Learning through the grapevine

The initiative involves students from Anson Street School, Canobolas Rural Technology High School and Orange High School coming ogether to work on 20 rows of tempranillo grape vines at the Anson Farm.

“It’s a superb position ... it’s well-drained with volcanic soil. To have it in town is an amazing asset,” e2 deputy prinicipal Bill Adams said.

With harvest time just around the corner, the e2 schools including year 12 chemistry students were busy testing the grapes to measure the sugar, PH and acid levels.

This year will mark the third vintage for the vineyard, with wine made locally by Ross Hill Wines.

Mr Adams said the project had received enormous support from the local industry, with staff from TAFE Western Institute and wine experts from Charles Sturt University (CSU) also on board to share their knowledge.

“It’s a wonderful success story,” he said.

Mr Adams said last year reaped a bumper crop of nearly five tonnes.

“This year we expect a little less production because we’ve had so much rain, which posed some challenges in terms of mould,” he said.

“But the advisory group has worked brilliantly so it’s looking really good for a bumper crop this year.”

The program gives primary industries and agriculture students a chance to gain hands-on experience in a vineyard, as well as allowing the chemistry students to see chemistry in action, Mr Adams said.

The program also teaches the students future employment skills.

“It raises the importance of viticulture in our economy,” Mr Adams said.

“This is a really exciting career pathway.”

He hopes the program can be expanded to include tourism and hospitality.

clare.colley@ruralpress.com