Bolney’s Sam Linter joins Plumpton College as wine director

Sam Linter, previously MD and head winemaker at leading English producer Bolney Wine Estate, has been appointed the new wine director for Plumpton College.

In April this year, Sam Linter stepped down as chief winemaker of Bolney Wine Estate just 16 months after its sale to sparkling wine giant Freixenet Copestick —the first sale of an English wine brand to a major international group — stating she was looking to “pursue new opportunities”.

Linter said she felt she had “successfully guided Bolney Wine Estate in becoming part of Freixenet Copestick and the Henkell Freixenet Group” and was excited by their plans for the future of the business.

Those “new opportunities” have now arrived, with Linter announced today as the director of the Wine Division for Plumpton College, a UK-based centre for wine education, training, and research.

“I am excited about the prospects of the next phase in my journey and eagerly anticipate the fresh challenge that lies ahead,” says Linter.

“Leveraging my expertise and experience, I am eager to contribute to education and empower the next generation of wine entrepreneurs and winemakers.”

Speaking of the decision to bring Linter on board, Plumpton College principal, Jeremy Kerswell, says: “I am confident that Sam Linter’s exceptional track record, unwavering dedication, and visionary leadership will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of wine education and innovation within our institution.”

He added that her appointment to the role of wine director “reflects Plumpton College’s ongoing commitment to excellence, and its mission to drive growth and innovation in the field of wine.”

During her time at Bolney, Linter transformed the brand into one of the UK’s top ten wine producers and pioneered a successful tourism model, becoming one of the the UK’s first wineries to place a strong focus on wine tourism.

Her efforts saw Bolney’s turnover rise by more than 600% within a decade.

During her tenure there, Linter also led Bolney to becoming one of the founding members Sustainable Wines of Great Britain.

In addition to her new role at Plumpton College, Linter continues her current role as the chair of Wine GB.