A world-class education awaits students at TAFE SA’s Wine and Spirits School

When it comes to a drop, South Australians are spoilt for choice. With many of the world’s most acclaimed labels made right on our doorstep, it makes sense that our state offers the educational facilities to match. For those seeking courses that will prepare them for the industry, or looking to further their existing wine knowledge, TAFE SA’s Wine and Spirits School offers internationally recognised qualifications from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET).

The school’s faculty comprises a diverse group of highly accomplished lecturers, hailing from backgrounds in the wine and hospitality industries. Sally Johnson, who has been teaching at the Wine and Spirits School since 2022, originally started her career as a chef. “After graduating and travelling to the UK, I accidentally fell into the wine industry and haven’t looked back since,” she says. Before joining the faculty at TAFE SA, Sally worked across retail, cellar door and hospitality roles in both Adelaide and the Barossa Valley. Amongst her colleagues are a winemaker, viticulturist, wine marketer, sensory scientist and restaurant manager.

“The Wine and Spirits School courses are open to professionals and consumers alike,” says Sally. “Over the years, we have seen students start their journey with the WSET Level 1 or 2, and many have progressed their way through to the Level 3 or even the longer Diploma qualification.” Though the courses are geared towards those already working in the industry, anyone with the requisite knowledge can apply. Sally notes that there is always at least one in each cohort studying purely out of a fascination for wine.

Eva is a student that falls into both categories. “I’ve always been drawn to winemaking and the way wine connects people and cultures,” she says. “As someone who works in the industry, I wanted to grow my skills and knowledge.” Eva holds a WSET Level 2 Award in Wines. “This course has changed the way I think about tasting and helped me better understand wine varieties, regions and styles,” she explains. “The lecturers are incredibly supportive, and the international focus makes it a fascinating place to learn.”

The school’s internationally recognised courses equip students with knowledge about the global world of wine, and where South Australia’s world-class wine regions fall on that map. Naturally, the Barossa Valley is a key player. For students seeking a specialised, comprehensive understanding of the region’s history, winemaking, viticulture and iconic styles, TAFE SA also offers the Barossa Wine School, based in Nuriootpa.

Completing a qualification at the Wine and Spirits School opens up a variety of career pathways. “We have quite a few students who study the WSET Level 2 in Wine as they are interested in a change of profession,” Sally says. Many use the qualification to further their wine understanding in pursuit of a hospitality or cellar door role.

For those seeking further study, the school’s courses are an excellent starting point. “A lot of our hospitality students study Level 2 or 3 before travelling internationally, as it is globally recognised,” Sally says. “The WSET Diploma is a pre-requisite of the prestigious Masters of Wine program, and we now have two of our Diploma alumni in the midst of their MW studies.”

When it comes to the future of the wine industry, what does Sally believe we can expect? “I think we will see some exciting innovation over the coming years as a response to the current circumstances,” she says, “such as climate-appropriate grape varieties, alternative packaging formats, grape-based beverages and wine styles that are more attractive to younger audiences.”

TAFE SA’s Wine and Spirits School offers internationally recognised WSET courses from Levels 1-3 and the Level 4 Diploma in Wines. The Wine and Spirits School is located at TAFE SA’s Adelaide City Campus, 120 Currie Street, Adelaide. Visit tafesa.edu.au/wine for more information.