- Duration
One Day
- Attendance
- 09:00-16:00
- Location
- Plumpton College
Course Overview
The aims of this one-day intensive course are to provide a good level of knowledge and understanding of the different forms of instability that can occur in wine and practically how best to manage when encountered during the production process.
The aims of this one-day intensive course are to build on the Principles of Winemaking course and is ideal for those with experience of winemaking or have a strong interest in wine chemistry and microbiology.
Topics include:
- Tartrate stability and the importance in still and sparkling wine
- Calcium instability in sparkling wine
- Different cold stabilisation techniques
- Copper instability and methods to manage
- Iron instability and methods to manage
- Protein instability and methods to manage
- Managing oxidative and phenolic hazes
- SO2 management
Modules
Topics include:
- Tartrate stability and the importance in still and sparkling wine
- Different cold stabilisation techniques
- Copper instability and methods to manage
- Iron instability and methods to manage
- Protein instability and methods to manage
- Managing oxidative and phenolic hazes
- SO2 management
- Maturation techniques and how these influence wine preservation
- The benefits of lees ageing
PPE Requirements
The programme includes an afternoon practical activity in the winery/lab, so requires students to bring:
- Lab coats will be provided
Assessment
The course ends with a 30-minute multiple-choice exam.
Entry Requirements
There will be an assumed level of knowledge and prior experience of winemaking, with a minimum of one full harvest 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: £210
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
- Date
- 14 April 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.
