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Viticulture and Oenology Careers

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Viticulture and Oenology Careers Viticulture and Oenology Careers 1 Lincoln University What are Viticulture and Oenology? People who study viticulture and oenology generally have a career area in mind: wine. Many graduates aspire to make wine, or simply have a career in which they can connect with the land. Viticulture refers to the practice and study of vine growing and grape cultivation and is a branch of horticultural science. It encompasses grape production (including biology, chemistry and soils), technical aspects of grape production and processing, and vineyard management and systems. Oenology is the general study of wine and winemaking. Understanding the processes involved from the vineyard, through the production process to sales and commercial aspects, equips practitioners with a broad perspective and a range of practical and technical skills that are highly valued on both the domestic and international market. 2 Lincoln University Viticulture and oenology in New Skills and knowledge developed Skills and knowledge valued Zealand and the world by studying viticulture and in viticulture and oenology oenology roles: New Zealand has a thriving wine industry. The diverse soil types and The types of skills gained by doing Data collection, analysis relatively cool New Zealand climate a degree in viticulture and oenology and communication produces a range of wine styles are highly valued by employers. The Use of biometric techniques lauded for both taste and technically applied nature of the coursework at proficient production1. Consequently, Lincoln University gives graduates Practical aspects of pest and New Zealand wines are sought after a range of practical skills. Lincoln disease management both domestically and internationally. University degrees in viticulture and Good grasp of basic The most popular export markets oenology integrate the technical sciences and research for New Zealand wines are the U.S., aspects of grape growing and Canada, Britain and China, with winemaking so that graduates have a Scientific assessment of crops and continued growth projected.2 working knowledge of the process from conditions (including soil testing) grape to the bottle and beyond. So, Collaborative approaches Viticulturists and other specialist wherever graduates end up in the wine to problem solving positions are currently on the skill industry, their scientific knowledge shortage list for New Zealand (in the across the spectrum of grape growing Systematic thinking/ Canterbury, upper South Island and to the end product- wine, is what decision making 3 Otago/Southland regions). Graduates differentiates them. This, coupled with Critical/analytical thinking skills who wish to work in specialist the experience that graduates gain positions often require experience, from working in a commercial situation Knowledge of vine propagation which can be gained by working in one as part of course work, places Lincoln of the many wine-related industries in graduates in a good position to make Principles of wine science New Zealand and around the world. their mark in the industry. (including all steps in Associated industries include brewing, grape-to-wine processing) distilling, and the production of niche Although many of the skills gained Knowledge of grape products, such as organic wines, all of during study are specific to wine and varieties and properties which are growth industries in the wine production industry, they New Zealand. Wine tourism is another are applicable in other sectors. For Knowledge of cellar techniques growth industry where graduates can example, the technical aspects of grape Wine processing/making/storing make their mark. growing and vine management may be of use in other areas of horticulture Industry-specific certification (e.g., such as forestry. Growsafe, first aid certificate, chemical handler certificate, Employers generally require employees forklift license, or Heavy to have a professional attitude to work. Trade License as required) This includes good communication (including the ability to communicate to As a graduate promoting yourself groups as well as effective interpersonal to potential employers, it is worth and written communication), honesty, noting and expanding on the responsibility, self-motivation, initiative, skills you have that your degree at time management and flexibility. The Lincoln University has enhanced. importance of using these skills cannot For example, highlight how the be underestimated, even in voluntary practical experience you gained roles, as future job opportunities often throughout your degree will help 1 arise from a good reputation and a www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/76344291/ you to be an effective employee new-zealand-wine-exports-hit-15-billion-as-us- varied network of contacts. from the get-go. If your degree becomes-largest-market had a technical focus, outline the 2 www.nzte.govt.nz/en/buy/our-sectors/food-and- ways in which this sets you apart beverage/wine/ from other job applicants. 