Forty Hall Vineyard is delighted to be the site of learning for an exciting new range of part-time viticulture courses at Capel Manor College, London's environmental college. The introductory courses in viticulture and wine business offer an opportunity for people in and around London to begin their path to a career in the UK's rapidly growing wine industry or simply develop a personal interest. Information and enrolment on the Capel Manor College courses can be found here. Below is an overview of courses on offer.
Duration: 35 hours - 5 Sessions, 7 hours per month
Starting Dates: December, January, February, March
The course will offer a solid foundation of the principles of vine growing. Based at our picturesque, organic vineyard at Forty Hall Farm, Enfield. The course will cover theory and practical application of the key seasonal vineyard tasks, including winter and spring pruning alongside trellis and canopy management. The days will begin with theory in the morning, then we'll move into the vineyard to get hands-on in the vines in the afternoon.
You will leave the course with a good understanding of what and how tasks need to be done in the vineyard through the seasons and when best to do them. Material covered will be reviewed in a short theory and practice test at the end of each session.
WINTER PRUNINGDuration: 1 day 8 hours
Dates: December to March
Pruning is the most technical task in the vineyard year, and critical for any vineyard owner, manager or worker to understand in order to achieve good productivity and vine health. You'll learn different techniques and practice in the vineyard. There will be theory and you'll move into the field in the afternoon to practice. There will be a short theory and practice test to test you on your newly acquired knowledge.
Duration: 1 day, 8 hours
Dates:May, June, July
Students will learn about vineyard pests and diseases typical to English vineyards. By the end of the course they will have a good understanding of how to identify them, what preventative measures can be taken, what times of the year diseases are likely ro occur and what treatments are available to combat them. During the day, we will go out into the vineyard to monitor the status of the vines at Forty Hall Vineyard. Finally a short theory test will reinforce the newly learned material.
VINEYARD ESTABLISHMENT
Duration: 2 consecutive days - 7 hours
Dates: September, November, July
The decisions you take before planting your vineyard will be critical to its success. This course will help you take better informed decisions for the long-term success of your vineyard. From site selection to grape varieties, on winegrowing options, from trellising systems, about key equipment and facilities to the support on offer and much more. There will be a brief theory test at the end of the course.
WINE BUSINESS
Duration: 2 consecutive days, 7 hours each
Dates: September, November, July
Delve into the fascinating world of the wine business. A rapidly growing industry in the UK. Students will learn about the sales channels within the UK market and look into wine marketing and future trends. We will also cover topics such as taxation, import and cash flow. There will be a brief test at the end of the day.
