Most everyone can agree that having a career you love makes working more enjoyable. The old adage, ‘love what you do and you’ll never work a day in your life,’ often rings true for those who are passionate about their jobs.
And for those with a love for and an interest in wine, working in a vineyard or a wine factory is a dream come true. According to IBISWorld, 76,530 people were employed in the wineries industry in the U.S. as of 2022 — more than a 6 percent increase since 2017.
Whether you see yourself working in a vineyard or at a wine factory for a legendary wine, read on for some top wine jobs to help launch or establish your career in the industry.
1. Harvest Helper
A good bottle of wine starts with quality ingredients. These are obtained through the careful planting, nourishing, and harvesting of grapes. If you’re interested in taking part in the production process, consider the role of the harvest helper. During a peak or harvest season, every vineyard is looking for help with planting and harvesting. This role is a good fit for someone who has a flexible schedule with the right amount of budget for the offseason as grapes are only harvested during certain times of the year.
2. Distributor
If you’re someone who is business-minded, a wine distributor may be the role for you. This role sells wine to restaurants and retailers in assigned regions. Working in distributor sales can be a rewarding career path for those interested in learning more about the business of the beverage industry.
3. Tasting Room Staff
If you love talking about wine just as much as you enjoy drinking it, then working in a tasting room may a good fit. And while most positions in tasting rooms require an advanced knowledge of wine, there are some entry-level roles available. Be mindful that among some of the duties required in this role include scheduling appointments, managing each staff, greeting visitors, and most importantly, driving sales.
4. Wine Marketer
Given how competitive the industry is, working as a wine marketer is both challenging and fulfilling. This is a job for individuals who have a great passion for selling and are highly creative. More experienced marketers will be tasked with developing a strategic vision for how wine goes to market and executing on that plan.
5. Lab Technician
The majority of the winery business revolves around the wine laboratory. From fermenting to aging, the process needed to craft a fine bottle of wine happens inside the laboratory. This job is best suited for people who are in the field of Biology and Chemistry. Some of the key responsibilities include mixing the right ingredients, observing the wine while it ferments, setting the right time for aging the wine, and most importantly, looking after the delicate bottling stage of the wine. If you are a person who has a strong attention to detail, then this wine career is for you.
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This article was last updated in November 2023
