National Wine Careers Week: 5 different ways to getting Into Wine to Where We Are Now
WineGB spoke with individuals from across the team and wider wine industry to learn about their pathways into the sector and the roles they hold today. Our conversations included wine sellers, export managers, wine communicators and others who contribute to the industry’s breadth and expertise.
National Wine Careers Week returns from 9–15 May 2026, building on the success of its launch year to shine a spotlight on the wide range of careers available across the UK wine sector.
Founded by Plumpton College and Nyetimber, and supported by partner NFU Mutual, the initiative brings together businesses from across the industry to showcase the diverse roles within wine production and trade.
Now in its second year, the campaign also highlights the training and skills development opportunities available, helping to inspire and support the next generation of talent to build long-term careers in wine.
James Wright – Student Job to Sales Operations
James first encountered the drinks trade while working in bars at university, but representing Casella Family Brands at the BBC Good Food Show ignited a deeper interest. Studying WSET Level 2 alongside his master’s degree confirmed he wanted a wine career.
Joining Majestic Wine as a trainee manager, he completed WSET Level 3 and progressed into management. He now moves into national sales operations, continuing to build a commercial career in wine.
“For anyone considering a career in wine, my advice would be to start by gaining as much hands-on experience as possible – whether that’s in hospitality, retail, or events. The industry really values practical knowledge and enthusiasm. Formal qualifications such as WSET are incredibly useful, but it’s equally important to stay curious, taste widely, and ask questions.“
— James Wright, Assistant Manager, Majestic Wine
Emma Rix – Sustainability Meets Wine
Emma’s background has always been in sustainability, supporting SMEs with B Corp and WELL certifications, as well as internal strategy building. A friend pointed her toward WineGB, where the sector’s passion for the planet immediately resonated.
At WineGB Emma has educated students on international standard auditor training, education around government engagement and influencing, and a myriad of lectures, seminars and workshops about sustainability for Plumpton College. She has also learnt at the College with the intensive Principles of Viticulture course and she is signed up for her WSET 2 this summer. She now runs the Sustainable Wines of Great Britain programme and supports members with sustainability resources. She has also stepped into WineGB’s creative and branding work.
“If you don’t have the formal education in wine, it shouldn’t stop you! I found my career in wine at the intersection between my passion and skills in sustainability and a newfound love for the industry. People in this industry are so knowledgeable and kind with their time, you pick so much along the way.”
— Emma Rix, Sustainability & Creative Manager, WineGB
Richard Brown – Starting in Hospitality
Richard’s wine journey began at 13 with a celebratory glass of Billecart‑Salmon after a restaurant shift. He became fascinated by how a great bottle of wine can completely transform an experience, bring people together around a table, create conversation, and turn a meal into a memory. Hospitality led him through vineyards, wineries and cellars, where he discovered how wine transforms experiences and brings people together.
English wine has become a major passion, exceptional, innovative and rooted in place. For Richard, wine is a career of travel, learning and connection.
“For anyone thinking about a career in wine, I’d say it’s one of the most rewarding industries you can be part of. It’s creative, social, constantly evolving and full of opportunities to travel, learn and meet incredible people. No matter how much you know, there’s always something new to discover.“
— Richard Brown, Head of Hospitality (London & South), Little & Large Pub Company
Angelina Howe – Events That Led to English Wine
Angelina moved from agency life to an in‑house events role after Covid, expecting fewer clients, only to discover WineGB’s 1,000‑strong membership. Her passion for events aligned perfectly with the energy of English and Welsh producers. Four years on, she continues to learn daily and champion the industry through domestic and international events.
“Every day of the last 4 years has been a school day, and I’m a proud ambassador of the sector that has allowed me to develop first-hand knowledge of what makes our people, our stories and our wines, unique.“
— Angelina Howe, Events & Export Manager, WineGB
Candace Strickland – Communicating the Rise of English Wine
Candace’s path began in her father’s wine warehouse, but she first built a career in music industry marketing. Moving to Sussex reawakened her love of wine, thanks to celebrated winemaker Dermot Sugrue at Wiston Estate.
After completing WSET Levels 2 and 3, she joined the estate as a tours and tastings guide before gaining hands‑on production experience in the winery. Today, she blends practical knowledge with wine journalism and social media, championing English wine and tracking trends, innovation and consumer behaviour. She posts regular tasting reviews and explores everything from supermarkets to indie merchants to emerging English producers.
“I now combine practical winery knowledge and cellar door management with wine journalism and social media, championing the rise of English wine. I attend as many tastings as I can, keeping up to date with innovation, trends and consumer behavior. I try to consistently post tasting reviews and navigate between supermarkets, indie stores and the emerging English wine story.“
— Candace Strickland, Wine Writer and Communicator