While I was studying for the CSW exam, I started reading more literature on the more technical aspects of wine. I found that I enjoyed the more scientific topics, so naturally, thoughts of going back to school to study oenology were bouncing in my head. But I did not give it too much thought because it just didn’t seem feasible to me. The two schools that came to my mind were UC Davis and the University of Bordeaux. I definitely didn’t have all the requirements for the UC Davis master’s program — I studied Computer Science in undergrad, and applicants should have a degree in a “related field”. For me to study at UC Davis, I’d have to apply to their Bachelor’s program. It was dubious whether my previous credits would transfer after being out of school for several years. I definitely could not afford what would likely be 3+ years of out-of-state tuition and living costs. At Bordeaux University, all classes are taught in French. I was beginning French classes, and wouldn’t be anywhere near fluent anytime soon. The cost of living in France would be even higher than in California. I’d have to keep working my computer job to save money for at least two more years. It all was very disheartening.

But then I read To Cork or Not To Cork by George Taber, which essentially convinced me that Australia was the place to go. The book highlighted the tremendous amount of wine research coming from Australia. Much of the research is done right on the University of Adelaide! What’s even more amazing is that the research is funded through a compulsory tax on grape growers and wineries, and matched dollar for dollar by the Australian government. The book interviewed and profiled several prominent Australian and New Zealand winemakers many of whom had graduated from the famed Roseworthy Agricultural College. It turns out that Roseworthy was integrated into the University of Adelaide in the 90′s and the viticulture and oenology facilities were relocated to University of Adelaide’s Waite campus. This school would most certainly have the latest and greatest technology in the on-campus winery and very esteemed faculty. Adelaide’s cost of living is much more reasonable, if not cheaper than my current living situation. It also didn’t hurt that I’d always wanted to spend some time in Australia!

Feeling discouraged by UC Davis’ admission requirements, I thought I had no chance. But just so no stone was unturned, I looked at the programs available at the University of Adelaide. UniAdelaide offered several types of programs for winemaking including three post-graduate programs. An Oenology Master’s that models more closely the Master’s program at UC Davis (some courses, research thesis), a more straightforward Oenology Master by Coursework, as well as a shorter Graduate Diploma in Oenology. Many of the classes overlap between the programs, such that Masters and Graduate Diploma students would take many classes with undergraduates. Students who do well in the Diploma program have the opportunity to apply to continue on a third semester to get the Masters. The tuition is way more reasonable than in California, and the degree programs abroad tend to be shorter. (The Masters program is 3 semesters, where in USA, it is 4 semesters.) The cost of living in Adelaide is also cheaper than California, I was getting giddy that I could actually afford to go to a top enology school and be working in a winery within a few years! I told myself there’s no harm in applying.

So now I was faced with the daunting task of applying to a school as an international student. Luckily, I found a non-profit organization called AustraLearn. This organization is funded by Australian and New Zealand universities to encourage North American students to study abroad. These fantastic folks would waive my application fees and handle all the sending of paperwork, so that I wouldn’t have to worry about international mail getting lost! They walked me through the process from applying, accepting my offer, getting a visa, everything. I couldn’t believe it! There literally was no excuse not to apply.

The application due date was in October, and it involved your standard form, 2 letters of recommendation, college transcript, with syllabi of pertinent courses. My jaw hit the ground when I learned that I wouldn’t have to take the GRE’s. The form let you put a first choice and second choice of degree placement. I chose the 3 semester Masters by Coursework for my first choice, and the 2 semester Diploma program as my second. I figured that if I did well I would have a chance at staying on to get the Masters anyway.

I am not sure what the admissions folks look at when deciding who gets in, but I learned later that there were only 25 seats for the Masters by Coursework program. I don’t know how many people apply, but I’m very glad that I did not goof up in undergrad and earned a good GPA. I’m also thankful that my mom made me take two semesters of chemistry (just in case I changed my mind and wanted to do pre-med — FAT CHANCE!). I’m also so happy that I got such great recommendations from my illustrious superiors at the wine shop, Christianna and Lisa. I’m sure my CSW results showed my dedication to wine and I can’t tell you how many revisions I did of my optional personal statement.

The rest is pretty much history. I learned that I was accepted into my first choice program in December. I paid the $9000 AUD deposit to accept my offer in March, and received my student visa in April. From October to March, I had plenty of time to think about what I was doing, prepare my family for the changes. Since then, I’ve been busy planning my move. It sounds crazy to say that I’m quitting your job, moving to the other side of the world, and spending my life savings to get a somewhat unconventional degree. Most everyone I’ve told has been very supportive and admiring of what I’m doing. My brother thinks I’m very brave to be doing this, but I don’t think of it as a choice so much as an obligation to myself. It’s simply a matter of trying to live the kind of life you want to live. I hope my story inspires people to think beyond the box and keep your eyes open for opportunity. Sometimes opportunity appears in the most unexpected places.

Thanks for reading, I know this was a long post. I’ll definitely post updates about what kinds of things I’m learning, and give you a peek into what oenology school is all about!