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 buffet 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. 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.

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

Please note Plumpton College Wine Division have recently secured some funding, allowing for a reduction in price to a selection of wine courses, subject to eligibility*.

*Learners will be eligible for funding if they were aged over 19 on 31st August 2024 and have been resident in the UK for the last 3 years. Learners living in devolved areas (eg Greater London Combined Authority) will not be eligible for funding. Learners currently undertaking an apprenticeship will not be eligible for funding.

Price (non-funded learners): £890

Price (funded learners): £534