Intro into English wine industry

Course overview

Are you interested in learning more about the fastest growing sector in UK
Agriculture? Then the Introduction to the English Wine Industry is the course
for you. This 3-day course explores the different facets of the English wine
industry including business models, English viticulture practices, climate
challenges, English wine styles and distribution models

Modules

Topics of study include:

• History of the UK wine sector
• Recent growth of the UK wine sector
• Overview of the business models and opportunities
• Overview of UK viticulture and grape varietals
• Climate considerations and challenges
• Labour supply and other challenges
• Overview of UK wine production and wine styles
• Sustainability considerations
• Distribution and export markets
• Business planning and checklist for establishing a wine business

How will I be assessed?

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

Student testimonial

“My brother George and I recently completed the Introduction to the English Wine Industry course at Plumpton College, and we thoroughly enjoyed every moment.

We signed up for the course with the aim of exploring whether starting a vineyard might be possible on our family farm. However, we were part of a wonderfully diverse group of fellow students—some were there simply out of curiosity about the industry, while others were considering how their existing skills and careers might transfer into the world of English wine. It was a real mixed bag of interests and ambitions, which made the experience all the richer.

Over the three days, we found the lectures to be interesting, informative, relaxed, and fun. We met several different lecturers, each bringing their own expertise and enthusiasm, and we particularly enjoyed the tour of the on-site winery. The short field trip on the final day to a local vineyard was a brilliant way to bring everything we’d learned together.

Thanks to this course, George and I are now exploring what further training we can do to really get our teeth into the industry, inspired by the brilliant introduction we’ve received.

We’d like to thank all the lecturers for making it such an enjoyable and engaging three days. We’d highly recommend the course to anyone curious about English wine, whether for personal interest or potential career plans.”

– Harry Smith

“I loved the course as it has once again boosted my knowledge and helped me feel a role in UK wine is something I would be good at.”

– Sarah Monk