To mark its centenary, Plumpton College has pledged £500,000 to support the English wine industry in 2026. 

Provided via the Plumpton College Skills Pledge, the educator has said it will deliver fully funded short courses from January to July 2026, for both wine businesses and professionals. 

The subjects of the courses range from vineyard skills and winemaking essentials to business development and sensory training, with an overall aim of investing in the long-term growth of the industry. 

Plumpton has said that the pledge is open to all, from established producers to new entrants. All courses must be booked and attended within the designated time frame. 

On the pledge, Sam Linter, director of wine at Plumpton College, said: “We are acutely aware of the economic fluctuations and recognise that these are particularly challenging times. Investing in training and upskilling is vital to driving growth and supporting recovery. At this crucial moment, we believe it is essential to champion the English wine industry and the wider wine trade, ensuring they have the resources and expertise to thrive.”   

Linter continued that Plumpton believes in investing in people through training and upskilling. “Innovation is at the heart of this work, with technologies such as SMART vineyard solutions transforming how we cultivate, monitor and manage our vineyards for a sustainable future. We are not just navigating the present; we are helping to shape a stronger, smarter and more vibrant future for our sector.”   

Further eligibility details can be found on the Plumpton website.