Winemaker

Job overview
Winemakers, also known as oenologists, make wine from grapes and other fruits such as plums and pineapples.

What do people do in this occupation?
Winemakers may do some or all of the following:

• process grapes to make wine
• control fermentation, and adjust wines as needed
• discuss fruit quality and quantity with grape growers (viticulturists)
• manage winery workers
• develop new wine styles, and improve the wine quality
• ensure legal standards and specifications, such as the alcohol levels are met
• filter, bottle and package the wine for sale
• maintain winemaking equipment and machinery
• record procedures, blends and inventories
• market and sell wine

What kinds of people are suitable for this career?
Winemakers need to have an appreciation of wines and winemaking.

They must be creative, have an eye for detail and be able to work well under pressure.

Winemakers also need to:

• know different wine styles and varieties
• know winery and vineyard technology
• know wine-related science, such as chemistry, biology and microbiology, and laboratory skills
• understand hygiene and sterilisation methods
• have practical skills, including knowledge of engineering and flow process technology (pumps and hoses)
• posses good communication skills
• have planning and organisational skills
• have business management and marketing skills

Winemakers working in the vineyard may need to know how to operate vehicles such as tractors or fork-lifts.

Knowledge of first aid and safety is also helpful.

What qualifications are needed?
At high school level it is advisable to study maths, English and science subjects, especially chemistry.

To then become a winemaker you generally need to have one of these:

• a degree, diploma or certificate in winemaking, or a Bachelor of Science
• some years' experience working as a winemaker's assistant

There are no set entry requirements to become an assistant winemaker, but many employers prefer some experience of working in the wine industry.

Winemakers gain skills on the job, including how to do smell and taste testing of wines.

Some qualifications can be completed by correspondence while working on a vineyard.

Useful experience for winemakers includes:

• working in a vineyard
• laboratory experience in breweries or dairy factories
• wine sales, tasting or serving