Thinking about breaking into the wine industry but not sure where you’d fit in? You’re not alone. The world of wine is far more diverse than just vineyards and tasting rooms. From science-driven lab techs to creative marketers and logistics masterminds, there’s a role for nearly every interest and skill set. Whether you're just starting out or considering a career shift, here’s a straightforward guide to help you find your path in wine.
Vineyard Roles
At the root of every great wine is a great vineyard. If you love being outdoors, working with your hands, or studying plant life, these roles might be for you:
Vineyard Manager
Salary Range: $64,000 – $200,000+
Leads the operation of a vineyard—from planting and pruning to irrigation and harvest. This role is ideal for people with a strong background in agriculture and leadership skills who enjoy seasonal work and seeing the impact of their efforts.
Viticulturist
Salary Range: $60,000 – $100,000
Focuses on vine health and grape quality through research, monitoring, and fieldwork. Perfect for those with a scientific mindset and a love for problem-solving in natural environments.
Pest and Disease Control Specialist
Salary Range: $40,000 – $66,000
Implements strategies to keep vineyards healthy and pest-free. A great fit for people who are detail-oriented and passionate about sustainability and integrated pest management.
Winery & Production Roles
If you’re fascinated by the science and craft of turning grapes into wine, these behind-the-scenes roles are essential:
Winemaker (Enologist)
Salary Range: $106,800 – $135,000
Leads fermentation, blending, aging, and bottling processes. Ideal for someone with a balance of technical skill and creative vision.
Cellar Master
Salary Range: $50,000 – $80,000
Manages the cellar team and ensures cleanliness, safety, and consistency in production. Great for highly organized team players who enjoy hands-on work.
Lab Technician
Salary Range: $50,000 – $70,000
Runs tests on wine to ensure stability and quality. If you’re a science nerd who likes precision and troubleshooting, this is your lane.
Tasting Room & Hospitality Roles
Love creating memorable experiences and talking to people about wine? The front-of-house may be your sweet spot:
Tasting Room Manager
Salary Range: $68,000 – $119,000
Oversees staff, inventory, and guest interactions in the tasting room. Perfect for those with hospitality experience and leadership skills.
Wine Educator
Salary Range: $50,000 – $70,000
Guides guests through tastings and wine knowledge. Best suited for outgoing individuals who love storytelling and teaching.
Event Coordinator
Salary Range: $50,000 – $80,000
Plans everything from weddings to wine club parties. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and love logistics, this role is for you.
Sales & Marketing Roles
Getting wine into the hands of consumers takes creativity, strategy, and hustle:
Sales Representative
Salary Range: $55,000 – $95,000
Builds relationships with restaurants, retailers, and distributors to move product. Ideal for go-getters who love networking and travel.
Marketing Manager
Salary Range: $93,000 – $140,000
Creates campaigns to boost brand awareness and sales. A great fit for data-driven creatives who understand storytelling and market trends.
Export Manager
Salary Range: $100,000 – $150,000
Handles logistics, compliance, and relationships for international markets. Great for detail-oriented professionals with global awareness and negotiation chops.
Essential Support Roles
These are the folks who keep the industry compliant, efficient, and future-ready:
Compliance Officer
Salary Range: $67,000 – $120,000
Navigates complex state and federal regulations around alcohol production and sales. Ideal for rule-followers and spreadsheet lovers with legal or finance backgrounds.
Infrastructure Engineer
Salary Range: $80,000 – $120,000
Designs and maintains critical winery systems and equipment. If you're a problem-solver with a background in engineering or construction, this job is essential.
Quality Assurance Specialist
Salary Range: $60,000 – $90,000
Monitors consistency and cleanliness across production processes. Perfect for analytical thinkers who take pride in setting high standards.
Final Thoughts
The wine industry is more than just a job—it’s a career ecosystem that brings together agriculture, science, hospitality, engineering, logistics, and art. Whether you’re an introvert who thrives in the lab, a social butterfly who lights up a tasting room, or someone who loves working with their hands outdoors, there’s a role here for you.
Want to see what’s out there? Check out current openings at Wine Industry Careers and take the first step toward your next great opportunity.