Hebrew University creates degree in study of wine

Have you mastered the grape? Do you know your Merlot from your Malbec? Your Syrah from your Sangiovese? If so, you can now prove it, with a Masters’ Degree in the study of wine from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

The new 18-month MSc course, focusing on viticulture (the science, production and study of grapes) and oenology (the study of wine and winemaking), is Israel’s first wine degree, and signals the maturation of the country’s wine industry.

Programme leaders say the course grew out of demand for skills and professionalism in the sector, which has seen sales surge in recent years, and will teach students to grow, produce and analyse wine, and to manage wineries.

“It puts Israeli research and academia on the international winemaking map,” said Prof. Zohar Kerem, explaining that the course would be tailored to fit Israel’s dry conditions, where wines have been made for 5,000 years.

Students will combine theory and practice in a wine-tasting room on campus, with an internship at a winery and workshops in Italy or France.