How You Can Have a Career in the Wine Industry

Think back to when you were five years old and the dreams you had for your future career. Many of you likely wanted to be an astronaut, a football player, or a tour guide at Disneyland. Do you recall the massive smile on your face as you imagined yourself scoring the winning goal or blasting into space?

As an adult, that same contented smile can be found on many people as they sit back with a robust glass of Pinotage and imagine getting paid to sip wine all day, every day. This may seem like a bigger daydream than most, but careers in the wine industry are more than just a fantasy. The wine industry employs more than 325,000 people in California alone, and many of these are women winemakers. Making a living from wine is more than knowing your Cabernet from your Chardonnay, so keep scrolling to discover how you can have a career in the wine industry.

The saying that you should pick a career that you love and then you’ll never work a day in your life is true for everything, including a career in the wine industry. To start, you need a passion for this beverage. You don’t necessarily need the nose of a sommelier, but you do need to be motivated by a thirst for fantastic wine.

Whether you are just starting to navigate your career path or are considering a pivot in mid-life, it is essential to reflect on your skillset. Skills can be taught, but attitude and passion are only found from within. The wine industry has producers, growers, distributors, sellers, wedding coordinators, and more, so take time to think about what makes you tick. A career in the wine industry can be incredibly gratifying; the scope of work and opportunities for lifelong learning are bountiful.

There are numerous education entry points for a career in the wine industry. Those with a business degree or even a degree in outdoor education might find themselves pairing their skillset with training at a vineyard.

However, suppose you know from the onset that wine is your passion. In that case, obtaining a Bachelor of Wine Science or Viticulture and Enology is an excellent springboard to a successful career. Post-graduate degrees in specializations such as Sustainable Viticulture or Wine Business Management are ideal for career advancement once you isolate your interests.

You can never beat the experience gained from on-the-job training. If you want to work in the industry, then look for part-time or summer jobs at local vineyards. Don’t worry about the position being precisely relevant to your intended career path, as a broad knowledge base is always helpful. 

If you are considering a career in the wine industry, try to suck up as much knowledge as possible. Get your foot in the wine cellar door by working in different industry sectors and look out for a mentor that can assist with matching your talents with a particular path. If you are devoted and passionate about wine, the lifelong learning that goes along with the trade will make every day exciting.