Careers
Behind every bottle is a wide network of people with different skills, backgrounds and experiences. From production and sustainability to marketing, retail and hospitality, a career in wine can take many forms.
The wine industry is far broader than many people realise. Alongside roles in vineyards and winemaking, there are careers in hospitality, retail, logistics, marketing, education, sustainability and business operations. Some roles are hands-on and practical, others are people-focused, analytical or creative, and many combine several skill sets.
There is no single route into the industry. People arrive through education, apprenticeships, hospitality, retail or from entirely different sectors, bringing valuable transferable skills with them. As the industry continues to evolve, new opportunities are emerging, offering the chance to build a career that can grow and change over time.
From hands-on vineyard roles to commercial, creative and technical careers, there are many ways to build a future in wine.
Working outdoors at the heart of grape growing, viticulture roles focus on maintaining vineyard health, managing crops and supporting sustainable wine production throughout the growing season.
These roles cover the technical and practical processes of turning grapes into wine, from cellar work and quality control to blending, bottling and production management.
From tasting rooms and wine bars to visitor experiences and events, hospitality roles connect people with wine through service, storytelling and memorable experiences.
Sales roles focus on building relationships with customers, retailers and venues, helping wines reach the market while balancing commercial goals with brand values.
These roles shape how wines and brands are presented, covering content creation, digital marketing, events, PR and communicating stories to different audiences.
Retail and buying roles involve selecting wines, understanding customer needs and curating ranges for shops, restaurants, online platforms and importers.
Education roles help develop knowledge and skills across the industry, from entry-level training and qualifications to tastings, courses and professional development.
Focused on the future of wine, these roles cover environmental responsibility, logistics, compliance and improving how businesses operate responsibly and efficiently.
FAQs
Choosing a career in the wine industry can feel complex, especially if you are new to the sector.
These frequently asked questions cover common entry routes, skills and next steps, helping you understand how different roles work and where you might fit in.
Alongside technical knowledge, the industry values communication, organisation, teamwork and problem-solving. Many roles also benefit from customer service experience and a willingness to keep learning.
Yes. Many people start in entry-level or support roles in hospitality, retail, logistics or vineyards, gaining experience and progressing into more specialised positions over time.
Not always. Some roles require specific training, but many employers value practical experience and transferable skills. Industry qualifications can often be gained alongside work.
Yes. Wine is a global industry, and many roles offer opportunities to work with international producers, markets or even spend time working abroad.
National Wine Careers Week brings together employers, educators and professionals to share insight, advice and real-world experience, helping you explore options and take your first steps into the industry.
Absolutely. People enter the wine industry from a wide range of backgrounds, including hospitality, marketing, science, retail and business, bringing valuable experience with them.
Career paths vary widely. Some people specialise early, while others move between roles or disciplines as their interests and skills develop over time.
Find out more about National Wine Careers Week and how it supports careers across the wine industry.
