it’s a people business
People are at the heart of the wine business. It is their passion and vision that tells the story of UK wines.
Sector at a glance
Viticulturists and winemakers in England and Wales face some of the most challenging growing conditions anywhere in the world. Every season brings a new series of climatic challenges and yet they create consistent, high-quality wines. To meet expected production, we need to double our workforce in the next three years. So, if you are looking for a role in GB wines, and are wondering where to start, then read on.
We want, and need, a broad and diverse workforce. WineGB provides tools to foster inclusivity and provide support, whether for you personally or for your business. As an industry we are committed to creating a safe and welcoming sector, and are making all of these resources available free to everyone.
(WineGB Industry Report 2025)
(WineGB Industry Report 2025)
(WineGB Sustainability Impact Report 2024)
Wine for all
Safeguarding & Welfare
EDI – People Support Hub
Hiring Toolkit
Different roles in wine
The National Competency Framework 2025 was created by Plumpton College Wine Division, in collaboration with the Vintners’ Company and WineGB. It is the one stop shop for guidance on the standards and necessary skills for employment across the different sectors of the UK wine industry. If you want to understand the average job descriptions essential to find a role, then take a read.
In the Vineyard
Vineyard Manager or Consultant
Assistant Vineyard Manager
Vineyard Operative
In the Winery
Cellar Hand Head Wine Maker / Assistant Wine Maker
Production Manager
Laboratory Technician
In the Cellar Door
Cellar Door Team
Cellar Door Manager
Tourism & Hospitality Manager
National Wine Careers Week
We are supporters of the National Wine Careers Week.
National Wine Careers Week (NWCW) is a nationwide initiative aimed at raising awareness of the diverse career opportunities in the UK wine trade. Launched in May 2025, the campaign highlights the many career opportunities there are across the whole UK wine sector, and wider wine trade, and the need for the widest spectrum of skills and abilities.
Education
Viticulture and Wine Making
WineGB members are increasingly opening up their wineries and vineyards to local colleges to support the expansion of courses around the country. With remote learning offered by Plumpton College the sector is providing more opportunities than ever before to join our growing sector.
Plumpton College and WineGB have a long history. Sam Linter, Plumpton’s Director of Wine was WineGB’s Chair for four years and she championed the needs of wine education.
Plumpton has the most extensive wine education facilities in the UK. It has 10 hectares of vineyards producing 40,000 bottles of award-winning still and sparkling wines each year. Plumpton’s purpose-built Wine Centre includes a commercial winery, research winery, laboratories and a sensory evaluation room. The team of international expert lecturers provide a considerable range of short introductory courses, practical technical courses through to advanced MSc level awards.
Plumpton College was awarded a Queen’s Anniversary Prize in 2024 for its work in wine education and wider impact on the English and Welsh wine sector. The Prize celebrates excellence, innovation, and benefit for the wider world in further and higher education.
University of Greenwich is the urban partner to Plumpton College, and offers the opportunity to study for a BSc (Hons) Viticulture and Oenology.
Working with their specialist partner Plumpton College, the National Land Based University offer a BSc (Hons) Viticulture & Oenology (validated by the Royal Agricultural University).
A comprehensive five-day course designed for hobbyists, gardeners, and aspiring vineyard owners.
Held at London’s only commercial vineyard, the college provides a series of introduction courses for the cultivation and harvesting of grapes and managing wine businesses. The aim of the vineyard is to bring wine production to the heart of the local community and to champion quality, sustainability, health, wellbeing and community involvement.
The Royal Agricultural University (RAU) provides opportunities for students to engage with wine packaging and sustainable innovation – WineGB members can learn more from our Sustainable Packaging Toolkit.
The RAU owns and manages the Cotswold Hills social enterprise and vineyard in Down Ampney, Gloucestershire. The site is planted with four grape varietals: Ortega, Seyval Blanc, Chardonnay and Bacchus from which they produce award-winning still and canned wines under the Cotswold Hills brand.
Run as part of the university’s enterprise programme, the brand enables students to learn about various aspects of the wine business, from management and production to marketing and sales. Profits are reinvested to support the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Sparsholt College in Hampshire launched its new viticulture curriculum in 2025, with the planting of its first 16,000 grapevines. The new apprenticeship programme and short courses in viticulture will offer students hands-on experience in grape cultivation, vineyard management, and sustainable winemaking practices. The curriculum will combine classroom instruction with real-world training in Sparsholt College’s new on-site vineyard and laboratories.
wine Knowledge
WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) is the global leader in drinks education, with qualifications recognised as the international industry standard for wine, spirits, sake and beer knowledge. Founded in 1969 and regulated by Ofqual, WSET has awarded qualifications to over 1.5 million candidates worldwide. Its courses are open to both industry professionals and keen enthusiasts, with four progressive levels from beginner to expert-level diploma. WSET qualifications are available in over 70 countries, in more than 15 languages. In 2023/24, over 134,000 candidates studied for a WSET qualification.
The Vintners’ UK Wine Apprenticeship Award
This Award enables an aspiring winemaker in a UK winery to learn more about winemaking. The winner will have the opportunity to undertake the Principles of Wine Growing and the Principles of Winemaking courses at Plumpton College over a two-year period. They will also be given the opportunity to study for a WSET qualification at an appropriate level. The award has a total value of £3,000 and the education available to the winner can be flexible and tailored to the needs of the individual.
The Vintners’ Company is one of the great 12 City of London Livery Companies. The Company received its first Royal Charter in 1363 and is known as the Spiritual Home of the International Wine Trade.
We are incredibly proud of our association with the company. They are most generous to support our work. Perhaps the most vital of which is the Vintners’ UK Wine Apprenticeship Award.
Rising Stars
The inaugural WineGB Rising Stars Awards and announcement of The Vintners’ UK Wine Apprentice Award 2024 took place on 31 January at Vintners’ Hall. Their purpose is to celebrate and recognise the next generation of talent in the UK wine industry. These are the people who demonstrate excellence and innovation in all that they do.
