Meet the Wine Division

Sam Linter - Director of Wine

Sam brings a wealth of experience and accomplishments to her new role. Prior to joining Plumpton College, she served as the Managing Director and Head Winemaker at Bolney Wine Estate, where she achieved remarkable milestones that transformed the brand into one of the UK's top ten wine producers. Under her leadership, Bolney Wine Estate pioneered a successful tourism model, leading the way as one of the first UK vineyards to do so. 

Sam continues her current role as the Chair of Wine GB. Her dedication to raising awareness about English wine is a hallmark of her career. Throughout the years, Sam has been an active participant in various groups and initiatives aimed at nurturing the industry's growth and amplifying its recognition. Notably, she co-founded Sustainable Wines of Great Britain during her tenure at Bolney Wine Estate. This commitment led to the business achieving full accreditation for its eco-friendly approach.

Nick Hutchinson - Programme Manager FdA Wine Business and BA International Wine Business

Nick has a BSc Economy from UCL and trained as an Accountant at Arthur Andersen, before embarking on a career in Investment Banking, where he was a Managing Director of Counterparty Risk Management at Morgan Stanley. After surviving the financial crisis, a decision was made to see life outside the city, by enrolling on the BA Wine Business Degree at Plumpton. Nick graduated top of his class with 1st Class honours.

After graduating from Plumpton, Nick spent nearly 8 years at Bolney Wine Estate in Sussex, working in Trade Sales and later in Hospitality as manager of the extensive tour programme and the cellar door. He is delighted to be back at Plumpton, a place with real resonance for him, as it allowed him to retrain and refocus and hopes that students will be equally inspired by their time here.

James Clapham - Programme Manager MSc Viticulture & Oenology

James taught the laboratory-based elements on the BSc Viticulture and Oenology programme prior to becoming the PM for the MSc programme. His work in the lab included both chemical and microbiological analysis, as well as other key subject areas. 

"Chemistry and microbiological processes are the foundations of wine science. Good knowledge of these subject areas is crucial to truly understanding wine".

Tom Newham - Vineyard Manager

Tom Newham has been the Vineyard Manager at the Plumpton College Wine Division since harvest 2016. Having originally trained as a boatbuilder and yacht instructor, his viticulture career began alongside the sailing work in the south of France during the 1990s after workig for several years for various small organic producers in France.

In the early 2000s, Tom decided to return to the UK to study the Viticulture and Oenology BSc at Plumpton College, and since obtaining his qualification, Tom has been involved in the vineyard establishment stage, all the way through to working with mature vines, and winemaking practices at various English vineyards including Stopham Estate, Albourne Estate and Davenport vineyards. In 2012 Tom also set up and ran a small independent wine shop, which is still trading, now under new ownership.

Rebecca Apley - Wine Business Lecturer

Rebecca has been working in the business of wine for 15 years, and is delighted to accept a post lecturing Wine Business at Plumpton College. Her experience in the hospitality industry is wide ranging, with a portfolio of clients across Yorkshire and Sussex, including time teaching WSET courses for the fantastic Yorkshire Wine School. Her most recent project was for Henners Vineyard, Herstmonceux, managing their first direct to consumer venture.

This beautiful new cellar door is now enjoying its second season open to the public. Rebecca has specialised in this kind of opening management and training since setting up her company, Apfelbaum Ltd, in 2017. She has worked with household names like Diageo and Heineken as well as unique independents such as Once Upon A Vine. Here, Rebecca and chef Vanessa Doyle won the Loire Valley Wines X Harpers merchants’ competition with their pop-up dining experience, Loire Valley Nights. Before Apfelbaum, Rebecca worked in restaurants, bars, and pubs, developing a love for whiskey, wine, and exceptional customer service.

I am very pleased to have returned to teaching at Plumpton College and have the opportunity to share my knowledge and experience. I first taught at Plumpton between 2010 and 2015 and I enjoy seeing the successes of past students - many now leaders in industry! 

I first became interested in viticulture at Rock Lodge Vineyard in Sussex (now managed by Plumpton College) many years ago, while studying agriculture at London University’s Wye College. I have over 25 years’ experience including vineyard management and wine production in the UK and France, wine sales and marketing, journalism, as well as education and training. I also have WSET level 4 diploma.

Sarah Midgley - Winemaker, Lecturer, & Programme Manager for Wine Apprenticeships

After completing a Grad. Dip. at Lincoln University in NZ she made wine around the world and worked as Assistant Winemaker at Camel Valley vineyard in Cornwall.  She worked as Plumpton College winemaker from 2014-2020 and now heads up our apprenticeships in wine as Programme Manager.  She is passionate about the wine industry and sustainability, and is a member of the Sustainable Wines of Great Britain (SWGB) Winemaking group.

Deepika Koushik - Winemaker

Her winemaking experience includes stints in the Russian River Valley in the USA and Burgundy, where she was awarded the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin Award (2019). In addition to this, Deepika was the recipient of the INSPIRE Scholarship for topping her State in HSC level (equivalent to A levels) exams in India and was the recipient of the Mrs Ferooza Easwaran Golden Jubilee Prize for Securing the highest grade in Microbiology (2013-2014). Deepika has taught undergraduate students microbiology in India and the USA.

“I am passionate about viticulture and oenology and I have a strong understanding of the science at its core and an appreciation for the tradition that comes with creating wine.”