Job Description

We are excited to announce that we are looking for a new vineyard apprentice. This is an amazing opportunity to join a dedicated organisation with a passion for sustainability and organic techniques. Vineyard Farms (MDCV) has a vision to bring the finest English and Provencal wines to the UK. We have history of producing award-winning Provence Rose and English Sparkling Wines, with extensive infrastructure in the UK. We offer an opportunity for a new apprentice to join this fast growing UK industry. You will learn a variety of skills related to vineyards.

As this is an apprenticeship, you will attend Plumpton College for your learning through block release, where you will study for a week at a time (5 times throughout the year).

Hours

: 40 hours per week. Monday to Friday with one hour lunch break.

Salary

: 26,000 per year rising to 27,000 after passing probation after 6 months.

Application deadline

: 10th November 2025

About the Employer

We have a passion for sustainability and manage all our vineyards organically, while also employing pioneering techniques to minimise our impact on the environment, such as composting organic waste, harvesting rainwater and heating our sites using natural sources, such as ground source heat pumps.

We are the single biggest organic vineyard in the UK with Vineyards In Luddesdown, Upper Bush, Bodiam Castle and Crouch Valley in Essex

Vineyard Farms is owned by MDCV and they have a vision to bring the finest English and Provencal wines to the UK market. MDCV have a long history of producing award-winning Provence rose and English Sparkling Wines, and with an extensive infrastructure, both in France and the UK we are able to harness the finest talent in all areas of our business, to deliver exceptional products to the UK market.

What will the apprentice be doing?

The apprentice will learn all elements of Vineyard Management and Vine care. Supporting the Vineyard Manager with projects, planning and execution of the plan.

Day to day work will vary depending on the season, but will include:

weeding hoeing disease control and identification grinding roots leaf stripping bud rubbing grape picking/harvesting in late summer/autumn tying down strimming trellising Supporting the Vineyard Manager with projects, planning and execution of the plan. crop walks to identify issues and building a plan to combat them.

What training will the apprentice take and what qualification will the apprentice get at the end?

Viticulture or wine growing is the cultivation and harvesting of grapes.

Duties of the viticulturist include monitoring and controlling pests and diseases, fertilising, irrigation, canopy management, monitoring fruit development and characteristics, harvest decisions, and vine pruning during the winter months.

Viticulturists are often intimately involved with winemakers, because vineyard management and the resulting grape characteristics provide the basis from which winemaking can begin.

The role requires self-motivation and the ability to work both independently and as a team player to complete tasks safely and efficiently. A lot of time is spent outdoors in all weathers, so resilience and drive are imperative to be successful.

The course will also incorporate a range of competency certificates, such as first aid and pesticide application.

What apprentices will learn

Pest & disease management Yield forecasting & management Pruning & trellising Canopy management Vineyard floor management Vineyard establishment Harvest planning and management Vineyard nutrition Health & safety and standard operating procedures Vineyard machinery & equipment Qualifications Awarded Apprenticeship Certificate Level 3 award in emergency first aid at work Level 2 in Maths and English (if applicable) PA1 Safe use of pesticides (pre requisite of PA3) PA3 Air assisted sprayer Delivery model 10 weekly blocks of teaching split between the main campus and the college's Rock Lodge Vineyard.

What is the expected career progression after this apprenticeship?

We have various roles that this may or may not lead to from Vineyard Manager to Technical Manager, Operations Manager, tractor Driver, Vineyard Supervisor and Crop Technician.

Desired skills and personal qualities

Communication skills Organisation skills IT Skills Number skills Team working Initiative Can-do attitude Patience Willingness to learn Ability to work under pressure

Benefits

Generous staff discount, free parking and access to various internal and external events. Perkbox. Company discounts on wine and cellar door and all PPE is provided.

Things to consider

Having access to your own transport is highly recommended due to rural location of vineyard. Much of the work is outside in all weathers. The work itself will be quite physical. During peak season, early starts will be required. Being prepared for this is important. You

MUST

not be in any other form of full-time or part time formal education (such as school, college or university) to be eligible to apply for an apprenticeship. Shorter course may not apply. You

MUST

have lived in the UK for a minimum of 3 years prior to the start of learning and be eligible to work in the UK. You

MUST

be located in an area local to the apprenticeship or be prepared to relocate in time to start employment and study. This apprenticeship is approximately 24 months.
Job Type: Apprenticeship

Pay: 26,000.00 per year

Application question(s):

What attracted you to this role? Do you hold a full UK driving license? If yes, do you have a car?
Work Location: In person