If you stop to think about jobs related to the wine industry, the first careers that almost certainly come to mind are sommelier or winemaker. In the Bodegas Montecillo blog we have already explained in detail what a sommelier does and the training that would be required to become one. We have also spoken in detail about what differentiates this profession from that of an oenologist or winemaker.
But of course, the professional opportunities offered by the world of wine are not limited to these two options. Far from it! As you may imagine, the wine industry is not only exciting, it is also very broad and complex. Therefore, the sector needs experts from very different and diverse fields to achieve its ultimate aim: providing consumers with great wines for their enjoyment.
In today’s post we are going to speak in more detail about some of the professions that are vital to the world of wine. As you will see, some are directly related to its production and others are indirectly related, but are just as important during the processes of production, winemaking, sales, marketing and service of wine. Who knows! Perhaps you will find your ideal role.
- Viticulturist. The person responsible for growing the vines. Although the name is similar, the work should not be confused with that of the vintner, the person who makes the wine.
- Agricultural engineer. The person who advises the former on possible improvements they could make in the growth of vines and the production of grapes.
- Ampeologist. A biologist specialised in the cultivation of vines, in their adaptation to different soils and climates and their diseases and treatments.
- Harvesters or grape pickers. Vital during harvest: they pick the fruit.
- Vintner. As previously mentioned, the vintner or winemaker is in charge of the winemaking process.
- Winery owner. The person who manages the winery where the wine is stored and aged.
- Tasters. They taste wines to inform others of their quality and style. A professional taster judges the quality and characteristics of a wine after it has been harvested, thanks to their senses of sight, smell and taste according to their personal criteria. Frequently they are trained in oenology or sommellerie but there are also excellent self-taught tasters. They are of some of the world’s most envied professionals.
- Distributors. They supply shops, bars, restaurants… They are the link between the winery and the consumer.
- Export managers. Wine is an increasingly international business and therefore, export managers are ever more in demand, as they are the people responsible for opening up new markets and maintaining the flow of communications between the winery and their international distributors.
- Admin staff. They manage the stock, income and costs, billing and all the other paperwork that a winery has, just like any other large business.
- Marketing and communications. Doing your work well is not enough: you also have to make sure that people get to hear about it, therefore a good marketing plan is vital to reach customers and create a brand with its own personality that makes the wines stand out, differentiating them from the competition.
- Wine tourism specialists. The rise of wine tourism and consumers’ growing interest in getting to know where their wines come from has led to a rise in demand for specialist professionals who are capable of designing and coordinating different activities that promote winery visits.
- Researchers. The wine industry is constantly evolving and many researchers are working towards improving quality and diversity, as well as optimising the winemaking and production processes.
- Computer programmers. Directly related to the development of technology. Digital technology helps improve cultivation and processes, and the management of vines and wineries, therefore there are many companies who produce specific software for the industry.
Of course, the list doesn’t end here, but this is a good attempt at showing the complexity of the wine industry and the number of professionals that are behind your enjoyment of a bottle of wine. If you are interested in working in wine, one of these professions could be the gateway!
