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.
Responsibilities
Viticulturists specialise in vineyard management – ensuring vine health, controlling pests and diseases, deciding when to harvest and pruning in the winter months. They spend a lot of time outdoors, so viticulture suits anyone seeking a physical, active role.
Responsibilities include planning the vineyard layout, canopy and irrigation management, ensuring optimal nutrient levels in the soil, monitoring vine growth and overseeing grape development. A viticulturist will typically work closely with the winemaker, deciding when to pick grapes and collaborating on stylistic goals.
Skills and Qualifications
You’ll need strong observation and problem solving skills, with the ability to analyse soil samples, weather patterns and grapes.
Formal qualifications are vital. It is possible to start out as a vineyard worker and progress to the role of viticulturist, but most study viticulture at university. Many viticulturists also pursue WSET qualifications to better understand how vineyard decisions affect the final product, such as a Level 4 Diploma in Wines.
Career Progression
It’s pretty common to start out as a cellar hand, while training to become a viticulturist. You can eventually take on a more senior role, such as a managing director, or become the viticulturist for a large group of wineries. Some viticulturists work at a specific winery, while others serve as consultants for multiple clients.