The Vintners’Entry Scheme

The Vintners’ Company is relaunching the Vintners’ Entry Scheme (VES). Historically aimed at those within the wine trade, the scheme has been restructured to welcome exceptional individuals from a broad spectrum of professional backgrounds who are not part of the Drinks Industry.

To maintain a rich and diverse membership, balanced between our wine trade members and non-trade members, the scheme provides an opportunity for professionals from outside the drinks industry to contribute to the charitable and fellowship endeavours of one of the City of London’s oldest and most prestigious Livery Companies.

About the Scheme

The Vintners’ Entry Scheme offers a structured route to becoming a Freeman of the Company for individuals who do not work in the wine trade and who do not know current members sufficiently to satisfy a Redemption application.

Applicants must possess a profound interest in the heritage of the City of London, the traditions of the Livery movement, and the fellowship and charitable objectives of the Vintners’ Company.

Who We Are Looking For

Applicants must be able to demonstrate:

  • A Commitment to the Company: A genuine desire to be an active and long term participant in the activities of the Vintners’ Company

  • Civic Interest: A passion for the traditions, history, and future of the City of London

  • Professional Diversity: We welcome applications from all sectors—including law, finance, technology, medicine, the arts, and public service

  • Engagement: Candidates must be in a position to regularly attend Company events, formal dinners, and charitable initiatives

  • Eligibility: To maintain the unique character of this scheme, applicants must not be employed within the drinks industry

Application, Selection and Intake

To ensure the highest quality of engagement and mentorship for every new successful applicant, the Company operates a strictly limited annual intake.

Please be aware that the Vintners’ Entry Scheme is highly competitive; meeting the minimum eligibility criteria does not guarantee a successful application. Candidates must demonstrate an exceptional alignment with our values and a clear long-term commitment to the Company.

Applicants will undergo a multi-stage review process, including professional referencing and formal interviews. The Membership Committee carefully assess each application to ensure a balanced and diverse intake within the very limited number of places available each year.

First Contact

Prospective candidates interested in pursuing an application must, in the first instance, contact the Membership Office for advice and guidance on the application process.

Applications MUST be complete by the end of July each year to be considered at the Membership Committee’s September meeting.

Telephone: 020 7651 0746

Email: membership@vintnershall.co.uk

Selection Process

Only completed applications will be presented to the Membership Committee for consideration.

At the September meeting, the Membership Committee will either reject the application at this stage or call the applicant to interview.

Interview

The interview is an opportunity for the candidate to prove their suitability for the Vintners’ Entry Scheme, so it is important the candidate has prepared well. Following interview, the Membership Committee will either reject the application or recommend the candidate to Court for approval.

Freedom of the Vintners’ Company

Subject to Court’s approval, the applicant will be invited to attend the next, annual, Court of Binding where they will be made a Freeman of the Vintners’ Company.

Freedom of the City of London

Once they are a Freeman of the Vintners’ Company, they will be entitled to apply for the Freedom of the City of London.

Note: Application to the Vintners' Entry Scheme is a competitive process. Admission is at the sole discretion of the Membership Committee and the Court of the Vintners’ Company, and the decisions are final.