Plumpton College

Plumpton College stands as the undisputed heart of British wine education, uniquely positioned as the only institution in the UK offering undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in viticulture, oenology, and wine business. Established in 1926 as a land-based college in East Sussex, Plumpton has evolved to become internationally recognised for its pioneering work in wine education, earning the prestigious Queen's Anniversary Prize for its contribution to the English and Welsh wine sector.

How Plumpton College Makes Its Wines

The college's impressive 10-hectare vineyard produces approximately 40,000 bottles of award-winning still and sparkling wines each year, providing students with invaluable hands-on experience in all aspects of wine production. The purpose-built Plumpton Wine Centre features a commercial winery, research winery, state-of-the-art laboratories, and sensory evaluation rooms, offering facilities that rival professional operations anywhere in Europe.

With the UK wine industry projected to grow from 2,000 to approximately 24,000 employees by 2040, Plumpton's role in developing the vineyard managers, winemakers, and marketers of tomorrow has never been more crucial. The college's international team of expert lecturers brings world-class knowledge to students from across the globe.

Visiting Plumpton College

Plumpton's commitment to industry support extends beyond education. In 2026, the college launched the Plumpton Wine Resilience Fund, pledging £500,000 in fully funded training to support the English wine industry during challenging economic times. Visitors can experience the fruits of this educational excellence through tours and tastings, witnessing firsthand where theory meets practice in British winemaking.