- Duration
3 Days
- Attendance
- 09:00 - 16:00
- Location
- Plumpton College
Course Overview
Are you interested in learning more about the fastest growing sector in UK Agriculture? Then the Introduction to the UK Wine Industry is the course for you.
This 3-day course explores the different facets of the UK wine industry including business models, UK viticulture practices, climate challenges, UK 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
Assessment
The course ends with a 30-minute multiple-choice exam.
Entry Requirements
This course is for new and potential new entrants to the UK wine industry. It would also be of interest to wine enthusiasts who want to improve their knowledge of the UK sector, businesses and services who wish to market their products to the UK wine sector and Business students who want to specialise in the UK wine sector. No prior knowledge of the UK wine sector is needed.
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
What is it like to be a student on this course?
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.
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 (Greater Manchester, Liverpool City Region, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, York and North Yorkshire, North East, East Midlands, Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, Cornwall, Tees Valley, 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.
Course Dates
- Start Date
- 23 March 2026
- End Date
- 25 March 2026
Other courses that may interest you
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.
