It’s been all (purple) hands on deck in Nuriootpa High School’s winery over the past fortnight as vintage gets under way!

In the weeks leading up to the first pick and crush last Thursday, Year 10 ‘Vines and Wines’ students have been busy prepping the winery by cleaning and setting up equipment, while gaining an understanding of vineyard safety.

“Vines and Wines introduces students to the wine-making process, both with theoretical and practical learning,” explains NHS Wine Manager Ms Kate Ruchs.

Supported by Kate, and under the guidance of experienced agriculture teachers Mr David Bowley and Mr Josh Bottrall, students have been regularly testing the grape sugar levels and keeping a close watch for disease, together determining the optimal time to pick.

“It’s nice having a practical subject that really relevant,” reflects Vines and Wines student, Asher.

Students will be involved each step of the process from preparation, to picking, crushing, pressing, fermenting and bottling, to produce multiple styles of red wine. While some of the grapes will be picked directly from the school’s on-vineyard, others will be picked from nearby blocks such as the Shiraz from the Hickinbotham block, or generously donated by local vignerons such as Adrian Hoffmann.

Alongside the practical, industry-relevant skills the program offers students important life skills.

“Working as a team, problem solving – they’re [the students] learning transferable skills too,” says Mr Bowley.

Image: Ms Kate Ruchs, Wine Manager, with Vines and Wines students Mikayla, Rianna, Jemma and Sienna.