Last week, a group of ten undergraduate students and a teacher from FHTM finished their thirteen-day’s learning program in New Zealand. This program was held by FHTM and Matakana Estate, which aimed at helping students develop general perspective of New Zealand’s wine culture, preliminary learn how to appreciate wines, gain practical experience from lodges and enjoy the beautiful view of the country through their hands-on experience.
Last week, a group of ten undergraduate students and a teacher from FHTM finished their thirteen-day’s learning program in New Zealand. This program was held by FHTM and Matakana Estate, which aimed at helping students develop general perspective of New Zealand’s wine culture, preliminary learn how to appreciate wines, gain practical experience from lodges and enjoy the beautiful view of the country through their hands-on experience.With the guidance of the vineyard’s manager, students have taken classes of the process of making different wines, tasting and comparing both red and white wines, and pruning grapes’ vines by visiting the vineyard and the workshop of Matakana Estate. From this edutainment, students have learned about basic knowledge and techniques of wine and wine tasting, as well as how a winery operate and succeed. Aside from Matakana Estate, our group also had their wine tour to another five wineries, which gave them a more comprehensive overview of New Zealand’s wine industry and culture.
Besides, students were also trained to make reservations and to conduct housekeeping in two different types of lodges that accommodated them. The Warkworth lodge is a family-run lodge, with a long history, while Kourawhero estate is a luxury lodge, with a professional management team. The owners and managers of these two lodges had spent one week with the students, sharing both their work and life experience, which helped students to know better about hospitality industry.
Additionally, the students also had a chance to enjoy food experience and a cooking class, taught by a famous local Chef --Mark Griffiths, who is also a popular lecturer of Auckland University of Technology.
After these study programs, the group has visited some local businesses, such as olive oil, chocolate, cheese, honey, and ceramic factories and stores, which showed the students the New Zealand style businesses and culture.
This successful and fruitful study tour definitely enhances the confidence of the continual cooperation between FHTM and Matakana Estate. In the coming years, more students can have the chance to visit New Zealand, experiencing the rich and diverse culture of New Zealand
