How to break into the wine industry

Learn the fundamentals of what it takes to get into the wine trade

From Bordeaux to Barossa, the global wine industry is big business. Whether you want to write about wine, become the next big sommelier, or are just interested in making, buying, distributing or selling it, this one-day course offers an introduction to the essentials of the industry.

Perfectly accessible for beginners, but also suitable for more established enthusiasts, our expert panel includes Guardian wine writer Fiona Beckett, winemaker and lecturer Tony Milanowski, buyer and wine consultant Justin Howard-Sneyd, and blogger and independent retailer Paola Tich. During this primer course, you’ll learn practical tips on everything from the essentials of wine retail to the delicacies and intricacies of winemaking, as well as the skills required to write about wine – including how to match food with wine, and make a career as a wine writer or blogger. You'll also learn the basics of where wine comes from, how it's made and why it tastes the way it does, and leave full of ideas on how to turn your passion into a career.

This course is for you if…

• You enjoy wine and would like to enhance your knowledge of its history, culture, aromas, textures and flavours
• You want to learn how to write about wine as a career
• You’re interested in starting a wine bar, shop or stall and want to advice on where to start
• You make your own wine and want to bring it to market

Course content

• The basics of wine – what is it and how is it made?
• How to be a wine writer
• How to find your voice as a wine writer
• Matching food and wine
• Making wine and how to bring it to market
• How to make your wine cost-effectively
• What it takes to buy for customers
• How to sell wine and stand out from the competition
• How to apply for licenses, rent a shop or stall and hire staff
• Keeping your customers engaged and interested
• The essentials of what it takes to change career and move into the wine trade
• Q&A and discussion with all tutors

You may also be interested in…

• Launching a food and drink startup with Philip Banfield

Tutor profiles

Our wine writer Fiona Beckett has had over 20 years experience writing about wine including 3 national newspaper wine columns, her own award-winning website Matching Food & Wine and a wine blog Wine Naturally, which is devoted to organic, biodynamic and natural wines. She is also a cookery writer, a contributing editor to Decanter magazine and has written 23 books on food and wine.

Tony Milanowski is an Australian winemaker. He has worked for many years in Australia and Italy, making wines sold around the world from supermarkets to the finest restaurants. Since 2007 he has been based in Sussex, lecturing in winemaking and related sciences enology at Plumpton College, home to the UK wine research centre.

Paola Tich opened a wine shop Park + Bridge in Acton, West London in 2013. She's recently opened a nearby wine bar. Her background is in TV and radio journalism and corporate communications for multinationals. During a stint running her own communications company, the siren call of wine became too great. She started her own wine blog, studied for professional wine exams and finally decided to combine her skills and build a business around wine retail.

Justin Howard-Sneyd started his own consultancy business, The Hive Wine, in 2012 and advises a wide range of wine businesses around the world, helping them to maximise their potential. Justin's major client is Laithwaite’s Wine (aka Direct Wines), the world’s largest and most successful direct-to-consumer wine business, where he spent three years as the global wine director. Previously, Justin spent 14 years as a wine buyer in the UK off-trade, culminating in almost five years in charge of Waitrose’s wine department. Since 2007, Justin has produced his own wine, The Domaine of the Bee, from four hectares of vines in the Roussillon region of the South of France, near the village of Maury.

Dawn Davies is currently head wine and spirits buyer for Selfridges. She has over 12 years’ experience in the restaurant and wine trade and previously worked as head sommelier at Zuma Restaurant, Gordon Ramsay’s Boxwood Café and The Square. She ran the Ledbury for two years, gaining the venue a Michelin star during her tenure. At Selfridges she has won four awards for the brand’s wine and spirit range, and the department store has now become the place to launch the latest drinks. Dawn is currently working on her research paper in order to gain her Master of Wine, having already passed both parts of the required exam.

Full course and returns information on the Masterclasses website