The Wild Wine School Story
The Wild Wine Woman behind Wild Wine School
Hi, I'm Debbie and I’m looking for your help to make my dream of teaching people about wine in the outdoors a reality.
I’ve been in the wine industry for over a decade. I started my wine journey training as a Sommelier at Fifteen Cornwall in my early 20s and then as a wine consultant advising hospitality businesses in Cornwall. I currently run Wild Wine Club, an events company that creates wine based feasts and look after sales in Devon and Cornwall for Bibendum Wine, a national wine wholesaler.
Over the past five years I’ve taken my Wild Wine Club feasts to some of the most beautiful spots in Cornwall and collaborated with some Incredibly talented chefs designing food menus to pair with wine. I am a firm believer that everything (especially wine) tastes better when consumed outside and I love sharing dinner and talking wine with our guests.
I love training and talking about wine and last year I qualified with the WSET (Wine and Spirits Education Trust) as a certified educator to teach up to Level 3. It would be amazing to bring together my passion for wine education and my love of taking wine and food outside to create Wild Wine School.
What is Wild Wine School?
From next Spring Wild Wine School will host a collection of workshops, courses and events in wild and unusual locations around Cornwall. I have designed one day workshops on Organic, Biodynamic and Minimal Intervention Wine-making, An Introduction to Cornish Wines and a creative workshop, Tasting in Colour. In addition I will offer What to Drink When You're Not Drinking, a one day workshop making seasonal drinks, cocktails and serves without alcohol.
Wild Wine School will also host accredited courses open to both those in the industry and enthusiastic wine lovers looking to have their wine knowledge certified. In addition I'll be hosting regular industry events and masterclasses and bringing some of my favourite wine makers to Cornwall to share their stories and knowledge.
Where can you join us?
Like my Wild Wine Club feasts we’ll be popping up with workshops and events all over Cornwall. We already have dates in the diary for workshops at Khudva near Bude, One Field Farm in Crantock and the base for all our accredited courses Nancarrow Farm. I'm in discussions with lots of other beautiful spots around the county from East to West, seashore to moor and woodland glade to winery! Because my resources are mobile I can also come to you and I’d love to hear from anyone who thinks they have the perfect spot.
Who are the Courses for?
My workshops are designed for anyone who is interested in learning more about wine and enjoys being outdoors!
The accredited courses are suitable for both keen wine enthusiasts and those working in the industry and I’ve tailored the format of these courses to suit both groups; Monday dates for those working in the industry to fit around normal shift patterns and weekly study and supper dates for those who want to combine their study with a sociable supper from Nancarrow’s famous kitchen.
For corporate clients I can create bespoke courses for team building and away days. I offer hospitality businesses training tailored to the individual needs of each business. Additionally I can give advice on creating a wine offering that adds interest and drives revenue.
Thoughts on Creating an Environmentally and Socially Conscious Business
It’s important to me that I create a business that is sustainable, not only financially but also environmentally and one with a social conscience.
As Wild Wine School is nomadic we’ll be sharing resources and energy with other existing businesses.
By taking people outside and engaging with our surroundings I hope to foster ownership and responsibility for the environment.
I hope to support local economy through providing workshops on Cornish Wine to promote the industry and working with local designers and makers.
My workshops on Organic, Biodynamic and minimal intervention will provide insight and understanding into choosing wines made without the use of pesticides and chemicals.
I’m a firm believer in drinking less, but better and think that the more knowledgeable people are about what they’re drinking the greater appreciation they’ll have. In addition I’ll be running workshops on non alcoholic drinks.
What am I Crowdfunding for?
I will use the funding I raise in this campaign for me to work with local designers and makers to create bespoke course materials and equipment to enable me to bring the course content to life in the wild. Additionally it will go towards the initial outlays of a new business, including the setup fees to provide accredited courses.