Professional Services

Astley Vineyard - consultation services

Understanding wine

Astley Vineyard - Consultation

Wine is a combination of science, horticulture, art, business, opinion and experience - which is all the more reason to get you and your staff educated and comfortable with this fascinating topic.

Whether you work in hospitality, are an aspiring vineyard owner, or looking to enter another part of our industry, we would love to help you improve your wine knowledge.

We love sharing our knowledge, so if you would like to learn more about winemaking, wine tasting, or viticulture (or teach someone the above), you've come to the right place.

About Chris

These sessions will be hosted by Chris, our winemaker. Alongside giving you more knowledge about wine, his aim is to make you more passionate about wine. Classes will be informative and interesting, without all the horribly technical language and snobbery that usually comes with wine.

Chris started his journey into wine at Harvey Nichol's wineshop in London. After 2 years of learning and trying everything he could, he qualified in WSET Level 3 (double distinction), attended Plumpton College's winemaking course, and then became our winemaker. We promise you'll leave our sessions more knowledgable, and/or more passionate about wine.

Astley Vineyard - Consultation

Trade Education

There is a big difference between learning something from a book, and experiencing it for yourself.

Let those who grow & make wine help you see it in a whole new light. Contact us to see how we can help you.

Astley Vineyard - winery

1. Winemaking 101

From grape to glass

Viticulture
How are grapes grown & managed
The importance of the site

Harvest preparations

Introduction to Winemaking
Harvest day
Early winemaking
Blending, bottling & beyond

 
2. The language of wine

How to sell

Understanding your customer

The customer experience

Red & White wine vocabulary

Do’s & Don’t’s

Astley Vineyard - Shop
Astley Vineyard - blending

3. Wine analysis

Describing wine

Aromas

Taste analysis

Wine around the world

We can also offer unbiased consultancy on your wine lists and wine pairings

Frequently asked questions

Where are the sessions held?

Sessions are available here at the vineyard (20 max capacity), or at a venue of your choosing.

I just want to learn a few specific things, is that an option?

Our material is based on your individual needs. We are happy to talk about whatever you need to learn; although some core understandings are beneficial/necessary in some instances.

Is this based around your wine (or the wines we serve)?

Again, we are entirely flexible around your needs. In some cases it may be best to bring your own stock, and in others it may be best if we source some examples ourselves.

Can you help me source wines for my restaurant?

We have no ties to any distributors or wholesalers, so we cannot help you in regards to sourcing. We can, however, help you with the catalogues you already have available, and can be there to provide guidance when trying new wines.

Does this count as a wine qualification (eg WSET?)

No, this is independent consultancy. We will provide you with knowledge from these qualifications, but you will not obtain anything accredited at the end of it.

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