Definition: Wine professions

In France, vineyards cover only 1.6% of the national territory, but they employ around 200,000 people, or more than 25% of agricultural workers. The wine sector is now one of the most lucrative in the agricultural world, but it remains fairly closed: 500 young farmers enter the profession each year, but most are the sons of winegrowers. Furthermore, women are still under-represented in this sector. It is difficult to set up without land, as it is very expensive to buy. Investments in equipment are also becoming increasingly costly. Prospective candidates should not hesitate to take part in the grape harvest and do internships in order to make contacts and test their motivation.

Vineyard and winery professions:

There are many different jobs involved in all stages of the production of the "divine nectar". In the field, vineyard workers plough, prune, plant and treat the vines. They work under the responsibility of the winegrower, who supervises production and makes decisions about the cultivation of the vines. The winegrower must also increasingly play the role of salesperson and know how to use the Internet to export their wine. The cellar master is responsible for the actual production of the wine. They control the temperature and density and choose when the wine is ready to be matured in barrels. They may work under the orders of a cellar master and sometimes according to the instructions of an oenologist.

In France, to become a vineyard worker or cellar master, a CAPA (vocational training certificate) in vine and wine or a BEPA (vocational training certificate) with a specialisation in viticulture and oenology are the basic qualifications required. However, a vocational baccalaureate or BTSA (higher technical certificate) in viticulture and oenology will allow you to take on responsibilities more quickly. Agricultural workers are in high demand and can earn up to €1,500 per month. Cellar workers generally start on the minimum wage, but their remuneration varies greatly depending on the size of the cellar, the prestige of the estate and their responsibilities.

Oenologists are wine scientists. They advise winegrowers on the choice of grape varieties and treatments, are involved in the winemaking process, analyse fermentation, etc. With a four-year degree, they start at around €2,300 per month for men (80% of the profession) and €1,600 for women. The number of positions is increasing, particularly in experimental laboratories, grand cru cooperatives and local wine production.

Logistics, promotion and services:

Wine also requires logistics professionals (for packaging, labelling, storage and shipping of bottles) and sales professionals (wine merchants, brokers, export managers, sales assistants, etc.). Somewhat apart, as they are part of the hotel and restaurant sector, sommeliers advise restaurant customers on the choice of wines to accompany their meals and negotiate purchases with winegrowers. The Professional Sommelier Certificate is the key to the profession, which has around a thousand professionals. A sommelier starts on the minimum wage, but can quickly progress to €3,000 per month, depending on the level of the establishment, experience and seniority. There are many job opportunities abroad.

Other professions related to viticulture include nursery growers, stave makers, coopers, cork makers and other related trades.

Summary of wine-related professions:

Equipment suppliers

Equipment for viticulture, winemaking, bottling, cultivation and cellar machinery, custom work, packaging, storage, shipping, miscellaneous equipment, fertilisers, cultivation equipment, and plant protection products.

Producers

of wines, spirits, derivative products, verjuice, vinegars,

Cellar and oenology professions

wine merchants, oenologists, cellar masters, cellar managers, analysis laboratories, coopers, barrel makers.

Distributors, trading houses

importers, supermarkets, wholesalers, brokers, sales representatives, wine merchants, websites selling to private individuals.

Official bodies

unions, wine associations, umbrella organisations for the wine industry.

Services

Information websites, tasting, training courses, transporters, financial organisations, estate agents, lawyers, publishers, specialist press, stock and cellar management software, education.