Tell us about your journey into the wine industry.
This is my first career! I grew up in Brighton just over the road from Plumpton College and had finished my A levels during COVID. At the time I was set to take a year off and then go and study law. I had always been aware of the English wine industry, with my family taking an interest and my dad taking a short wine course at Plumpton College in the early 2000s.
During COVID, I began to broaden my wine horizons, trying more wines, but trying them with intention. I would drink a wine and then go and research the region, the producer, the variety to try and understand it better. And I was loving every second of it. That's when Plumpton came on my radar as I had more of an interest in the business side of things, and I realised that in times like COVID, people also don't stop drinking so that was a bonus for job stability! The more I looked into the course and what a career in wine could look like, I applied as there is such a range you can do within the wine industry with so many avenues of career. After finishing Plumpton with a first, and wine business student of the year, I was equipped with the tools to pursue my career. Since then I have landed on my feet with a job as a Content Executive at a drinks retailer, bringing two loves of mine together, wine and writing.
How did you first enter the wine industry?
To get accepted into Plumpton on a degree programme, I took and passed by WSET 2, followed by BA International Wine Business at Plumpton College, where I received a First. During my time at Plumpton I also worked at Artelium Wine Estate, doing Tours and Tastings, as well as helping with harvest.
Tell us about your current role
As a Content Executive, my main responsibilities are copywriting. This includes writing new product copy, emails, social posts, quarterly catalogues, monthly flyers and more. Strong wine knowledge is a must for this role to be able to take wine jargon and convert it into language that is easy for the consumer to understand.
Strong English writing and reading skills are also a must for proofing as all copy is customer facing and needs to be correct. The ability to conduct yourself professionally at all times as we often have tastings with suppliers.
What does career progression look like for you?
I would like to take my WSET 3 and then begin my WSET Diploma. I am still considering what I would like to do next as there is such a vast spectrum of what I could do that I'm enjoying my current role and considering my options.
Are there any emerging trends in the wine industry or in your role that your're excited about?
I wrote my dissertation on Premium Bag in Box Wine and the UK Market and I'm excited to see if and how this sector progresses.
