Vineyard Operative Apprentice

Coates & Seely is seeking a motivated, practical, and enthusiastic apprentice to join our established vineyard team. This is an excellent opportunity to begin a career in the thriving English wine industry, gaining hands-on experience within a leading commercial vineyard while working towards a recognised apprenticeship qualification.

What you'll do

Day to day tasks will vary but will include:

Tractor & Machinery Operation

• Operate vineyard tractors safely and efficiently
• Spraying, mowing, undervine cultivation and trimming
• Support harvest logistics and vineyard transport
• Maintain accurate spray and machinery records
• Uphold health, safety and environmental compliance

Vineyard Operations

• Winter pruning and tying down
• Canopy management and crop thinning
• Vineyard monitoring and record keeping
• Harvest operations
• Supporting sustainable vineyard practices
• All hands-on and tractor mounted operations required to maintain the vines

Equipment Maintenance & Responsibility

• Assist with servicing and preventative maintenance
• Take increasing responsibility for routine machinery checks
• Maintain service logs and maintenance schedules
• Identify wear, faults and mechanical issues early
• Ensure machinery cleanliness and safe storage

Training

Training is delivered on a block-release basis, requiring attendance at college for one week (five days) approximately every two months during term time.

After the apprenticeship

At the end of the 24 month apprenticeship, it is expected that you will continue to work as a Vineyard Assistant. Thereafter your continued employment at Coates & Seely could be in Viticulture and/or Winemaking, as mutually agreed between us.

Skills

• Team working
• Physical fitness
• Detail-oriented
• Enthusiastic
• Punctual
• Reliable

Qualifications

• Desired: GCSE, English (grade 4)
• Desired: GCSE, Maths (grade 4)

Things to consider

Comfortable working outdoors year-round. Due to the rural nature of the vineyard, access to your own transport is advised.

About the employer

Coates & Seely is one of England's leading premium sparkling wine producers, located near Whitchurch, Hampshire, in the heart of Hampshire's renowned chalk downlands. Founded in 2008, the estate has built a reputation for producing award-winning English sparkling wines using the traditional method, with a focus on quality, precision, and sustainable vineyard management.

The vineyards are situated on a unique chalk and flint terroir between the River Test and Watership Down, providing ideal conditions for growing high-quality wine grapes. The vineyard cultivates the classic sparkling wine varieties of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, which form the foundation of our acclaimed sparkling wine range.

For an aspiring viticulturist, Coates & Seely offers an exceptional learning environment. The vineyard combines modern machinery, attention to detail, and a commitment to producing fruit of the highest quality. Apprentices gain exposure to the full annual vineyard cycle, from winter pruning and vine establishment to canopy management and harvest, while working alongside experienced professionals in the rapidly growing English wine industry. Some exposure to winemaking is also available, principally during the harvest period.

Apprenticeship details

• Course: Crop technician (level 3), Agriculture, environmental and animal care
• Apprenticeship level: Advanced (level 3)
• Training provider: PLUMPTON COLLEGE
• Expected duration: 2 Years
• Hours: 40 hours a week. Working week: Monday - Friday, 08:00 - 17:00, one unpaid lunch break per day. Overtime may be required during peak periods such as harvest.
• Start date: 9 November 2026
• Positions available: 1
• Wage: £16,640 to £26,436.80 a year