There are still places available on Devon vineyard Yearlstone’s third annual “How to Make a Living” course on August 18 in conjunction with Alastair Peebles, MW, at the nearby Devon Wine School, says vineyard owner Roger White.
He says: “The smart money these days is heading for the south of England with the area under vine almost doubling in the last decade. But making money out of wine is a tough call anywhere in the world.”
The weekend course is targeted at those thinking of setting up a vineyard as a career or income and enables attendees to enjoy wine appreciation and good food around the day-long Saturday business course at the Tiverton vineyard.
White says: “Those attending will be staying at one of the country’s top Wine Schools nearby. The Devon Wine School is run by Master of Wine Alastair Peebles and his wife Carol. Alastair will be tasting some English fizzes, comparing them to Champagnes, and giving his views on dealing with the wine trade.
“Carol Peebles will be cooking fabulous suppers on the Friday and Saturday night, and on Sunday after breakfast at the Wine School there are options to visit other nearby vineyards such as Pebblebed, Manstree, Kenton and Sharpham: all of this in the magnificent surroundings of the Exe Valley landscape.
“There are a strictly limited number of places so don’t leave it too late.”
English vineyards
The aim of the course is to identify factors in the success of a small number of English vineyards over the past few decades and the reasons behind the commercial failure of most. The course will examine the costs and returns of different business models, retail/tourism, general wine trade and contract vinegrowing. There will be an introductory session to the economics of sparkling wine, then focus on the business models which have succeeded in England, and those which have failed over the last 30 years
The content will also cover site selection, vine varieties, current wine legislation; all the aspects of the pros and cons of setting up your own winery.
The course will last between 11-4 with a break for lunch at The Deli Shack Cafe on site. It will include a brief walk-round tour of the three hectare Yearlstone vineyard and a brief walk and examination of the 100,000 litre Exe Valley Winery.
More info:
VENUE: The Devon Wine School Cheriton Fitzpaine Devon and Yearlstone Vineyard/Exe Valley Wines at Bickleigh Devon.
DATE: AUGUST 18TH 2012
COST £295 per person includes 2 nights accommodation at the Devon Wine School, breakfasts, two dinners at the Wine School, course & lunch at Yearlstone Vineyard & The Deli Shack Cafe.
TIMETABLE:
Friday afternoon: Arrive at the Devon Wine School
Friday evening: Supper at the Wine School.
Saturday: Breakfast at the Wine School. Head off to Yearlstone Vineyard for the course
Saturday evening: Supper and English wine tasting with Peebles.
Sunday: Breakfast at the Wine School
