Year 11 Geography: Exploring the World of Wine

Our Year 11 Geographers have been hard at work this term, delving into the fascinating world of wine. Their investigation focuses on understanding the reasons for and impacts of the diffusion and changing spatial distribution of wine production and consumption. As part of this exploration, the students recently visited three renowned wineries in the Swan Valley, gaining firsthand insights into the wine industry.

A Day in the Life of a Winery: Upper Reach Winery Tour

The highlight of the excursion was the tour of Upper Reach Winery in Baskerville, hosted by owner Laura Perse. Laura provided our students with an invaluable perspective on the operations of her agritourism business. As a relatively small-scale winery, Upper Reach contrasts with larger establishments like Sandalford, whose wines are not only local favourites but also enjoy global markets.

Learning Outside the Classroom

The opportunity to connect classroom learning with real-world experiences was a standout aspect of the tour. Students appreciated the hands-on approach, which brought their studies to life and deepened their understanding of the wine industry’s intricacies.

Student Reflections

Harriet reflected, “The wine tour offered an interesting insight into the production and consumption of wine in the Swan Valley. Through this, we were able to expand our knowledge of wine and apply it to our studies.”

Casey shared, “I enjoyed hearing about the wine-making process itself and growing in appreciation of all that is involved, from growing grapes to bottling a product for consumers.”

Emily said she admired, Laura’s dedication and passion towards her wine-making endeavours. “I enjoyed hearing about how she and her husband have created a successful business over the last 25 years.”

This excursion exemplifies how Santa Maria College promotes innovative education. By connecting students with industry professionals, we equip them with practical knowledge and skills that extend beyond the classroom. Through these experiences, our students not only learn about geography but also develop attributes like critical thinking, creativity, and resilience.

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