Oakridge in the Yarra Valley has collaborated with Upper Yarra Secondary College on its 2023 Junction Street Vineyard & Co Pinot Noir. The collaboration saw students from Upper Yarra Secondary College tend to the vines and harvest the grapes, before the pinot was produced by Oakridge Wines.
Upper Yarra Secondary College facilitates Certificate II in Wine Industry Operations, and has fostered strong relationships with wineries in the Yarra.
Students were led by Oakridge's viticulturist Steve Faulkner. Under Steve's guidance, the students assisted with pruning, maintenance and picking of grapes from the latest vintage, before an 11-month maturation in French oak and bottling in March.
"The program at Upper Yarra Secondary College is focused on innovation and really giving local students hands-on experience in the wine industry," says Steve.
"I’m not aware of another program quite like it in Victoria that leads to bottling for sale to the general public. To see the entire winemaking process, from growing fruit to bottling, and even labelling, is invaluable – and hopefully will be the start of some incredible careers in the wine industry."
Marcus Cook, Upper Yarra Secondary College's Learning Specialist and VET Teacher, said the Oakridge program offers students invaluable industry experience.
"The class is exposed to industry expertise in marketing, label design, winemaking and viticulture. Working with so many experts has broadened our students' understanding of the wine industry and inspired several students to continue this pathway as a career."
The pinot noir is available now from Dan Murphy's and BWS stores across Victoria and is $25 per bottle.
To shop the 2023 Junction Street Vineyard & Co Pinot Noir visit Dan Murphy's.
