Oenology: Top Universities & Countries Abroad to Study

Updated on 12 April, 2024

Akansha Semwal

Akansha Semwal

Study Abroad Expert

Are you drawn to the art of winemaking and the science behind it? If so, oenology, the study of wine and winemaking, may be the career path you've been seeking. Going for the oenology study abroad equips you with the knowledge and skills to work with winemakers or launch your own wine business. 

Explore the best universities offering oenology degrees in countries such as Italy, the world’s top wine producer, in this article.

Advantages of Studying Oenology Abroad

Why should you choose to study winemaking abroad? There are five key advantages to studying oenology abroad: 

  1. The wine market is massive: The global wine market is projected to grow to around USD 134.59 billion by 2027. This fact ensures that lucrative job opportunities around the globe will continue to be available for oenologists. 
  2. Get to know global wine culture: Studying oenology abroad exposes you to diverse winemaking traditions and techniques. You’ll also have a comprehensive understanding of the global wine industry. 
  3. Get to learn at the best wine-producing regions: Oenology study abroad opens up opportunities to learn in renowned wine-producing regions such as Bordeaux, Napa Valley, Tuscany, and others. Besides gaining practical experience, you can also get networking opportunities within thriving wine communities. 
  4. Industry-relevant skills development: Oenology courses abroad often emphasize hands-on training in vineyard management, cellar practices, and sensory evaluation. You can pick up all the practical skills needed to thrive in the wine industry worldwide.
  5. Global career opportunities: By studying oenology abroad, you enhance your employability in a global context. Course completion at world-renowned universities can set you up for diverse career opportunities in winemaking, like cellar crew, quality control tech, and many more positions across the globe.

Top Universities and Countries for Oenology Studies

Let’s spotlight the top universities and countries renowned for their oenology programs, including powerhouses like Italy, Spain, Australia, and the US. 

University

Country

Ranking

Degree

Average Tuition Fees Per Year

Cornell University

United States

13

Undergraduate Major in Viticulture and Enology 

USD 50,586

University of California, Davis

United States

59

Viticulture & Enology, Bachelor of Science

USD 74,594

University of Adelaide

Australia

111

Master of Viticulture and Oenology

USD 35,431

Stellenbosch University

South Africa

283  

MSc in Viticulture and Oenology

USD 1,736

University of Turin

Italy

401

Master in Viticulture and Enology

USD 3,220

University of Trento

Italy 

429

Degree in Viticulture and Oenology

USD 3,000

Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore

Italy

505 

MSc Sustainable Viticulture and Enology

USD 9,911

Georgian Technical University 

Georgia

1401

Master's Degree in Oenology and Viticulture

USD 9,856

Universidade de Trá-os-Montes e Alto Douros

Portugal

N/A

Master's Degree in Oenology and Viticulture

USD 1,368

Eszterháyz Károly Catholic University

Hungary

N/A

Bachelor of Science in Viticulture and Oenology Engineering

USD 2,737

Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners 

Italy 

N/A

I Level Master Course in Italian Cuisine and Oenology

USD 6,516

Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV)

Spain

N/A

Master's Degree in Oenology

USD 3,870

Università degli Studi di Udine

 

Italy

N/A

Master’s in Viticulture, Oenology and Marketing

USD 1,750 

Admission Process for International Students

For international students, the admission process typically involves meeting eligibility criteria, submitting required documents, and completing the online application process. 

Eligibility

Universities expect you to meet these eligibility criteria in general for oenology study:

  • For an undergraduate course, universities typically expect you to have an aggregate score of 70% to 80% in class 12.
  • The general requirement is a background in science with a relevant bachelor’s degree in biology, agriculture, microbiology, chemistry, engineering, biochemistry, and more. 
  • It’s essential to have a good knowledge of Chemistry and Mathematics.
  • Proof of English language proficiency through tests, such as:
  • IELTS - 6.5 (overall)
  • TOEFL - 79 (overall)
  • Pearson -  58 (overall)
  • C1 Advanced - 176 (overall)

Documents Required 

These are the standard documents you need to gather before admission: 

  • All of your official academic transcripts and mark cards 
  • Passport photocopy
  • Student Visa
  • Your current resume/CV 
  • Passport sized photographs 
  • Portfolio (if required by the university) 
  • One or more letters or recommendations 
  • Statement of purpose

Career Opportunities After Oenology Studies 

Oenology study opens up career opportunities in various sectors of the wine industry. You can expect to find exciting career-building opportunities in vineyards, wineries, laboratories, universities, research institutes, government agencies, or consulting firms. 

You can also specialize in diverse domains of oenology, such as wine chemistry, wine microbiology, wine sensory analysis, wine education, wine quality control, and grape breeding. According to Glassdoor, the pay range for oenologists can vary from USD 80,000 to USD 1,49,000 per year. 

Besides winemaking, the career opportunities in this domain that can fetch you a lucrative salary include the following:

Job Type

Annual Average Salary 

Winery Tour Guide

USD 33,745

Vineyard Worker

USD 36,078

Wine Consultant

USD 41,168

Cellar Worker

USD 43,271

Sommelier

USD 53,129

Source: Indeed 

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FAQs

What is oenologist meaning?

An oenologist is an expert in the science and art of winemaking. They play crucial technical roles in the grape selection, fermentation processes, blending, aging, and quality control to produce high-quality wines.

What are the career prospects of oenology?

Becoming an oenologist opens up diverse career opportunities in the wine industry, including roles as winemakers, viticulturists, wine marketers, educators, researchers, and entrepreneurs.

Which country is the best to study oenology?

The best countries to study oenology include France, Italy, the United States, Australia, and Spain. These countries are renowned for their rich winemaking traditions, world-class educational institutions, and diverse wine regions. 

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Akansha Semwal

Study Abroad Expert

Akansha Semwal is a content marketer at upGrad and has also worked as a social media marketer & sub-editor. Experienced in creating impressive Statement of Purpose, Essays, and LOR, she knows how to captivate the attention of Admissions Committee. Her research-driven;study-abroad articles helps aspirants to make the prudent decision. She holds a bachelor's & master's degree in Literature from the University of Delhi.

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