WSET Global

WSET Alumni insights

WSET Global

Service Roles

Service roles focus on selling wines, beers and spirits to the general public. That could be in the on-trade: bars, pubs, restaurants or hotels. Alternatively, you could land a service role in the off-trade, which encompasses independent retailers, large retail chains, supermarkets, cellar door operations and online retailers. We have delved into the most common roles below.

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Winemaker

A winemaker is responsible for turning harvested grapes into finished wines. That may sound pretty straightforward, but winemaking is a highly complex process that requires creativity, adaptability, hard work and scientific rigour. It’s a hands-on role, which is often far less glamorous than you may expect, but it can also be very rewarding.

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Distiller

A distiller is responsible for the production of spirits, such as whisky, gin, rum, brandy, vodka or tequila. Distilling involves turning raw ingredients – grain, fruit, molasses, botanicals – into drinks that can be enjoyed around the world.

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Viticulturist

A viticulturist is responsible for growing the grapes used to make wine. This is an important and sometimes underappreciated role, as great wine always begins in the vineyard.

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Cellar technician

A cellar technician is responsible for installing and maintaining the equipment used to produce wine and spirits. This is a more senior and technical role than a cellar hand, but it requires a similar work ethic and physical fitness.

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Beverage industry sales

Drinks industry careers in sales can be exciting, varied and highly rewarding. You will be required to sell drinks to businesses, such as bars, restaurants, hotels and supermarkets. It’s also possible to sell direct to consumers, but we have covered drinks retailing jobs and hospitality career options within our service roles guide.

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Marketing

Marketing can be an ideal career for creative people that enjoy building brands and telling stories. You can work for wineries, distilleries, breweries, importers, distributors, retailers, PR agencies, events companies or tourism boards.