Introduction to the U.K Wine Industry Skills Bootcamp

Duration: 6 weeks
Attendance: Most elements of the course will run from 9am to 4pm. The course tutor will advise students on the first day if there are any changes to this. A full timetable will be shared with you after you have made an application.
Location: Plumpton College

Course Overview

Do you want to learn more about wine and wine sales to give you the knowledge to work at a Cellar Door?

This course is suitable for those currently working in or seeking employment at a Cellar Door.

This course has all the necessary elements required to be able to work as a Cellar Door Host, combining an overview of the UK Wine Industry, technical knowledge for wine tasting and identifying wine faults, and selling wine at a Cellar Door. It enables students to gain a good level of knowledge and understanding of Cellar Door activities over a short, intense, period.

The Introduction to the UK Wine Industry will give students an overview of the different aspects of the English wine industry including business models, English viticulture practices, climate challenges, English wine styles and distribution models.

The WSET Level 2 Award in Wines will teach students how to taste and describe wine according to the WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine® (SAT). The course will also cover the principles of viticulture and winemaking, regulations on wine labelling and the key grape varieties of the world.

The Introduction to Cellar Door Sales will give students an overview of the role of the Cellar Door in building a brand and the importance of direct-to-consumer sales. It will help students to communicate confidently about wine with visitors.

Identifying and Managing Wine Faults will teach students the theory of specific wine faults, including a practical application through a tutored tasting. Students will examine faults and their underlying causes, as well as learning the winemaking techniques, and/or storage conditions, to prevent and correct the faults

The Emergency First Aid at Work and Dynamic Risk Assessment courses provide Health and Safety knowledge and skills needed for Cellar Door Hosts to work safely in a Cellar Door, vineyard and winery environment.

Modules

Introduction to the English Wine Industry

History of the English wine sector
Recent growth of the English wine sector
Overview of the business models and opportunities
Overview of English viticulture and grape varietals
Overview of English wine production and wine styles
Climate considerations and challenges

Introduction to Cellar Door Sales

The role of the Cellar Door
Tasting room etiquette and Wine presentation
Customer experience at the Cellar Door
Cellar Door sales psychology and sales techniques
Wine clubs and loyalty schemes
Handling difficult customer situations

WSET Level 2 Award in Wines

How to taste wine
The key grape varieties of the world; Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Grenache
Other notable white and black varieties
Wine law and understanding the label
The principles of viticulture and winemaking
Sparkling and fortified wines

Identifying and Managing Wine Faults

Describe off flavours and aromas in wine
Define specific faults in wine including: Brettanomyces, volatile acidity, light strike, TCA, reduction and oxidation
Understand the underlying causes of common wine faults
Suggest preventative measures against common wine faults
Recommend corrective actions for faulty wines
Assess finished wines for faults

Emergency First Aid at Work

The ability to act safely and effectively when an accident or emergency occurs
The treatment and priorities of care for an unconscious patient
The recognition of cardiac arrest and delivery of cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
The ability to safely and promptly treat a patient who is bleeding
The ability to recognise and treat a patient in shock
The keeping of simple records following an accident at work
Students will also learn to provide care for patients who have: suffered a burn or scald, injured bones, muscles or joints, been poisoned by ingestion or inhalation of a substance or gas, suffered an injury to the eye
Signs & symptoms of a major illness e.g. heart attack

Assessment

The Introduction to the English Wine Industry, Introduction to Cellar Door Sales will be assessed via a 30-minute multiple choice test. The WSET Level 2 Award in Wines will be assessed by a 50-multiple choice question exam to be completed in 60 minutes.

The Identifying Wine Faults, Emergency First Aid at Work and Dynamic Risk Assessment will be assessed by the trainer on the level of participation of students

The courses will be delivered in person. There will be some information to read ahead of attending some of the modules and some self-study will be required for the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines.

There will be practical wine tastings as part of the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines.

Entry Requirements

No previous experience required, but a passion for working and serving customers is a must!

This course is suitable for those currently working in or seeking employment at a vineyard.

19+ & living or working in West Sussex

The courses will be delivered in person. There will be some information to read ahead of attending some of the modules and some self-study will be required for the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines.

There will be practical wine tastings as part of the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines.

Students will meet like-minded students who are at the same career stage which gives them the opportunity to forge a network and community within the industry whilst they study.

You will need suitable clothing for visits to Cellar Doors as this may include a tour of the vineyard and winery.

This Skills Bootcamp is FREE for learners who meet the eligibility criteria. Please see more here