To become an oenologist, or a wine maker, you must be passionate about all things related to wine. It’s impossible to become an oenologist without a true passion for wine, from the grapes to the marketing that makes a good vineyard great. Aside from a desire to learn and understand everything there is to know about wine, there are a few skills that must be acquired.
To become an oenologist, you’ll need to understand how a vineyard works, how to harvest grapes, how to use chemistry in winemaking, and the winemaking process in general. Before you can call yourself a wine expert, you must master all of these skills. There are two basic paths to becoming an oenologist. The first is to get an internship at a local vineyard, and the second is to enroll in a viticulture program at a university.
Take the time to visit each vineyard if you happen to live near one. You can begin to understand how wine is made by speaking with managers, walking through a vineyard, and asking questions about the winemaking process. During harvest season, which occurs in most parts of the world during the fall months, many vineyards require additional assistance. Vineyards with small boutiques on site may require additional assistance. Trying to get a job in a vineyard is a great way to start your career as an oenologist.
Alternatively, you can look for a viticulture or enology program at a nearby university. As wine becomes more prevalent in everyday life, these programs are becoming increasingly popular. Students who study enology frequently have earned other degrees in science-related fields such as microbiology or plant physiology, though this is not required.
You might also want to look into getting a Master of Wine degree, which is only available through the Institute of Masters of Wine in the United Kingdom. This certification is recognized all over the world, and it’s a degree that can help you land lucrative jobs in the wine industry. You can work as an oenologist after receiving on-the-job training or a recognized degree.
Applying to vineyards as a winemaker, seeking sommelier positions in restaurants, or applying for teaching positions at local universities are all options for oenologists looking for work. While working as an oenologist can be rewarding, it is frequently a job that entails long hours. If you want to be an oenologist, start by learning everything you can about wine. Then decide whether you want to work as an intern or go to school.