Intensive Principles of Vinegrowing

Course overview

Do you want to learn more about vinegrowing?
The aim of this five-day
intensive course is to provide a good level of knowledge and understanding of
vinegrowing to those who wish to start growing grapes, work in a vineyard, enter
the wine trade, or have a strong interest in the world of wine.

Each day, vinegrowing theory is introduced in the morning classroom session,
then put into practice in the afternoon in the vineyard following a sandwich
lunch. It is based on the Extensive Principles of Vinegrowing course, and
enables students to gain a good level of knowledge and understanding of vineyard
activities over a short, intense, period of time. This course is eligible for
continuous professional development (CPD) from BASIS for students holding this
qualification.

Please note: the course focuses on cool climate grape growing.

This course is suitable for anyone who has an interest in the subject.

The session includes practical activity and requires students to bring:

• Good sturdy footwear such as Wellington boots


• Working clothes or overalls


• Wet weather gear 

Modules

• Evaluating and improving vineyard sites
• Selecting vine varieties and rootstocks
• Winter pruning
• Vine propagation and nutrition
• Planting and trellising vines
• Vineyard floor management and sustainable viticulture
• Vineyard pest and disease management
• Canopy management

How will I be assessed?

The course ends with a 30-minute multiple-choice test.

What is it like to be a student on this course?

The mornings are class-based theory sessions and the afternoons are practical sessions in the vineyard. Both are delivered at Rock Lodge vineyards, which are situated near Scaynes Hill, eight miles north of Plumpton College.

The practical sessions give students the benefit of also attaining the City & Guilds Level 1 Award in Practical Horticulture.