3 http://skillshortages.immigration.govt.nz 3 Lincoln University Where can viticulture and Potential places of employment Viticulture and oenology oenology graduates find work? include: job titles • Vineyards/wineries (e.g., Pegasus People who have studied Small wineries make up 80% of New Bay, Black Estate) viticulture and oenology at Zealand’s total wine production. The • Cellar door retail and hospitality Lincoln University can go on to remaining production comes from (e.g., Wither Hills, Kim Crawford) a range of wine related jobs. large, well-established vineyards, • Industry organisations (e.g., over half of which are located in Horticulture New Zealand) 4 Assistant Winemaker Marlborough, Hawke’s Bay, and Otago . • Government departments (e.g., 5 With a total of 2,040 vineyards in Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), Buyer/Exporter New Zealand, the pool of available NZ Trade and Enterprise (NZTE)) Cellar Door Sales/Management employers is large, diverse, and spread • Research organisations (e.g., Plant New Zealand-wide. Internationally, New and Food Research) Educator (from pruning tutor Zealand winemakers are highly sought • Tertiary education sector (e.g., to university lecturer) after. Lincoln University) Environmental/ The wine industry works closely with • Vineyard consultancies (e.g., Vine Sustainability Consultant allied industries (e.g., tech industries, Managers) rural support, mechanical and • Vineyard contracting (e.g., Irrigation Field Assistant engineering firms, transport, bottling, Services) Horticultural/Winery commercial and business support) • Vineyard management (e.g., Berakah Tour Operator that support and enable growth in this Vineyard Management) sector. Allied industries offer positions • Wine tourism (e.g., New Zealand Information Technology (IT) where viticulture and oenology skills Wine Tours) Laboratory Manager can be used alongside other skills such • HR consultancies and recruitment or Technician as commerce or management, research (e.g., Wine Jobs Online) and development, or as entry level • Wine publications/ wine writing Manager in Wine or Brewing positions for exposure to the industry. (e.g., WineNZ, NZ Winegrower, or Marketing Manager Finding work in these allied industries columnist for a regional newspaper) can be the gateway to a long term Owner/Operator of career in wine. Graduates who consider Winery/Vineyard starting roles in allied industries as part Quality Control of career development are often well placed for their dream job further down Research and Development the line. Sales and Logistics Sommelier Vineyard Hand/Leading Hand Vineyard Manager Viticultural Contractor Viticultural Technician/ Technical Officer Viticulturist (grape grower) Wine Representative/ Ambassador Wine Writer/Taster Winemaker 4 www.nzwine.com/assets/sm/upload/zh/by/ np/43/2015-2018%20Vineyard%20Register%20 Report% 20final.pdf 5 www.nzwine.com/media-centre-1/statistics- information/vineyard-register-report/ 4 Lincoln University Pay rate indications: full time Job title Indicative pay equivalent (FTE) $NZ per annum6 Cellar Hand 33,000 - 50,000 Cellar Door Sales 37,024 - 45,884 Most starting salaries for graduates of bachelor degrees fall between 40,000 - Viticulturist (entry level) From 40,000 55,000 per annum. Entry level jobs are Viticulturist (experienced) 80,000 - 100,000 stepping stones to roles with increased Vineyard Supervisor/Manager 80,000 - 100,000 responsibilities and remuneration. Your employability is affected by all of your Viticultural Maintenance Technician 41,000 - 75,000 life experiences, be they employment Viticulture Technician From 37,440 related, or the transferable skills and competencies gained from community Assistant Winemaker From 59,870 involvement, volunteer work, or Laboratory Manager From 60,000 previous work or study- all of which can Marketing/Accounts Manager 61,000 - 67,000 grow competency, expand networks, and demonstrate enthusiasm to future Winemaker (entry level) From 70,000 employers. Chief Winemaker (experienced) (up to) 150,000 Starting salaries for graduates are Academic Lecturer/Professor 74,000 – 120,000+ typically at the low end of the scale but can move quickly if employees show commitment and capability in their roles. Seasonal work demands flexibility and sometimes very long hours (up to 100 hours per week during the harvest in some roles7), the following pay rates reflect this situation. Viticulture and oenology tasks Winemaking tasks The following lists outline tasks Date of harvest associated with Viticulture and Grape crushing/pressing
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