UK wine industry given EU boost

Published: 10 February, 2010

English winemakers are to be given a £1.4 million boost with the launch of a training scheme to help them improve their viticultural skills and business flair.

English winemakers are to be given a £1.4 million boost with the launch of a training scheme to help them improve their viticultural skills and business flair.

The EU-funded Wineskills initiative will see international "mentors" running workshops and masterclasses which anyone involved in the commercial production of UK wine can participate in for just £20.

Jim Fitzpatrick, Minister for Food, Farming and the Environment, launched the project at Plumpton College last week when the four mentors who will run the training programme were announced.

Australian winemaker Peter Hayes will be in charge of vineyard management; second generation English winemaker David Cowderoy will be still wine mentor, Jean-Manuel Jacquinot of the Jacquinot Champagne house will lead classes on sparkling wine and consultant Mike Paul will teach on marketing and business.

There are around 569 vineyards in England, and the area under vine has increased by 50% in the past five years.

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