National Wine Careers Week runs from 9-16 May 2026. This nationwide awareness week is fast approaching, but there is still time to get involved and help raise awareness of the breadth, diversity and long-term potential of careers in the UK wine sector and inspire more people to explore a future in wine.
National Wine Careers Week (NWCW) aims to bring the world of wine careers into sharper focus – shining a light on the range of roles, the skills and the people behind them, and the pathways into them.
By showcasing training, development and progression opportunities, it reinforces wine as a sector that offers long-term, fulfilling careers. Crucially, it provides a coordinated platform to help reach a broader, more diverse talent pool – from college leavers to career changers – and helps connect businesses with the people they need for the future.
A growing sector needs growing talent
With the UK wine industry seeing continued expansion – with employment at around 3,300 full-time equivalent roles, and some 13,000 seasonal positions, and workforce growth (21%) forecast in the coming years* – attracting talent to strengthen and sustain the future across the industry is key. As a whole, the wider wine sector in the UK generates some £8.9 billion in Gross Value Added to the UK economy and supports over 412,000 jobs**. Yet despite this scale and success, career opportunities remain largely under-recognised.
A collective effort
National Wine Careers Week is led by Plumpton College and founding partner Nyetimber. The campaign is also delighted to announce that NFU Mutual Ashford, Tenterden & Whitfield agency have joined the campaign as principal partner. NFU Mutual are active supporters of both vineyards as well as local businesses in their region. The initiative is also supported by WSET, WineGB and Drinks United alongside a growing network of businesses across the sector.
Throughout the week, activity will take place both digitally through PR and social media and in person, designed to showcase different job roles, career pathways and training routes right across the sector.
In-person activity includes a discussion evening at WSET London school on Wednesday 6 May. Plumpton will also be featuring the campaign at their open day on Saturday 9 May. It is anticipated that a number of vineyards will promote the campaign through their cellar doors, highlighting how to find out more to customers.
There is still time to take part
Whether through a single post, a conversation, or a more extended activity, every contribution will help amplify the message and extend the campaign’s reach.
One of the most powerful ways to communicate careers in wine is through the people behind them. Sharing real career journeys – how individuals entered the industry, the skills they have developed and the roles they now hold – can demystify the sector and make it more accessible to those looking in from the outside. As everyone knows, there is no single route into wine, and no single “type” of career. That diversity is one of the sector’s greatest strengths – and one of its most compelling stories.
The campaign has produced a toolkit packed with information and support to encourage participation, and to provide more/ideas/inspiration to take part and help amplify the message.
Further information can be found at www.winecareersweek.co.uk or please contact Julia Trustram Eve on julia@trustrameve.com
* WSTA The UK Wine and Spirit Trade In Focus Report, published July 2025: Including WSTA Economics Analysis study of Wine & Spirit industry conducted by Cebr analysis of NIQ off-trade and CGA on-trade data | total wine & spirits | MAT 2022 data, HMRC Alcohol Bulletin, MESAS, HMRC Trade Info
** WineGB Annual Report published July 2025
Get involved!
Whether you are a vineyard owner, retailer, educator or supplier, you are uniquely placed to bring careers in wine to life – through your people, your platforms, and your audiences.
Getting involved doesn’t have to be time-consuming or complex – small actions can have a significant impact. Whatever you do counts!
Here are a few easy ways to take part:
- Put your people front and centre – showcase your team
Share a short post or video introducing members of your team: what they do, how they got there, and what they enjoy about working in wine - Use your own channels
Add a mention of National Wine Careers Week to your website, newsletter or social media. A simple signpost can spark interest. Don’t forget to tag us! - Promote face-to-face
Whether an informal chat at the cellar door or at events you might be hosting – highlight the campaign with a QR code, poster or conversation – you never know who might be interested to know more.
Ambassadors: your voice matters
We are always seeking more campaign ambassadors – individuals from across the UK, at all stages of their careers, who are willing to share their experiences and help amplify the message. Every role, every pathway, every story adds value – and helps someone else see a future in the industry.
