedy was a judge and Kim Larsen participated as a steward.
Media contact;
Jim Campbell, USQ Media, +617 4631 2977, jim.campbell@usq.edu.au
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