Elderton Supporting Winemaking Students

by Jess Ruciack

Are you a winemaking student, or do you know someone studying winemaking?
Do you love Barossa Shiraz, or the often underrated Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon? Then keep reading!

Elderton Wines is a family owned and operated Barossa winery, and the Ashmead family has been committed to supporting our community for many years. In addition to supporting charities, local sporting clubs and more, we are also very proud of supporting the future of the wine industry.

In 2015 we introduced the Elderton Winemaking Excellence Scholarship, through Foundation Barossa. Each year students studying a Bachelor of Oenology/Winemaking at an Australian University are invited to apply for the scholarship. The successful student chosen for the scholarship will receive mentoring, industry experience and financial support.

The 2018 round will support a student currently enrolled in a Bachelor of Oenology/Winemaking through:

• $3000 to support education expenses in the 2019 financial year
• The opportunity to undertake a 2019 vintage position in the Barossa at Elderton Wines
• Mentoring from the Elderton team

I spoke with our most recent Scholarship recipient, Sam, after his 2018 vintage placement in the winery:

How has being a recipient of the scholarship assisted you with your studies?

Receiving financial help has allowed me to focus on my studies, whilst having the opportunity to purchase necessary textbooks, university equipment and forklift licensing. Knowing I had a vintage placement secured with Elderton was a great goal throughout the semester, allowing me to focus on university studies. I highly recommend to any potential candidates to apply for the scholarship. It has been a unique and rewarding opportunity, allowing me to gain practical skills and knowledge in the industry.

What will you take away from your vintage placement at Elderton Wines?

Working with the team at Elderton over vintage was a unique opportunity, giving me a great insight into premium winemaking. Reflecting on vintage I have been able to learn a wide range of skills in many different areas of the winery. From weighbridge to barrel, we were all involved at every step of the process, this is a unique opportunity for a student placement. The use of small waxed concrete fermenters, heading down and processing small parcels of exceptional hand harvested fruit was an invaluable opportunity.

What have you learned from Elderton’s Winemaker Richard Langford, who was named 2018 Barossa Winemaker of the Year in February?

Richard has been a great mentor throughout vintage. Always taking time to explain each step of the process in detail, and encouraging us to continue tasting and asking questions throughout each step in the winery. Working with Richard and the vintage team at Elderton was highly rewarding, working in all areas of the winery I was given a great opportunity to learn steps, processes and skills throughout the entire winemaking process.

What would you say to others thinking about a future in the wine industry?

Go for it! After working a vintage at Elderton, I am very excited about my future in wine. It is a fast paced, exciting and rewarding industry. Studying Viticulture and Oenology at University has been a fantastic experience.

This is a great opportunity for a student with an interest in Barossa winemaking traditions to experience the Barossa and learn why we, at Elderton Wines, are so passionate about our region.

For more information on the Scholarship, and to apply, please go to the Foundation Barossa website – https://foundationbarossa.org.au/

Sam completed vintage at Elderton in early 2018, and encourages other winemaking students to apply for the Scholarship before 31 July 2018.