VINEYARDVOCATION - IT'S A VINE LIFE

Making a career shift to enter the burgeoning wine industry in the UK is an attractive option for many, writes Carol Wright

- Carol Wright

Traditionally European vineyards have been handed down through generations of owners; their lives entwined with their terroirs since birth. But as the wine industry expands in the UK, owners and workers are changing; coming in from non-agricultural careers. Enjoying drinking wine, they are drawn into wanting to become involved in its production.

People finding their vineyard vocations include those who, on retirement, buy a small hobby vineyard or set one up in an extensive garden producing wine for themselves and their friends. Others give up high-flying careers to create and run commercial vineyards moving from such occupations as banking, law, teaching, publishing, IT and nursing.

One example is Fiona Shiner owner of Woodchester Valley Vineyard in the Cotswolds; a lawyer who worked in Hong Kong for many years. On returning to the UK in 2002, Fiona was keen to investigate options for a more active life on her land. “We had often wondered if the Romans, who once had a major presence in Woodchester, had vineyards in the area,” she says. A return to law eventually lost out to the more tempting prospect of planting a vineyard on the limestone soils of the steeply sloping sheep fields surrounding her house.

“I am very glad I decided on the vineyard, “ she says. “Running a vineyard and producing wine is more a lifestyle than a job, although it is hard work with very long hours. Holiday time is hard to come by. But you become immersed in the fascinating world of wine and viticulture. There is never a dull moment and no year is the same.”