Mick Griffith
Mick Griffith, assistant Vineyard Manager, Brown Brothers Vineyards, Swan Hill, Vic.
I commenced studying the Graduate Diploma in Wine Technology & Viticulture in 2006 and I’m currently employed as an assistant vineyard manager.
After being involved in the wine industry for over eight years and working in both the cool climate wine region of Orange NSW and the Napa Valley of California, I decided it was time to enhance my qualifications. Although I have worked both in vineyards and wineries my preferred focus is on grape growing. My major interests within the industry include precision viticulture, irrigation, vineyard reporting, mechanical vineyard operations and labour management.
Studying by distance is a great way to continue working full time and still complete my degree. This gives me an excellent grounding in the theories learned through study and I am able to research the areas that are of interest to me. My employer also benefits because I am able to use my new-found knowledge in the day-to-day running of a large commercial vineyard.
The semesterly residential blocks are an added bonus. We are able to meet with our lecturers and fellow students and discuss our studies, and then relax over a few quiet wines each night!