Principles of Vinegrowing (Intermediate Level)

Do you want to learn more about vinegrowing?

The aim of this five-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 following a sandwich lunch. It is based on the seven-day Principles of Vinegrowing course, and enables students to gain a good level of knowledge and understanding of vineyard activities over a short, intense, period of time. The practical sessions give students the benefit of also attaining the City & Guilds Level 1 Award in Practical Horticulture. This course is eligible for continuous professional development (CPD) from BASIS for students holding this qualification.

Please note: the course focuses on cool climate grape growing. 

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 course ends with a 30-minute multiple-choice test.

The mornings are class-based theory sessions and the afternoons are practical sessions in the vineyard. Both are delivered at Rock Lodge vineyards, which are situated near Scaynes Hill, eight miles north of Plumpton College. The practical sessions give students the benefit of also attaining the City & Guilds Level 1 Award in Practical Horticulture.

This course is suitable for anyone who has an interest in the subject.

The session includes practical activity and requires students to bring:

• Good sturdy footwear such as Wellington boots
• Working clothes or overalls
• Wet weather gear  

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