Next crop of Wine Scientists on-campus at USQ

Students enrolled in Queensland's first Wine Science program at the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) will be on-campus this week for their first residential school in Grape and Wine Science.

Seventeen students will be at USQ Toowoomba on Tuesday 4 July before heading to the Queensland College of Wine Tourism (QCWT) in Stanthorpe.

During their trip to the Granite Belt students will also visit Symphony Hill Winery and the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) Vineyard at Applethorpe for wine tasting and other prac work.

USQ launched the Bachelor of Wine Science in collaboration with Charles Sturt University in Semester 1 this year.

USQ Wine Science Lecturer, Associate Professor Rob Learmonth, said it will be a great learning experience for the students.

"It will be the first time students have been all together on-campus since they started," Associate Professor Learmonth said.

"Students will gain practical experience in management of grapevines including study of vine structure and diseases.

"They will also get an overview of winery operation and gain experience in sensory evaluation and judging of wines.

"In addition to USQ staff, the residential school will draw upon the expertise of Symphony Hill Winemaker Mike Hayes, QCWT Director John Neville, Department of Tourism, Fair Trading and Wine Industry Development Principal Wine Industry Advisor Craig Rutledge, and DPI&F Wine Industry Development Officers Cameron Playsted and Tony Hassall."

The QCWT is the first specific wine training facility in Queensland and over time will provide training from Year 11 and entry levels through to postgraduate levels.

QCWT partners include USQ, Stanthorpe State High School and the Southern Queensland Institute of TAFE, with six other gateway schools, Kingaroy State High School, Murgon State High School, Mt Tamborine High School, Centenary Heights High School, Sheldon College and Nudgee College also involved.

Media Contact: Fiona Taylor, +61 7 3470 4117