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To all who work in wine...
Main Post:
What do you do? How did you get there?
I ask because I am keen to make a big change in my career, and I think that the world of wine is one that I would love to work within. My problem is that I don't know anyone personally who works in wine, so I don't know the ins and outs of different job roles in the industry.
Wine appeals to me as I love the craft of it (I'm an amateur shoemaker and tend to be drawn towards crafts and process driven hobbies/interests), I love finding out about the various processes and factors that influence the final product. I also enjoy wine as a beverage and so it is something I find I can speak passionately about with ease. Furthermore, I love learning languages and travelling.
I currently work in healthcare and find myself being increasingly dissatisfied with my job. The lack of progression, lack of opportunities to travel, lack of variety, and lack of flexibility all lead me to a regular feeling of burn out.
Apologies if this post has been made before, but I was hoping to open up some dialogue with people in the industry, both to work out if this is really for me, and to start to put myself on the right path.
Does a role exist, for example in imports, that allows one to travel, visit vineyards, build relationships and secure contracts, work remotely occasionally, and have the opportunity to progress that career? Perhaps I'm chasing a pipe dream!
Thank you in advance!
Edit: I'm UK based. Thank you so much to everyone who has replied, what an amazing community this is!
Top Comment: To short answer is yes. But you’re not going to get to the importer without some experience and/or some general knowledge of the industry. I would try and find a small distributor or a winery in your area that might be looking for work. Sales can be tough to break into but once you get into sales it has many doors that it can lead too. I for instance was a bartender and just happen to land a job with a very very small distributor, because one of my regulars was retiring from the route. I always loved wine and I’ve always loved learning so it kind of progressed naturally. I see where the industry can go, but it’s also changing from the “old way” of how it worked. So the import route has looked appealing to me as well, but then again so does real estate. I’m 5 years into wine sales and quite frankly I love my job, I love the hours ( it’s not a 35 hour a week job, I work about 50-60, counting windshield time), and I love the fun nature of selling an interesting small luxury. I don’t clock in, but if I don’t go out and work then I don’t make any money. Gotta sell the stuff and not just look at it. That’s my 2 cents and there are many other ways into the industry. I just happen to follow the “natural” restaurant path as I had children and didn’t want to be at the bar till 3am anymore.
Looking for advice to start a career path in the Wine Industry
Main Post:
Hello to everyone of r/wine!
As you have read in the title I’m looking for advice to get into the wine industry and to eventually turn it into a career.
Before I dive into all my questions I’d like to give you guys a (somewhat) quick overview of who I am and my past in order to hopefully help the advice be more tailored to my situation.
- I’m a 26 y/o woman currently living in the SF Bay Area. I was raised in Paso Robles, CA and I visit there several times a year.
- I do not have any prior restaurant experience (besides McDonalds when I was 16)
- I attended Community College for 4 years.
- I took far too many classes (over 100 units)
- I don't have any Associates to show for it
- I transferred to a 4-year university
- I majored in Chemistry
- By the end of the first year I became Academically Disqualified and I left
- I went back to Community College and took another year there to study Social Sciences and to re-transfer with a major in Public Relations
- I was denied re-entry into the University System do to my Academic Record
- During the 6 years that I was a student I barely worked and only have seasonal office positions on my resume
- April 2017 was the end of my last seasonal position
- June 2016 was the last time I was taking classes
Now to try to explain my dilemma little better:
As you have seen I did not make a success of the College and University system and I'm ready to find a career path outside of it.
The truth is that these last couple months have been a roller-coaster of emotions. I went from being excited to begin my academic journey again with a new major only to realize I won't be able to finish it. It feels as though everything I've worked for in these last 6 years has vanished. Largely in part to myself not passing my Upper Division Chemistry classes, but not any less painful.
So here I am. I've spent the last couple months virtually unemployed and brainstorming about what I'm going to do with my life. I want a career... something I can be proud of. Something I can and need to work for and have an end goal.
Now a little about my passions:
I've had a passion for food for years and I would consider it the closest thing I have to a hobby. I love to cook whenever I can and thankfully my husband loves to eat the food I make him.
As of just this last year I've ignited a passion for wine. I think it's due to the age range of myself and my friends who grew up in Paso Robles. We all knew Paso was well known for wine, but to us it was just something that was there... now that we're over clubbing and drinking vodka cranberries we're finally able to appreciate what we have in our own backyard.
YAY! Finally the questions that were promised!! :D
My end goal is to either be a sommelier or wine buyer. Preferably wine buyer, but I got to start somewhere... sooo....
- What is the best way to start a career in the Wine Industry?
- I already signed up for taking the WSET 1. Is that a good starting point for testing? (I've read for that for a job as a Wine Specialist in my area it required at least a WSET 2... but its more expensive and is more extensive I assume and I just want to dip my toes in to give myself an idea of where this is heading)
- Should I be striving to work in a tasting room?
