Viticulture Crop Technican Apprentice

They will engage with modern technology, innovative growing techniques, and creative problem-solving, while monitoring vine health, and gaining practical experience in producing grapes for high-quality wines.

As a founding member of Sustainable Wines of Great Britain - achieving Gold status in the vineyard in 2026 -the apprentice role will also be supporting sustainability, biodiversity, and estate conservation initiatives.

We are seeking a motivated Viticulture Apprentice to join our vineyard team. This role offers hands-on experience in grape growing and vineyard management, combining traditional practices with modern technology, innovation, and creative problem-solving to support high-quality wine production.

Who you’ll be working with:

Viticulturist: A highly experienced viticulturist with over 30 years in grape and top-fruit growing, agriculture and estate conservation. They bring deep practical knowledge and a lifelong connection to the land. As a second-generation grower on the estate, they combine tradition with evolving practices, offering valuable mentorship, insight, and guidance to apprentices learning the craft.

Head of Production: 12 years of experience across viticulture, winemaking, and operations. Holding an MSc in Viticulture and Oenology and FACTS qualified advisor, they bring strong technical expertise, regulatory knowledge, and a focus on efficiency and innovation, supporting apprentices with practical insight all the way through to wine production.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist with daily vineyard operations including pruning, training, canopy management, and harvesting
• Monitor vine health, pests, and diseases, reporting findings accurately
• Support soil management and fertilisation practices
• Operate and maintain vineyard tools and machinery
• Trial digital tools and vineyard technology (e.g., data collection apps, weather sensors)
• Contribute to innovative and sustainable viticulture practices
• Maintain records of vineyard activities and environmental conditions
• Work collaboratively with the vineyard team, liaising with the winery during harvest where required.

Learning & Development:

• Gain practical experience in all aspects of viticulture
• Develop knowledge of grape varieties and growing conditions in England
• Learn about sustainable and climate-conscious vineyard practices

• Build skills in agricultural technology and data-driven decision making

What We Offer:

Experienced and knowledgeable team for training and mentorship
Hands-on experience in a growing English wine industry
Opportunity to work in a leading vineyard with associated winery – all production of the product done on site.
Career progression within viticulture and winemaking

Skill required 

• Strong interest in viticulture, agriculture, or wine production (previous experience desirable, but not required)
• Willingness to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Good physical fitness and ability to perform manual tasks
• Basic understanding of technology or willingness to learn
• Machinery operation desired (tractor, mowers, forklift). If no experience, a willingness to learn is required

You will be studying at Hadlow college one day per week.

• Vineyard Operator / Manager: Taking on more responsibility for day-to-day vineyard management, including pruning, canopy work, and harvest decisions
• Assistant Viticulturist: Progressing into a technical role focused on vine health, yield management, and data-driven vineyard decisions
• Viticulturist: Managing vineyard blocks or entire estates, making key decisions on grape production and sustainability

• Ideally would need to be 18 or over 
• Rural location – must hold valid driving licence as limited public transport
• Outdoor work – Majority of work will be outdoors, sometimes in inclement weather
• Seasonal peaks – Ability to work longer hours during harvest period or summer period as required (harvest September - October)

Balfour Winery is one of England’s leading wine producers, pioneers for both English traditional method sparkling wines, and a new wave of English still wines. Making over 400,000 bottles of still and sparkling wines each year, Balfour is one of England’s most respected and renowned wineries, combining world-class winemaking with a spirit of innovation.