This course is aimed at wine enjoyers who would like to extend their appreciation and knowledge of wine through a deeper understanding of how wine is grown and made.

No knowledge at all is required to take the course, although a prexisting enjoyment of wine is desirable. While most participants may be curious wine-drinkers wanting to deepen their knowledge and enjoyment of wine, it would also be very suitable for anyone considering a change of career, or starting a winemaking project, who might consider this course as a first step towards understanding what is involved. Winemaking involves a lot of science and detail, and this weekend course while it will only touch on the basics, but would provide a great overview of the process.

The first session, commencing at 5pm will focus on teaching the basics of wine tasting, how our palates work, exploring different palate sensitivities and tasting a handful of benchmark examples. An informal ‘Bring-a-bottle’ dinner is followed with conversation continuing after dinner.

Saturday is hosted at a local vineyard and winery, where we will learn about how grapes are grown, the basic of red, white, rosé and sparkling winemaking, and we will crush some grapes, make some juice, mix up some yeast, and then hand disgorge our own bottle of sparkling wine. The aim is to walk through the vines to the venue for a picnic lunch. We then return to West Dean for a gala dinner with wine selected by the tutor in the historic Old Dining Room.

Sunday is spent catching up on sweet and fortified wine, ageing, blending, bottling, storage and serving wine, and we’ll design the label for our self-disgorged UK sparkling wine to take home to our family and friends.

It is anticipated that participants will go home having enjoyed a convivial and informative weekend, and having had wine and winemaking brought to life for them in a memorable and engaging way.

Please note: We ask all participants to arrive fully prepared for a day spent outdoors and to visit the the winery which will include walking through the vineyard for around three miles during the day on uneven ground, including to and from the location for lunch. Sturdy walking boots are essential for the winery visit.

Included

On this course all necessary equipment will be supplied for use on the course, with transport to and from the winery on Saturday, plus wine at the Gala dinner on Saturday.

What students need to bring

• A bottle of wine you enjoy drinking for the pre-dinner tasting session on the first evening
• Clothes that are suitable to get dirty or stained to wear for the winery visit
• Sturdy and comfortable walking boots are essential for the visit into the winery (steel toecaps, desirable if you have them!) and for potentially muddy fields
• Also waterproof top in case of rain, and outdoor clothing and hats suitable for the time of year, small rucksack for water. Smarter clothes for Saturday’s dinner in the Old Dining Room, if you wish!

Additional information

Please note: The College will arrange transport to and from the local vineyard visited on Saturday. Non-resident students are advised to book a taxi home on Friday and Saturday after the wine-tasting sessions. Alternatively please book accommodation in advance at the College. Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for practical sessions, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes). Possible equipment restrictions in tutor absence.

This course will start at 5pm on Friday afternoon. Please arrive between 4-5pm.

Saturday will be a full day on the study of winemaking followed by a special dinner in the evening which is part of the course. Sunday will start slightly later at 10am and end at 3pm.

Terms & Conditions