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Unit Overview

Description

This unit focuses on European wine markets, with an emphasis on French wine regions. Climate and terroir variation across Europe is explored as a way to understand production choice differences across European wine regions. The role of history, culture, and political institutions in shaping current modes of production in different European wine regions is studied, with Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Champagne used as case studies. The strengths, weaknesses, and economic consequences of the different Industrial Organisation structures in each region are a key focus of the course. The economic and business implications of European Union grape production regulations and Controlled Designation of Origin rules for wine production are reviewed. To better understand European consumer perspectives on wine purchase decisions, sensory and philosophical perceptions of wine quality and style, and the interaction between wine and food are explored. Food and wine matching experiments are part of the practical class activities.

Credit
6 points
Offering
AvailabilityLocationModeFirst year of offer
Not available in 2025UWA (Perth)On-campus
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 2 elective
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) explain the influence of terroir on grape quality and its influence on wine style, wine quality, and industry profit; (2) identify and distinguish between classical wine varieties and styles on the basis of sensory analysis; (3) conduct and communicate research on the role of culture, history, and political institutions on the economic performance of European wine regions; and (4) describe the legislative, institutional, and industrial organisational arrangements relevant to wine production in key wine regions.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) assignments; (2) wine sensory tests; and (3) research report. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Associate Professor James Fogarty
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
BP073 Bachelor of Hospitality Managment
and Successful completion of
AGRI1120 Vines, Wine, Environment, and Society
Advisable prior study
AGRI1120 Vines, Wine, Environment, and Society (ID 9581)
Contact hours
24 x 1hr lectures
12 x 1hr workshops
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.