EDUCATION
Studying wine It’s the end of the teaching year at Plumpton College, which means that our second year BSc students are embarking on their summer vineyard and vintage placements before their final year of studies and our final year FdSc wine production students are taking a wellearned break and, perhaps, seeking employment or working in the wine industry, writes Dr Greg Dunn, Head of Wine Division. This month we focus on three of these students.
> Charlotte White
Sarah Stott, second year BSc (Viticulture & Oenology) Hush Heath Estate, Kent Hailing originally from sunny Yorkshire, now setting up base in East Sussex. I made the lifechanging decision to go back to university at the age of 27 to start my journey into the world of winemaking. Now in my second year of the BSc Viticulture & Oenology degree at the one and only Plumpton College, training under the eyes of some of the most meticulous wine professionals in the country. I’m now extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to undertake my summer vintage placement at the prestigious Hush heath winery > Sarah Stott in Kent this year. My passion lies in traditional method sparkling wine production, and in the south east, we have the privilege of producing some of the best English Sparkling Wine. I’m confident that the 2021 vintage will be a fruitful one and the knowledge gained from my placement at one of the country’s leading wine producers, will be invaluable to my understanding of wine and its intricate processes.
Sam Picton, second year FdSc (Wine Production) Hambledon Vineyard, Hampshire For the 2021 harvest I will be working for Hambledon Vineyard, as a cellar hand. I've been working at Hambledon part-time during my studies and will now be full time. Currently we are in the midst of blending for Hambledon and all the contract customers. I'm looking forward to getting my second harvest under my belt. This year I am looking forward to learning more about analysis in the laboratory.
Charlotte White, second year BSc (Viticulture & Oenology) Wiston Estate, Sussex I will be spending my vintage placement at Wiston Estate. The opportunity to work with the team at Wiston Estate will allow me to further my understanding of traditional method sparkling wines made in cool climates. Working in a bigger commercial winery will also help me to understand how each operation is carried out and managed with a skilled team of winemakers. I am looking forward to working in a commercial winery where no two days are the same, and valuable experience I will gain will benefit my future career.
> Sam Picton
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