It’s time to turn your passion for wine into the career of your dreams.
By Karen M. Wetzel
Working in the wine industry can be an amazing and rewarding experience. In fact, I always say, “It’s more than just a career, it’s a lifestyle.” It requires a passion for wine and the desire to learn, because along with sipping and swirling comes hard work and long hours.
Careers in the wine industry run the gamut — just like any other industry — and the jobs are as diverse as the people who fill them. Some roles require work experience, a college degree or wine credentials, while others may not require anything more than a high school diploma.
Assess your needs and do your research
So, how do you know if the wine industry is right for you? To help you decide, first, develop a clear picture of your employment objectives and needs. Ask yourself the following questions:
- What location is best for my family and me? Am I open to remote roles or do I prefer working onsite?
- What are my income needs? Do I need to replace my current income, or can I afford to take a lower salary for the right job? Am I relying on my employer to provide medical and dental benefits?
- Do I need or want to work full-time or could I consider a part-time job? Am I willing to work nights or weekends if required? Am I willing or able to travel for work, and if so, how much?
Next, start researching different roles by exploring job posts to pinpoint opportunities that align with your qualifications. I highly recommend using the Wine Industry Network’s Career Board, which is specifically focused on jobs within the wine industry, making it an excellent starting point for your search. You can also check out LinkedIn and Indeed. No matter where you look, be sure to examine roles you may not have otherwise considered to ensure you aren’t overlooking an interesting opportunity.
Use your skills and experience
When considering a job description, try to picture yourself in each role. Do jobs like these speak to you in some way? Do the requirements, location, compensation and benefits fulfill your needs? Do your skills, education and experiences match some or most of the job requirements? Can your strengths outweigh your shortfalls? Additionally, many companies highlight their philosophy or values, such as diversity and environmental stewardship, and these should align with your values as well.
Once you’ve identified roles that interest you, it’s time to take action.
- Update your resume to highlight the skills that directly align with the job description while showcasing your strengths and commitment to the role.
- Research the companies on your shortlist by checking out their company website, LinkedIn profiles and Google footprint to get the full picture of the organization and prepare you for a possible interview.
- If you’re considering a position at a winery, arrange to visit as a consumer. It’s a great opportunity to observe the day-to-day operations, and it shows the hiring manager that you’ve taken the initiative to learn more about their business.
Be selective
Finally, start submitting resumes, including a cover letter whenever possible. Keep track of your submissions and be sure to follow up in a timely manner to keep your resume at the forefront. The best way to find meaningful employment is to focus on jobs that align with your interests and needs, so resist the temptation to throw too many resumes out there just to see what sticks.
While the wine industry might not be for everyone, it does offer roles for anyone who wants to join in, provided you do some self-reflection and homework. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to turn your passion for wine into the career of your dreams.
Click here for a list of common wine industry jobs. And, for more information that includes job responsibilities and compensation, check out Wine Jobs 101: Career Paths in the Wine Industry from Wine Industry Network.
This series is designed to help you find your place in our industry. Please send any ideas, topics or questions you’d like us to Karen.wetzel@outlook.com
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Karen Wetzel is a long-standing veteran of the wine industry and is currently a Wine Industry Career Coach, Wine Educator, Guest Experience Specialist, and Public Speaker. To schedule a one-on-one career coaching session with Karen, click here.
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect the views of Wine Industry Network.