Drinks and hospitality business, Endeavour Group, has launched Junction Street Vineyard & Co’s 2023 Vintage Pinot Noir, made from grapes tended and harvested by students and staff at Upper Yarra Secondary College in Victoria, and produced by Oakridge Wines.
This year marks the third harvest from Upper Yarra Secondary College’s vineyard, which will be available in Dan Murphy’s and BWS stores across Victoria from 27 May while stocks last.
Yarra Valley based Oakridge Wines, founded in 1978, is known for its pinot noir and chardonnay, and was acquired by Endeavour Group in 2021.
Steve Faulkner, viticulturist at the Oakridge Wines, has guided students in the pruning, maintenance and picking of grapes for the latest vintage release. He said that the innovative program gives local students a real, hands-on experience in the wine industry.
“As part of Endeavour Group, we are also incredibly proud to be able to range this year’s vintage in a number of Dan Murphy’s and BWS stores across Victoria. I know there will be many proud students, teachers and parents visiting stores this week to see the Junction Street Vineyard & Co label on the shelves.
“I’m not aware of another program quite like it in Victoria that leads to bottling for sale to the general public. To see the entire winemaking process, from growing fruit to bottling, and even labelling, is invaluable - and hopefully will be the start of some incredible careers in the wine industry.”
Faulkner oversaw the Pinot Noir’s open top fermentation and 11-month maturation in premium French oak, and bottling in March this year.
Upper Yarra Secondary College learning specialist and VET teacher, Marcus Cook, said the class is exposed to industry expertise in marketing, label design, winemaking and viticulture.
“Working with so many experts has broadened our students' understanding of the wine industry and inspired several students to continue this pathway as a career.
“Personally, I am grateful for the guidance of the Oakridge team, through the whole winemaking process - from vine to wine!”
Through its facilitation of the Certificate II in Wine Industry Operations, Upper Yarra Secondary College has forged strong relationships across the Yarra Valley wine industry over the past five years.
Scott Tully, Principal of Upper Yarra Secondary College said the program was initially difficult to set up, and relied on wine industry experts for guidance.
“We were attempting to establish opportunities that meant young people could live and work in the Yarra Valley and not be forced to leave to find work.
“Thankfully the team at Endeavour Group reached out with offers of support and have been incredibly generous with their guidance, knowledge and expertise in the industry and our program has excelled and is giving our students some incredible opportunities.”
The school holds an annual photography competition to coincide with harvest. This year the winner was Year 9 student, Karl, whose photo will be used in the point of sale materials for the wine.
The Junction Street Vineyard & Co’s 2023 Pinot Noir is available at selected Dan Murphy’s for RRP $25.
