From 12–18 May 2026 | A nationwide celebration of careers across the UK wine industry ✦ From 12–18 May 2026 | A nationwide celebration of careers across the UK wine industry ✦ From 12–18 May 2026 | A nationwide celebration of careers across the UK wine industry ✦ From 12–18 May 2026 | A nationwide celebration of careers across the UK wine industry ✦ From 12–18 May 2026 | A nationwide celebration of careers across the UK wine industry ✦ From 12–18 May 2026 | A nationwide celebration of careers across the UK wine industry ✦

Education

Learning pathways into the wine industry

Education and training support people at every stage, whether you’re starting out or developing your expertise.

Education routes into the wine industry

Education plays an important role in opening up careers in the wine industry, but it is not one-size-fits-all. Learning opportunities range from short introductory courses and practical training to formal qualifications and professional development, allowing people to build knowledge at a pace that suits their goals and experience.

Whether you are starting out, changing career or looking to deepen existing skills, education can help you understand the industry, develop confidence and create new opportunities. Many routes combine learning with hands-on experience, making education a practical step towards long-term progression in wine.

Degree pathways into the wine industry

Degree programmes can provide a strong foundation for careers in the wine industry, particularly for roles linked to science, production, business and management. Subjects such as viticulture, oenology, food science, agriculture, marketing and business can all lead into wine-related careers.

While a degree is not essential for every role, it can be especially valuable for those looking to specialise or progress into technical, leadership or research-based positions. Combined with practical experience, degree-level study can open doors to a wide range of opportunities across the industry.

Part-time and flexible courses

Part-time and flexible courses offer a practical way to build wine knowledge alongside work or other commitments. These courses range from introductory wine education to more advanced or specialist topics, allowing learners to develop skills without stepping away from employment.

This route is particularly popular with career-changers and those already working in hospitality, retail or related industries. Part-time study can help deepen understanding, build confidence and support progression into new or more specialised roles within the wine industry.

Plumpton College Wine Division

Plumpton College is widely recognised as a leading centre for wine education in the UK, offering specialist training that supports both entry into the industry and long-term professional development. Its Wine Division brings together academic learning and practical experience, reflecting the real-world demands of modern wine careers.

With strong links to industry and a focus on hands-on learning, Plumpton provides routes for students, career-changers and professionals looking to build or deepen their expertise. From foundational knowledge to advanced study, its programmes play a key role in developing skills across the UK wine sector.

Events

What’s on during Wine Careers Week

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Want to know more?

Find out more about National Wine Careers Week and how it supports careers across the wine industry.