- Whats the best way to get hired by one if thats the case.
- I've heard working a harvest is great experience. Is this true and what are some ways to do that?
- Should I be more focused on getting a job in fine dining or a job in a winery or wine bar?
- When I looked up Job Postings for positions at wine bars they require at least 2 years experience in a tasting room. But when I look up tasting room they require 2 years experience in the wine industry. So where do I start those two years?
- I'm extremely eager to learn and I bought Wine Folly's essential Guide to Wine and The Sommelier Prep Course. Are these good books to learn about wine as well as good study material for future wine certifications?
- Lastly, am I even asking the right questions for someone trying to get into the wine industry?
Thank you to everyone who takes time out of their day to read my post and comment. It's all very appreciated :)
TL;DR: 26/F/CA I went to Community College for 4 years. I transferred to a University and then dropped out. I'm now looking for a career outside of a University Education. I would like a career in the wine industry. Any advice to start one is appreciated.
edit: Hey everyone! Thank you to all those who gave advice it really means a lot to me!
I want to give a shoutout to u/yoooooohoooooooooooo for giving me the confidence to not let the minimum requirements get in the way! I called a Winery I love and spoke to them and the Manager gave me an interview for this Friday and said if it's a good fit - she'll hire me for part time weekend work. :D
I know some of you are saying I should wait for the WSET but unfortunately it's been paid for so I'm going to do it regardless so I don't lose out on the cash.
But again thank you all so much for the advice! I'm going to take it all to heart and use all of it through my journey!
edit 2: To anyone still reading and who have gotten to this far and want to put their 2-cents in... please do! I'm still here and reading and learning. I may not respond but I am reading them... I promise!
Top Comment:
Let me first ask you this: do you want to make wine, sell wine, write about wine or work in restaurants buying wine for your clientele? There are a hundred different jobs in the wine industry, the first thing you should ask yourself is; what do you want to do with wine? If you want to make wine, as in eventually become a head wine maker, you should look at working at a winery next year as a harvest intern. Harvest in the California is already underway and it might be a little hard to find a gig right now working in a cellar. WSET is a great program to get into for a variety of different jobs and will help you in both the restaurant and wine distributorship. Knowledge gained from those programs are suitable for a variety of positions from wine buying for restaurants, markets, wine shops to writing about wine for periodicals. Sommelier programs are likely the most acclaimed positions in fine dining next to head chefs, and they often branch out into wine sales or production too. Wine shops are a great way to learn a ton about wine prior to taking classes. Finally, there are also community college programs that actually teach wine making. For instance, if you have the ability to move, there is a program in South Seattle that is pretty well known and the Washington wine world is a little easier to get into right now than the California wine industry. Some folks I've talked to in the industry feel as though Washington wine is in a similar place to California back in the 70s. TL;DR: what do you want to do with wine?
I (27F) USA want to work in a winery abroad (Australia, NZ, etc).
Main Post:
Hi! I've always had a passion for wine and the wine making process. I currently sell wine for a living and work with a local vineyard. I've heard of people going abroad and working on vineyards. I just recently met the parents of Azure (woman who hosts "Mytickettoride") who went to australia to work on a vineyard with older working professionals looking to learn how to make wine. I'm very interested in something like this, but they couldn't remember the name of the vineyard. Does anyone have advice on how to get a job on a vineyard abroad? Thank you for the advice in advance!
Top Comment: You can apply for a working holiday visa in Australia (not sure if Americans can get them for NZ too). Once you land there's heaps of wineries you can call.
Career in the Wine & Spirits Industry
Main Post:
I live in Nova Scotia, Canada, which is experiencing rapid growth in the wine and tourism sector. Currently, demand is outweighing the supply for nova scotia wines. Every industry expert and wine blog is saying the same thing, that now is the time to expand. I feel like if I want on board this train, I have to jump on it now.
I'm graduating Community College with a business diploma this spring, and my plan was to continue on to university to earn my degree. (our college has an articulation agreement with certain universities where you take 2 years at each institution to earn your degree. Less expensive that way.)
Last year I started working two part time jobs, one at a liquor commission and one at a winery. I've learned a lot so far about the wine and spirits industry, and am considering going further with it. I am doing my work placement in the spring at my winery, and have a few personal connections in the industry myself. The hospitality manager at my winery has offered to help me get my WSET as well.
My question is this: Does it make more sense to continue on with my business degree, or to pursue my WSET and then study to for the sommelier exam? AND If I am to pursue a career in that industry, which aspect would be more lucrative? Sales? Hospitality? Or going the entrepreneur route and buying a vineyard to expand and sell? If anyone has insight on the industry, I'd love some advice.
Top Comment: It definitely makes more sense to finish the business degree.
