- Duration
3 Days (2 Days in 1 week, 1 day in the subsequent week)
- Attendance
- 09:00 - 16:00
- Location
- Plumpton College
Course Overview
Tirage is a unique winemaking process for traditional method sparkling wine. It is crucial in determining the flavour, aroma, effervescence and overall quality of sparkling wines, as it significantly influences the development of the wine's unique characteristics. Often challenges are experienced in preparing the yeast for this vital process or during the process of tirage.
This course will cover managing each step in the tirage process and what to do if challenges are encountered during the process.
Modules
Topics of study include:
- Introduction to Tirage in Sparkling Wine Production
- Challenges in Tirage
- Mother Culture Preparation
- Viability Counting
- DCO2 Measuring in Base Wines
- Relevance of DCO2 in Base Wines
- Base Wine Preparation
- Pre-Bottling Analysis for Sparkling Wine
- Overcoming Challenges in Tirage
Assessment
The course ends with a 30-minute multiple-choice exam.
Entry Requirements
This is an advanced course which builds on the Principles of Sparkling Wine course. There will be an assumed level of knowledge and prior experience. Wine enthusiasts with a background in microbiology and/or chemistry may also find this course of interest.
Course Cost
This course is FREE*, thanks to the Plumpton Wine Resilience Fund. More information about this fund can be found here.
Please refer to our terms and conditions below to take advantage of this offer between January - July 2026.
Note that the cost will show on your application form, however please disregard this if you meet the funding criteria to access the Plumpton Wine Resilience Fund.
*Subject to eligibility
Cost for a non-funded learner: £610
PPE Requirements
The programme includes practical activity in the winery/lab, so requires students to bring:
- Good sturdy footwear such as Wellington boots
- Working clothes or overall
- Lab coats will be provided
Terms & Conditions
1. Course Dates:
All courses must be booked and attended between 1 January and 31 July 2026
2. Commitment to attend:
All courses are fully funded. By enrolling on a programme, you are committing to attend. Failure to attend without notifying the College at least 10 days prior to the course start date will result in a £50 administration charge.
3. Number of Courses:
There is no limit to the number of courses an individual or company may book under this scheme. However, no one course can be repeated by and individual.
4. Materials:
Any required materials or equipment must be purchased separately and are not covered by the funding. These will be clearly stated in the course information.
5. Eligibility:
Free training is offered through the Governments' Adult Skills Fund and cannot be accessed by individuals or organisations from devolved authorities (areas include but may not be exclusive to: Greater Manchester, Liverpool City Region, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, York and North Yorkshire, North East, East Midlands, Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, Cornwall, Tees Valley, Bristol, London).
6. Accommodation and travel:
Plumpton College does not provide free accommodation.
On-site accommodation may be available at a discounted rate, subject to availability and payable separately.
We do have travel bursaries for those in low income please look on our website for further details.
Other courses that may interest you
- Advanced Principles of Vinegrowing - Crop Protection Plumpton College Certificate
- Advanced Principles of Vinegrowing - Spring Operations Certificate of Achievement in Spring Vineyard Management
- Advanced Principles of Vinegrowing - Summer Operations Certificate of Achievement in Summer Vineyard Management
National Wine Training Programme
The National Wine Training Programme offers structured courses at three levels - Introduction, Intermediate, and Advanced - designed to enhance skills and knowledge in areas like vinegrowing, winemaking, and wine business for all experience levels.
