Agricultural Careers By: Dr. Frank Flanders and Ms. Anna Burgess Georgia Agricultural Education Curriculum Office Georgia Department of Education March 2006 Viticulturist
Job Duties & Responsibilities Communicate regularly with the enologists (winemakers) Plant, water, and fertilize vines Transport vines to new locations Apply pesticides Monitor grape development, watching for frostbite or disease Decide on the best time for harvesting Oversee the picking of the grapes Supervise assistants Conduct tours of the vineyard Keep records on the grape production Travel to wine shows, wine contests, and to other vineyards
Qualities and Skills Viticulturists should enjoy growing and producing things and working outside. They should also be interested in the science of horticulture and botany. A viticulturist needs to be analytical, observant, and have excellent interpersonal and communication skills. They also tend to be creative and innovative thinkers. The best viticulturists are patient, task- oriented, and have a good eye for detail. It is also helpful for viticulturists to have good business sense.
Salary A college graduate who has had some background training in this field, can earn anywhere from $20,000 to $30,000 a year Supervisory positions earn about $40,000 to $60,000 a year and larger companies may or may not pay more If a person becomes an owner their salary will depend on the success of their vineyard/winery
Work Environment Work outside and in offices and laboratories Viticulturists work at universities teaching viticulture, but the most common places you'll find viticulturists are at vineyards/wineries, amongst the grape vines They may work at large or small vineyards/wineries, organic vineyards/wineries, and specialty vineyards/wineries (like ice wineries) Long hours, especially during the harvest Work alongside assistants, and spend each day outside working with the grapes, or inside developing new agricultural and horticultural techniques to use
Education Viticulture appeals to many types of people-from the outdoors person to the laboratory scientist, from the economist to the wine lover, from the ecologist to the engineer. Many educational disciplines and interests combine well with a basic agricultural and plant science education. Such combinations offer opportunities in specialized areas of viticulture. While a college degree is not required for this field, it is important to have some secondary training in horticulture, agriculture, and biology. Other classes that would be particularly useful for a student pursuing a career in viticulture are as follows and will help the student become a better vineyard employee, manager, or owner: marketing, viticulture, agriscience, communication, and management.
Career Resources American Society of Brewing Chemists Internet: American Society for Enology and Viticulture Internet: BelVendere Vineyards and Winery Internet: Beringer Bless Wine Estates Internet: Chalk Hill Estate Vineyards & Winery Internet: