Winemaker
Agriculture & Farming
A program that focuses on the application of scientific and agribusiness principles to the production of grapes, the making of wine, and the wine business.
What Winemakers Do
A program that focuses on the application of scientific and agribusiness principles to the production of grapes, the making of wine, and the wine business.
Common Tasks
Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
- 1Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
- 2Advise students on academic and vocational curricula and on career issues.
- 3Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.
- 4Supervise laboratory sessions and field work and coordinate laboratory operations.
- 5Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.
What You'll Learn
Types of Winemakers
Work Environment
Locations
- • Wineries and tasting rooms
- • Vineyards and grape farms
- • Wine production cellars and bottling facilities
- • Quality control and food science laboratories
- • Agricultural research stations or extension offices
Schedule
Schedules are often steady year-round but can shift to long days, early starts, and weekend work during harvest and crush, with moderate time pressure tied to production timelines.
Physical Demands
Work commonly involves a mix of standing, walking, and hands-on handling of hoses, pumps, and containers, with moderate bending and repetitive tasks. Vineyard and cellar work may include outdoor conditions, wet floors, and lifting/moving equipment or materials.
Salary & Job Outlook
National Employment: 1,002,500 jobs
Top Paying States
Why Demand May Grow
Demand can rise as wineries expand product lines (premium, low-alcohol, and specialty wines) and need staff who can manage quality, safety, and consistent production. Growth in agritourism and direct-to-consumer sales can also increase hiring for vineyard and cellar operations.
Skills You'll Need
Pros & Cons
Pros
- • Hands-on work that blends science and craft
- • Opportunities to move into management or operations leadership
- • Work tied to seasonal milestones and tangible products
- • Transferable skills across beverage, food safety, and agriculture
- • Potential for strong earnings in management or technical roles
Cons
- • Long, demanding hours during harvest season
- • Exposure to chemicals, cleaning agents, and strict sanitation requirements
- • Quality issues can create high accountability and time pressure
- • Work can be physically tiring and sometimes messy
- • Employment can be sensitive to weather, crop yields, and market trends
Common Questions About the Winemaker Trade
Ready to Get Started?
Not Sure This Trade is Right?
Take our free career quiz to discover trades that match your interests and skills.
Take the Career Quiz