- Duration
4 Days | 09:00 - 16:00
Course Overview
Principles of Vinegrowing Intensive - delivered at Laurel Vines Vineyard, Yorkshire
Do you want to learn more about vinegrowing?
The aim of this four-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. It is based on the five-day Principles of Vinegrowing course adapted to allow for delivery in a commercial vineyard and enables students to gain a good level of knowledge and understanding of vineyard activities over a short, intense, period of time.
Please note: the course focuses on cool climate grape growing.
The location for this course is Laurel Vines Vineyard, Laurel Farm, Aike, Driffield, YO25 9BG
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: £890
Modules
Topics include:
- 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
The mornings are class-based theory sessions, and the afternoons are practical sessions in the vineyard.
Assessment
The course ends with a 30-minute multiple-choice test
Entry Requirements
This course is suitable for anyone who is over 18 and has an interest in the subject.
PPE Required
The session includes practical activity and requires students to bring:
- Good sturdy footwear such as Wellington boots
- Working clothes or overalls
- Wet Weather gear
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).
If you are already enrolled in an Apprenticeship Scheme you may not be eligible for funding. If you are enrolled in a Skills Bootcamp, please check whether you are eligible with the Skills Bootcamp team by emailing skillsbootcamps@plumpton.ac.uk .
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.