Tasting Room Job
Main Post:
Hey all. Have my first interview for a Napa tasting room position in a couple days, which is super exciting but also a bit nerve-racking. The place seems to be a bit more laid back than some of the high-end Napa wineries that are charging $70 per tasting, which is what drew me to it. Anyone have any advice to share? I've never interviewed for a winery position before and am not sure what to expect, so any tips would be greatly appreciated! Thanks, all!
Top Comment:
Remember that past all the wine hullabaloo you are in essence applying for a service job. Any tasting room would much rather hire an engaging charismatic individual who has never drank a drop of wine in his or her life than a wine expert who can't keep a conversation. Your ability to handle yourself during your interview will be key.
I’ve just been offered my dream job at an importer/distributor and I couldn’t be happier!
Main Post:
I got my CSW about 1.5 months ago and have interviewed with about 5 different companies since then, including SGWS and RNDC, but I’ve just been offered a job with the company I was really, really hoping would hire me, and now they’ve called me and told me they want me for the position, I just have to make it official tomorrow morning!
I’ve been working in construction for the last few months (it’s a long story why I left my previous job in wine), and this is my first serious job in the wine industry (I’m 25). I’m beyond ecstatic!
I’m opening my bottle of Trimbach Clos Ste Hune Riesling 2007 tomorrow night to celebrate!
Top Comment: Well done. Welcome to the world of repping. I wish you a book that generates enough volume to keep you alive. I wish you a warehouse that runs like clockwork. I wish you clever shelf-talkers and at least one account that goes for your oddball stuff. I don't know where you are, but I wish you a COD system so you don't have to chase accounts that are 90 days delinquent. And remember always: Nobody in the history of the world has ever returned a reps' phone call. Best of luck!
Tips on finding a job on a Vineyard.
Main Post:
I am 24 and been in the service industry for 6 years. Served for a james beard nominated best chef in the county. Got my Somm 1 and working towards 2. Currently living in North Carolina and saving up to move to California or Oregon. Im doing computer programming as well to make money, so was tempted to move to Santa Rosa or Oregon and try and work on a vineyard.
What jobs should I be looking for? When should I fly out before growing season to apply for jobs? Any other help or tips to get started on a vineyard is appreciated.
Top Comment: I work in Washington in the wine industry, but am transitioning to Oregon in 6 months or so. I spoke to several people in the industry recently in Oregon and they are having a hiring shortage with several winery's. The 2 best ways to go about this in my opinion are. Accept a harvest position job which will start in Aug or Sep and go to early November. You work a lot of hours but its a lot of fun. You can find jobs posted at winebusiness.com . Harvest positions are very common. Email Winery's in the area with your resume and a summary of your career interests. While its unconventional it shows that you are willing to work hard to find a job. Hopefully that is helpful.
Careers in Wine
Main Post:
Hello,
So after careful consideration and a strict talking to by the Reddit community, I have decided to shelf the wine bistro idea (for now).
That being said, my wife and I are incredibly unhappy with our jobs and want to (at the very least) get jobs in the industry.
Any suggestions or advice for breaking in? We have a pretty decent wine knowledge and I have 10 years of b2b sales experience.
Top Comment:
Work a harvest. You get to see how wine is made, and it only lasts a couple of months. It's a great introduction to the wine industry.
A few questions about being a sales rep
Main Post:
I'm looking for a few clues before I carry on down this road too far. I'm looking to switch from my current career into a new direction. I'm looking at a wine sales rep position as a day job, and I have a side job making decent money. I know everything will vary based on location and experience and company but typically :
- Can I make $1200 a month minimum?
- How flexible are hours. I know it's mostly visiting customers, but is there a lot of in-the-office hours?
- Would I be expected to grow all new accounts, or would I be assigned a few established ones to manage as well?
I'm very interested in the industry, and know that sales rep is the easiest place to enter. Thanks for any help!
Top Comment:
If you do get hired as a wine rep without much background knowledge in wine, please, be reasonably up front about it when calling on accounts. I can't speak for others, but it irks me much more when new/young/inexperienced reps come in and act as if they know everything, but obviously don't. As opposed to coming in and saying "Hey, I'm new at this, and I'm still learning a lot, here's the info on these wines here, please let me know what you think". It's OK to not be an expert!
I, personally, almost always would prefer humility and honesty over a "fake-it-till-you-make-it" mindset. Good luck!
Beer/Wine/Liquor reps, how did you get started and what’s your day to day like?
Main Post:
Reps always stop in the neighborhood pub to chat with the bartender and check orders/offer new product. What do these salespeople earn and how’s the career path laid out?
Top Comment: Just interviewed for a craft brewery sales position yesterday, waiting to hear back. Would also love to see what people have to say about the questions you asked.
Total wine managers
Main Post: Total wine managers
Top Comment:
Store manager or wine manager? Either way expect 50+ hours a week and to never have time for anything else in your life. Hope you like 5 am shifts or mandatory closing shifts (11 on weekdays, 12 on weekends)