Name: Cindy
Role Title: Winemaker at Beringer Blass, Mildara Wines, Merbein (near Mildura)

I assist with blending table wines and tasting, as well as preparing work for cellar hands and maintaining wine quality. I started off as a science student majoring in chemistry and am currently undertaking winemaking studies at Charles Sturt University to broaden my career horizons.

BACKGROUND:
I grew up in Sunraysia. I have always been interested in science and enjoyed the life style winemaking could offer.

Course(s) studied:
Tertiary /post secondary:
• Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) with Honours at Flinders University in Adelaide
• Currently studying a Bachelor of Applied Science (Wine Science) as a distant education student at Charles Sturt University.

Work experience: I worked in the lab at a juicing plant while studying in Adelaide. OPPORTUNITIES: Further study: Attending short wine tasting courses as well as seminars such as the 'Winetech' conferences are good opportunities for me to expand my knowledge.

Learning on job, new skills, etc.
As every winery operates differently according to the size of the operation, a lot of skills are acquired on the job.

Travel, etc.
Winemaking involves a lot of travel across Australia for wine shows and there are opportunities to work vintages overseas such as in the US, Chile, France and Italy.

ADVICE TO STUDENTS NOW:
students up to Year 10
Keep your options and mind open by choosing a wide variety of courses. Start to think about the future.

VCE students
Choosing science subjects at VCE level will help make these subjects easier at university.

Tertiary students
There are a few avenues into winemaking such as studying chemistry, biochemistry, food technology and viticulture. I suggest students undertake as much industry work experience as possibly, as this will give students a better understanding of the wine industry and increase their chance of obtaining employment.

OTHER:
Comments, thoughts, suggestions.
Do not be scared of making the decision to go to university for a particular course, as it is always possible to change preferences once in the system.

What careers have other graduates from your course entered?
Chemistry graduates can be found everywhere, whereas Wine Science graduates are restricted to becoming winemakers, tasters or lecturers.