From Science PhD to Sussex Sparkling: Liberty Wine Apprentice at Rathfinny Wine Estate

Over the 2024 harvest we welcomed Liberty Wines Apprentice, James McNulty, to the Estate to get hands-on experience in our Winery.

Liberty are our exclusive distributor across the UK and Ireland, and we work closely to ensure their team has the knowledge to showcase our grower-producer Sussex Sparkling wines to top bars, hotels, restaurants and wine merchants.

James was studying for a Chemistry PhD when he realised he wanted a career with room for creativity. His interest in wine was sparked by tastings at his local wine bar in Manchester. Drawn to the blend of science and art, along with the human and social aspects, he applied for Liberty Wines’ highly competitive two-year apprenticeship program.

We sat down with James to learn about why he chose wine over a Chemistry PhD, his time with Liberty so far and what the future holds.

The Liberty Wines Apprenticeship

Liberty Wines has a reputation for supporting its team in wine education, embodied by the two-year apprenticeship program. The apprenticeship role is structured to give participants a well-rounded education across multiple areas of the wine business.

“It’s almost like a graduate scheme, but it’s specifically for people wanting to break into the wine industry,” he says. “People from all kinds of backgrounds apply, yet all are driven by a passion for wine and the desire to build a career in it.”

Throughout the apprenticeship, James has rotated through various teams within Liberty Wines, including branding, marketing, and customer service, as well as spending time in the warehouse learning the logistics of distribution. “You do a stint in every department, and it’s not every day you get the chance to try every role and see what fits you best.”

Liberty’s comprehensive approach isn’t just about producing knowledgeable salespeople. The apprenticeship also involves harvest placements with producers, providing firsthand experience in viticulture and winemaking. For James, this included working with Rathfinny, one of Liberty Wines’ key partners in the English wine market. “Getting to go out and work with the producers you’ve heard so much about is invaluable. You understand what it really takes to get that bottle to the shelf,” he reflects.

James McNulty Libery Wine at Rathfinny harvest

A Sussex Harvest

Hands on at Rathfinny

For three weeks in October, James worked closely with the Rathfinny team, processing grapes from the 2024 vintage and gaining insight into the rhythm and challenges of harvest. “I’d never done a harvest before, so it was thrilling to see the whole process—from the grapes arriving to their journey through fermentation.” . His time at the estate solidified his love for hands-on roles in winemaking, and the experience felt like the perfect blend of science, art, and community spirit.

His admiration for Rathfinny’s winemaking practices grew over his time here, too. “The attention to detail here is incredible. Tony Milanowski, who leads the winemaking team, comes from a background in chemical engineering, so he has a real scientific rigor to his approach,” James explains. He appreciates that while the end product is about the sensory enjoyment of wine, the process itself is highly technical. “The science behind it all drives quality, and seeing that focus up close was really inspiring,” he adds.

From the laboratory

To the winery

Before Liberty Wines, James was pursuing a PhD in chemistry. But the slow pace of lab work left him wanting something more dynamic. “I was looking for a career that was still science-focused but also creative and human,” he recalls. His love for wine, paired with his analytical background, eventually led him to Liberty. “This apprenticeship offers an unmatched view into every part of the industry,” he says, acknowledging that he’s able to explore many different roles before determining where he best fits.

Yet it’s the community aspect that struck James most during his time in Sussex. Working alongside the dedicated Rathfinny team and Sussex pickers gave him insight into the strong community values of the English wine industry. “The English wine scene is tight-knit. It’s amazing to see how everyone supports one another in what’s still an emerging market,” he remarks.

This support extended into the everyday operations at Rathfinny. “The viticultural team is out there constantly checking on the vines to ensure they’re healthy, and the lab team analyses grapes from every plot to determine ripeness and readiness for picking,” he describes. There’s a dedication to exceptional quality at every stage, and James appreciates the care and collaboration it takes to bring a vintage to life.

Looking to the Future

Now, with his first harvest under his belt, James is looking forward to the remainder of his apprenticeship and an upcoming harvest stint in New Zealand. “I’ve really enjoyed the hands-on side of things, and I’m excited to experience winemaking from a southern hemisphere perspective,” he says. For now, though, he’s taking away invaluable lessons from Rathfinny and a newfound appreciation for English wine.

Reflecting on his path so far, James feels the Liberty Wines apprenticeship has set a high bar in terms of industry training. “Liberty’s program really is the gold standard for bringing people into wine from all kinds of backgrounds. You’re trained up to understand every angle of the business, and that’s rare,” he concludes.

As James continues his journey, we are delighted his harvest at Rathfinny has deepened his passion for wine and the fantastic people that make up the industry. For Liberty Wines, his experience is another testament to the strength of our partnership and commitment to developing the next generation of wine professionals.