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What To Learn

High School

What high school courses should you take if you're interested in this career? Get your answers from the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources cluster Food Products and Processing Systems pathway.

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In the winemaking business, your nose knows. If you've got a good sense of smell and are sensitive to subtle flavors, you're off to a good start.

"Sensory attributes are the biggest part of the job," says viticultural specialist Kevin Ker. He adds that knowledge of biological and chemical processes is pretty essential, too.

There are three routes you can take to become a winemaker.

The first route is to take a university program in enology, then an entry-level assistant winemaker job at a production winery. Graduate work and experience will get you ready to take a job as a winemaker at a smaller winery. With fame and fortune, you can go on to be a winemaker at a large well-known winery.

The second route is to work in a smaller winery and learn by doing. Many famous winemakers have taken this route, usually picking up the education along the way.

The third route is to branch out from an established career and enter the wine business, learning to make wine by talking to others and practicing on your own.

"If you're not afraid to work, it's not hard to get into the business. The best way is to try to get a summer job at a harvest, and don't be afraid to pick grapes, shovel tanks or drag hoses. This would be the first clue to see if you like it," says winemaker Bill Crawford.

A degree in enology and viticulture is a great beginning to your career as a winemaker.

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