Regenerative Viticulture (RV) is the latest buzz-word in the wine world.

But what is it? And how does it relate to other farming systems / philosophies?

This course is intended to give a thorough grounding in the subject. It is aimed at viticulturists, vineyard owners, vineyard workers, wine industry professionals, Diploma and Master of Wine students and highly engaged and interested individuals who have an interest in learning more about this topical and important subject.

The course will cover:

• The history of the Regenerative Farming movement
• The key principles of Regenerative Farming
• How soil functions, and what defines a healthy soil
• How to measure your soil health and track your progress
• Zoom interviews with leading practitioners of RV around the world
• Establishing a vineyard regeneratively
• Key practices of vineyard work
• Management of the inter-row and undervine strip using regenerative methods
• Common challenges and solutions
• Certification and overlap with other farming systems

There is a growing realisation that the farming of grapes is not as ‘green’ as most wine-drinkers would imagine it to be. And that wine needs to play its role in the stewardship of land in a way that addresses the challenges of climate change and storage of soil carbon. RV is an important new discipline with the potential to achieve many of these objectives.

Consumers have high expectations of business, and wine businesses need to rise to the challenge.

The course will end at the vineyard visit near Ditchling in East Sussex at around 3.30pm on the second day. Participants may wish to self-drive to the location and leave from there. If required, the College can arrange transport to and from the vineyard, returning to West Dean at around 5pm.

Included

The tutor will supply some ‘regenerative’ wine to share and discuss in the evening with dinner.

What students need to bring

• Clothes that are OK to get dirty / stained
• Waterproof top in case of rain
• Wellies / boots for potentially muddy fields
• Sunhat and suncream
• A bottle of wine you enjoy drinking, at pre-dinner tasting prior to dinner (optional). The Stewards Room bar at the College also serves wine

Additional information

The course will end at the vineyard visit near Ditchling in East Sussex at around 3.30pm on the second day. Students may wish to self-drive to the location and leave from there. If required, the College can arrange transport to and from the vineyard, returning students to West Dean at around 5.30pm, if you have travelled by public transport.

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).

Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration
6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included)
8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential

Daily timetable
Course teaching 9.15am - 5pm (lunch included)
Dinner: from 6.30pm (included for residential students)
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed

Departure day
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm (lunch included)
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am

Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required

Terms & Conditions