EU and DEFRA fund wine training project
Plumpton College has launched a training course for the UK wine industry thanks to European Union and DEFRA funding.
The Wineskills initiative will offer grapegrowers and winemakers practical workshops, monthly masterclasses with international speakers, and a mentoring scheme designed to ensure the sustainable growth of the industry.
Chris Foss, head of wine at Plumpton, announced the four industry mentors at the launch on Friday (February 5).
They are Peter Hayes, an international viticultural consultant from Australia, who will advise on grapegrowing and vineyard management, flying winemaker David Cowderoy who will teach still wine production, Jean-Manuel Jacquinot from Champagne Jacquinot who will mentor sparkling wine producers and Michael Paul, former managing director of Western Wines, who will advise on business management and marketing.
Speaking at the launch, Jim Fitzpatrick MP, minister for food, farming and environment, said he was “proud to serve English and Welsh wines”.
Cowderoy added: “The industry is very lucky to have the funds for Wineskills. No other country has benefited in this way. I am confident that the Wineskills program will play a key role in launching the industry into its next phase.”
