Ampelography Workshops
Australia & New Zealand 2026
learn the science of describing & identifying grapevines
In a half-day workshop, you will leave with new perspective and a skill set applicable in any vineyard, anywhere in the world. Learn the methodology to “read” vines and identify varieties; discover the distinctive features and family relationships among varieties that connect to wine culture, history and language.
"I'll never look at a vine the same way again" - Helen Masters, Winemaker, Ata Rangi
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"I'll never look at a vine the same way again" - Helen Masters, Winemaker, Ata Rangi 🍇
Created & taught by Raquel Kallas
New Zealand’s only Grade 1 Ampelographer
OIV International Ampelography Course, 2025 NZ representative
Master’s in Viticulture from Cornell University, 2016
Over a decade of worldwide experience in research, extension, & industry
Why learn ampelography?
You’ll be empowered to authenticate varieties first-hand; no more blind trust in the labels on vineyard posts or wine bottles
More than a few variety mix-ups have famously occurred throughout history - you may discover the next one!
Join a rare reservoir of human knowledge (because AI can’t do this)
Who should attend?
Open to everyone working in the wine industry, from production through to marketing & hospitality. Sommeliers & WSET students are especially encouraged to sign up, you bring invaluable perspective to these sessions. This is a unique opportunity for professional development, all are welcome.
Schedule
A three hour afternoon
Introduction of fundamental concepts & vocabulary
Guided variety identifications in the field
Q&A, beer
Investment
$230 + GST per person, satisfaction guaranteed!
Group size is strictly limited
Upcoming Events
Space is limited
Testimonials
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"Such an immersive workshop; Raquel’s knowledge & tuition are excellent & I would not hesitate to recommend attendance of any of her sessions or to engage her services."
— Greg Allinson, Viticulture Supervisor, Craggy Range
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"I'll never look at a vine the same way again."
— Helen Masters, Winemaker, Ata Rangi
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"It’s so nice to get out into the vineyard to learn in that environment...It felt almost like alchemy, learning how to look at the leaves, stems, colours, & shapes to determine what the vine could be."
— Hannah Wells, Director, The Puffin Wine Bar
“While blind wine tastings are standard procedure for penetrating past the label to the true nature and character of wine, one rarely follows suit in the vineyard. We tend to be wine and grape knowledgeable but vine ignorant... For most people, including many grape growers, the leaves of a vineyard during the growing season form a more or less undifferentiated mass of green. For the student of ampelography, however, they wave like flags in a parade proudly announcing their place of origin.”
— Lucie T. Morton, A Practical Ampelography 1979Ampelography Training for Nurseries Grade 2
For adherence to the NZW Grafted Grapevine Standard. Held in two parts to align with phenological stages & GGS requirements
Part I. Spring
2 days, Nov/Dec 2026
Overview, rootstock & scion authentication, nursery roguing
Preliminary assessment – provisional Grade 2 recognition granted to first time attendees to allow for spring GGS inspections
Part II. Late Summer
1 day, February 2027
Review, scion authentication
Final assessment
$2,350* + GST per person
*Raquel’s travel and accommodation charged as actuals and apportioned across attendees at each host site.
