The aim of this five-day intensive course, delivered by Plumpton College, 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. 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 runs from Monday 17 to Friday 21st July and from 9:15am to 5pm each day. It is held at Rock Lodge Vineyard, which is located near Scaynes Hill, eight miles north of Plumpton College.