WINE PRODUCTION INTERNSHIPS

Starting a Winemaking Career at Rathfinny Estate

Breaking into the wine industry can feel daunting, especially without prior experience. At Rathfinny Wine Estate, we believe internships are one of the most valuable and accessible ways to begin a winemaking career. 

Our paid wine production internships at Rathfinny Estate in East Sussex are designed to provide hands-on experience, structured learning and a clear pathway into the industry.

A Hands-On Introduction to Wine Production 

Designed and delivered by Rathfinny’s management team, the Production Department internship programme offers a wide-ranging set of hands-on learning opportunities. Interns gain exposure to experiences and practical insights that are rarely covered within a formal academic syllabus.

Run in close collaboration with Plumpton College, the programme primarily recruits first-year students from Plumpton’s Wine Division, many of whom are studying for the BSc in Viticulture, Oenology and Business Management. In recent years, however, internships have also been offered to candidates from outside Plumpton. 

Alongside day-to-day operations such as bottling, disgorging and labelling, interns also gain exposure to: 

• State-of-the-art winery machinery 

• A first-class winemaking team 

• Food production best practices 

• Monitoring processes and accreditations 

This combination ensures a well-rounded and practical understanding of modern wine production. 

About the Rathfinny Winemaking Operation  

Rathfinny principally produces vintage, traditional method sparkling wines in line with the Sussex PDO standards. Rathfinny Sussex Sparkling wines are entirely single-site, meaning they are made from grape to glass at the Estate. Crafted on chalky soils just a few miles from the sea, the wines are terroir-driven and have a fresh, elegant style.

The winemaking and production team have decades of combined experience in our cool climate and is led by former Plumpton lecturer, Tony Milanowski. Spending time on the Estate as an intern is a unique opportunity to get hands-on experience at one of the UK’s leading sparkling wine producers.

Structured Learning & Professional Development 

“We dedicate 8% of our interns’ paid time to continuous professional development (CPD), which we deliver in the form of modules. 

“These cover practical elements including ‘Post-Disgorging Analysis’, ‘Dosage Liqueur Preparation’, and ‘Introduction to Forklifting’, as well as theoretical modules including ‘Introduction to Closures’, ‘Application of SO₂ in Winemaking’, ‘Lean Production Methodology’, and the ‘Importance of HACCP and Hygiene’. 

“With consistent positive feedback and the content ever evolving, I am very proud of the offer we’ve developed over the years.” 

— Ash Mignot, Assistant Production Manager

Fitting the Internship around Student Life

With a deep understanding of Plumpton College’s course content, exam preparation requirements and academic deadlines, we ensure our interns maintain a healthy work–life–study balance. 

We work in tandem with term times so that interns can get the most out of both their education and their practical experience. 

Wine Internships Without Prior Experience 

2025 marks the first year we’ve offered a position to an applicant outside of Plumpton College, as passion and curiosity are just as important as prior experience. 

Ash Mignot said: “In 2025, we offered one of our internship slots to an applicant who, despite not having a background in wine, showed enthusiasm for learning and an interest in land management, agriculture and food manufacturing operations. 

“Knowing we could nurture this intrigue and desire for knowledge, we were pleased we could extend an offer to this individual who has since been with us for three months.” 

Intern Spotlight: Where Are They Now? 

Sayali Thatte — Production Intern (2022–2023) 

“I had the pleasure of interning at Rathfinny Wine Estate in the wine production department from 2022 to 2023. As it was my first foray into winemaking, every process was a learning experience. 

“From understanding various machines, safety standards, and sustainability in winemaking to handling wine at its different stages and participating in daily production activities, this program laid the foundation for my understanding of winemaking. 

“A supportive team and a well-structured internship were critical in reinforcing the knowledge I was gaining in the classroom at Plumpton College. Interns were consistently exposed to all procedures from disgorging and bottling to laboratory analysis, and every question was answered with clarity and integrity. 

“With this exceptional foundational experience, I discovered my passion for wine production and decided to pursue it further in my career. 

“I am now working in the wine production department at Reichsgraf von Kesselstatt, a winery in the Mosel region of Germany. My time at Rathfinny has helped me become a confident and well-informed professional, with an open and curious approach to wines from around the world. 

“I would highly recommend the Rathfinny Internship to anyone looking to take their first step into the world of winemaking.”

Why Choose a Wine Internship at Rathfinny? 

A Rathfinny internship offers: 

• Real-world experience at a leading English sparkling wine estate 

• Fair pay: at least the national minimum wage 

• Structured professional development through CPD modules 

• Exposure to both practical and theoretical winemaking 

• A supportive environment with a first-class winemaking team 

• A pathway into global wine careers 

Start Your Career in English Sparkling Wine 

If you’re considering a career in wine production, viticulture, or food manufacturing, an internship is one of the most effective ways to gain experience, build confidence and discover your passion. At Rathfinny, we’re proud to support the next generation of winemakers. 

Interested in applying for a wine internship?  If you are interested in finding out more, contact hr@rathfinnyestate.com to learn about our internship programme or register your interest.