Vintner’s company uk wine apprentice award

Generously sponsored by the Vintner’s Company in collaboration with WineGB, this annual award seeks to encourage aspiring individuals to further their career in the UK wine industry.

About the award

This incredible opportunity enables an aspiring individual in the UK wine industry to further their studies and develop their career. This award provides financial assistance to a worthy candidate to further their knowledge and understanding of the UK wine production industry, whether that be in vineyard, winery or commerce.

“The Vintners Wine Apprentice Award is a bursary of up to £3000 to enable a deserving person working within the production side of the UK wine industry to further their career. This can be achieved through formal education programme or by attendance at appropriate events aimed at Continuing Professional Development. Applicants for this award will be assessed by an interview panel, and the exact nature of how the Bursary is to be used will be determined following agreement between the successful agreement between the successful recipient of Vintners Wine Apprentice Award and the Vintners’ Company, the sponsor of the Award.” Ian Harris, Master The Vintners’ Company.

Applications will be judged by Ian Harris MBE The Vintner’s Company, Simon Thorpe MW, Sam Linter former Wine Director Plumpton College, Richard Harding WSET and overseen by WineGB.

Closing Date: 12th October 2026

Announcement: 25th November 2026 at The Vineyard Show

Eligibility criteria

  • Ordinarily resident and with a right to work in the UK
  • Working in a UK production based capacity in wine production.
  • Generally targeted at individuals beginning, developing or switching to a career in the UK wine industry.
  • Demonstrated commitment to a long-term career in the UK wine industry.
  • Terms and Conditions available in the application form.

Previous winners

  • Adrian Crookendale, Saffron Grange Vineyard, Essex.
  • Louisa Adams, Breaky Bottom Vineyard, East Sussex
  • Zoe Driver, Hattingley Valley, Hampshire
  • Liam Steinberg, Laneberg Wine Ltd

Adrian Crookendale, the 2025 Vintners’ Company Apprentice winner receiving his award from Richard Wilson MBE DL VR, 530th Master of the Vintners’ Company, in the presence of WineGB Chairman Nick Wenman.

2026 WineGB & Vintners’ Company UK Apprentice Award Application

The annual WineGB & Vintners’ Company UK Apprentice Award

Name(Required)
Email(Required)
e.g. Vineyard, Winery, Analysis, Commercial, Sales & Marketing, Financial, Legal, Other Business (elaborate), Journalism, Education Provision, etc.
Max. file size: 50 MB.
Please upload your current c.v.
Accepted file types: pdf, docx, , Max. file size: 50 MB.
Please upload a supporting personal statement explaining why you should be considered for this award.
Drop files here or
Accepted file types: jpg, gif, png, pdf, Max. file size: 50 MB, Max. files: 3.
    Please submit an image of yourself in the workplace
    Referee(Required)
    Accepted file types: pdf, docx, , Max. file size: 50 MB.
    Indicative maximum 250 words