The wine industry is an exciting endeavour for anyone who has a head for business and a love of wines. It can be an incredibly rewarding job that comes with extreme prestige. If you are ready to immerse yourself in all things wine, from viticulture to production, to sales, you’re ready to start your career in the wine industry. Not sure where to begin?
Follow these five steps to get your ready for your dream job:
Know What Sector You Want to Get Into :
There are quite a few job options available in the wine industry. This means that so long as you love wine, there is something you’ll be able to do, whatever your talent.
Go to School :
There is a lot to know about wine that, quite frankly, you can’t just ‘pick it up’. Many job positions in the wine industry require qualifications. You can find some great wine courses in London and even acquire a diploma in wine, gastronomy and management from Cordon Bleu. You will get all the knowledge you need in one go, along with practical experience, advice from industry experts, and, of course, formal qualifications.
Get Experience :
Wineries will typically hire extra hands during their harvest season, which is a great way to get your foot in the industry while also getting paid. You can be involved in growing the wines, otherwise known as viticulture, you can be involved in the production of wines, or oenology. You can be a cellar hand which requires hard labour. Then there are sales positions. You can be involved in selling directly to the customer, or you can sell to distributors. Then, for those with true business acumen, there is administration. Be the general manager and oversee making sure that the winery budget is balanced and things run smoothly. Whatever your interest, get experience in that field either through internships, or entry-level positions.
Apply: Small Wineries :
In the wine industry, everyone wants to seem small. Small wineries imply rarity and authenticity. They also typically hire fewer people, meaning that when you apply to them, you should be able to demonstrate that you can do several jobs instead of one. Having a strong background in multiple positions of the wine industry is a great way to get a high-level position at a small winery.
Apply: Large Wineries :
Large wineries can hire many people, meaning that positions are more specific. They are also the ones you will likely be able to get experience at low-level positions or through internships. The wine industry is a very formalised sector. You need to know your stuff before you can get in, and have the qualifications to get the top jobs. If you love wine and want to be involved, it’s time to jump in! Know what you want to do and get the qualifications and then the experience for it. Most qualifications take less than a year and teach you the ins and outs of the industry, so you know what’s what when you start. All that’s left is you to take the first step towards your new career.
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