How to Become a Winemaker
Step 1: Understand the job description and responsibilities of a Winemaker
What does a Winemaker do?
A A winemaker or vintner is a person engaged in winemaking. They are generally employed by wineries or wine companies, where their work includes: Cooperating with viticulturists Monitoring the maturity of grapes to ensure their quality and to determine the correct time for harvest Crushing and pressing grapes Monitoring the settling of juice and the fermentation of grape material Filtering the wine to remove remaining solids Testing the quality of wine by tasting Placing filtered wine in casks or tanks for storage and maturation Preparing plans for bottling wine once it has matured Making sure that quality is maintained when the wine is bottledToday, these duties require an increasing amount of scientific knowledge, since laboratory tests are gradually supplementing or replacing traditional methods. Winemakers can also be referred to as oenologists as they study oenology – the science of wine.
A winemaker oversees and participates in the production of wine.
The winemaker must then be selective in grape harvests, working with vineyard managers to ensure the plants remain healthy before, during, and after the harvest.
Wineries will often hire winemakers to tend to the winemaking processes, while in other cases, the winemaking operation may be small and independent.
A professional winemaker has sophisticated knowledge of oenology, viticulture, and biochemistry, plus substantial on-the-job training.
Winemakers often begin learning the profession as a lab assistant, enologist or assistant winemaker prior to moving into more senior roles.
Step 2: Learn best tips to become a Winemaker
Best tips for those who want to become a Winemaker
Here are some tips to become a Winemaker.
Tackle the Business Aspects First.
Create higher quality wines resulting from new estate vineyards and control over viticulture decisions.
Increase efficiency in production by sharing knowledge and resources.
Step 3: View best colleges and universities for Winemaker
Best colleges and universities for Winemaker
- Calvin University
- Colby-Sawyer College
- Augustana University
- University of South Carolina--Upstate
- New York University
- CUNY--Queens College
Step 4: Think about whether is it worth to be a Winemaker
Is being a Winemaker Worth it?
The winemaker who crafted the world’s most expensive wine in a 750 ml bottle just happens to live in Sonoma County.
It’s a nod to the winemaker’s father –– Andy Katz –– who’s a well-known photographer in Wine Country.
In a recent press release, Hamilton committed on the book, "The Winemakers Marsh" and the duo's efforts to capture the essence of the wetlands' habitat.
Whereas people who work for distributors or wine shops have opportunities to taste wines from all over the world, winemakers tend to focus on the wines they are making.
Work-life balance Winemakers' wives are known as "vintage widows" during the harvest as they barely see their husbands.
Step 5: Prepare relevant skills for being a Winemaker
What skills do you need to be a Winemaker?
Supporting level roles often require a broad range of skills to ensure jobs can be executed accurately and efficiently. Some of the more relevant day-to-day skills for this role include: Customer Service, Food & Beverage Serving, Wine Service and Selection. Success in this function is highly dependant upon these skills, as well as others specific to each individual company.
Many people find that their interest in wine correlates with the ability to actually produce great wine, at which point it may seem like time to move into the industry and become a professional winemaker.
Becoming a professional winemaker requires a well-rounded skill set that not everyone has, such as business experience, the ability to scale recipes/techniques and more.
It can take many months if not years to go from start to finish in attempting to become a winemaker, especially if you have no industry experience.
Winemaker Brad McLeroy honed his skills at the famed Domaine Drouhin Oregon under the direction of Veronique Drouhin.
The Assistant Winemaker should be familiar with all cellar activities including but not limited to fermentation management, harvest logistics, and nutrient….
Step 6: View average salary for Winemaker
How much does a Winemaker make?
The average salary range for a Winemaker is from $52,768 to $84,494. The salary will change depending on your location, job level, experience, education, and skills.
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Step 7: Find relevant Winemaker jobs, and apply.
Looking for Winemaker jobs?
Here are some Winemaker jobs in the United States.