An introduction to Regenerative Viticulture with Justin Howard-Sneyd

Garden courses

Ref: S2D33105

Location: West Dean
£481
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About this course

A two-day introduction to the principles and practices of Regenerative Viticulture in the UK and around the world. What is Regen, how does it compare to other farming philosophies, and what are the opportunities and challenges of introducting RV practices in vineyards?

Course Description

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 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 interrow and undervine strip using regenerative methods

- Common challenges and solutions

- Certification and ovelep 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.

Timetable

Arrival Day - this is the first date listed above

Courses start early evening. Residential students to arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm.

6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included).

8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential.

Daily timetable

Classes 9.15 - 5pm, lunch is included.

From 6.30pm: Dinner (included for residential students).

Evening working - students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with their tutor's permission and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Last day

Classes 9.15am - 3pm, lunch is included.

Residential students are to vacate their rooms by 10am please.

(This timetable is for courses of more than one day in length. The tutor may make slight variations)

Course Materials

Included

  • The tutor will supply some ‘regenerative’ wine to share and discuss in the evening with dinner,
  • The College can supply transport to the vineyard visit on the second day, if required.

What students need to bring

  • Clothes that are OK to get dirty / stained
  • Waterproof top in case of rain
  • Wellies / boot 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 5pm, if you travel by public transport. Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes). Possible equipment restrictions in tutor absence.

Tutors

Justin Howard-Sneyd

Justin is a Master of Wine based in the UK. He consults to a wide range of businesses, helping them with wine selection and commercial performance.

Accommodation

Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.

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