Vineyard Worker
Related Jobs or Working with these Jobs
Viticulturalists or Grape
growers plan, supervise and coordinate the growing of selected
grape varieties for the production of wine. Viticulturalists
plan, organise and manage the growing of grape 
varieties for the production
of wine, as well as for eating. They prepare soil, plant and prune vines,
coordinate irrigation and pest control, maintain the quality of fruit, and
monitor the health and growth of vines. They may also train and supervise
vineyard workers, liaise with winemakers regarding their growing techniques
and the price of their grapes, and organise the picking and transport of
grapes to wineries.
ANZSCO ID & Description: 121617: Plans, organises, controls, coordinates and performs farming operations to grow table or wine grapes.
Alternative names: Wine Grape Grower, Vineyard Manager,
Specialisations:
Scientific knowledge is increasingly important in viticulture and some
viticulturalists specialise in the research and development of grape
varieties.
Knowledge, skills and attributes
A Viticulturalist needs:
- a passion for wine
- a good knowledge of biology and horticulture
- to enjoy working outdoors free from, or able to manage, plant allergies and hay fever.
- physical fitness
- practical skills
- good organisational skills
- an eye for detail
- able to analyse and solve problems
- able to make accurate observations
- good communication and interpersonal skills
Duties and Tasks
Viticulturalists may perform the following tasks:
- talk to winemakers
- conduct various laboratory tests to monitor the progressive growth of grapes, to make sure of their quality and calculate the correct time for harvest
- organise the crushing and pressing of grapes, the settling of juice and the fermentation of grape material
- supervise, manage and train winery workers involved in the production and harvesting of grapes
- manage the propagation and cultivation of the vineyard including soil management, irrigation, disease and weed control
- direct and oversee general growing activities such as fertilising and pest and weed control
- supervise the maintenance of the vineyard during the off-season
- give guided tours, conduct tastings and advise visitors about various aspects of wine and grapes
- keep records of techniques used and harvest outcomes for each season.
Working Conditions
Viticulturalists work indoors in laboratories, offices and grape processing
facilities. They also spend a lot of time outdoors in vineyards.
Their work often involves physical labour, such as heavy lifting. They may
work in glasshouses and nurseries. They may also have to travel locally,
interstate or internationally to view new grape varieties and
winemaking/growing technologies, as well as attend conferences.
Tools and technologies
Viticulturalists use a range of pruning and trimming tools, and other hand
tools. They also use larger farming machinery such as tractors, mowers,
sprayers and mechanical pruners, as well as frost control equipment such as
wind machines and frost pots. They need to be familiar with irrigation
systems, and may also use measuring equipment to test the sugar content of
grapes, and tensiometers to measure the moisture content of soil. They are
sometimes required to wear safety equipment, such as protective footwear and
eyewear. They may also use computers and other office equipment to carry out
administrative duties.
Education and training/entrance requirements
Qualifications in wine industry operations, viticulture, agribusiness,
agricultural science or a related field will increase your employability in
this field.
You can also complete a traineeship. The wine grape grower traineeship takes
36 months to complete.
You can also complete a degree majoring in agribusiness, agricultural
science, biological science or a related field.
| Did You Know? Viticulture is the study of the science of growing grapes, with the ones used to produce wine being the primary focus. It includes the study of vine selection, irrigation styles, planting techniques, pest and disease management, optimal harvesting and more. Anything that can possibly happen to the grape before the wine making process begins is included in viticulture.  Viticulture looks at factors such as soil type, field placement, sun exposure, the use of vine training systems and other factors. Paired with the knowledge of the qualities desired in the grapes, a viticulturalist can select and implement specific planting techniques in order to attempt to achieve the desired result. For example, the choice of a sloping field over a flat one can optimize the amount of sun the grapevine receives, as well as ensure better air flow to avoid potential freezes. This will have an impact on the balance of sweetness in the harvested grape. Another vital aspect of viticulture is pest and disease management. There are numerous insects and other pests that attack grapevines and can ruin the grapes, however pesticides must be used with care. (Source: WiseGeek: What is Viticulture) |
Vineyard
workers
may be
involved in the planting and maintenance of vineyards, which involves
preparing the soil, erecting trellis and
irrigation
equipment and planting. Vineyard workers may also be expected to
prune and train growing vines,
and control pests and diseases with regular spraying.
During vintage, or harvest, these workers may also assist with
handpicking grapes, or they may operate harvesting machines, depending
on the winemaker's requirements. to be
physically fit and able to undertake manual labour to
enjoy practical activities the
ability to work quickly and reliably both as part of a some
mathematical skills good
oral and written communication skills to be
safety aware
Duties and Tasks Vineyard Workers perform routine tasks on
vineyards, such as cultivating and fertilising soil, planting, training
and pruning vines, and picking grapes. To assist in all aspects in the daily
operations involved in running the vineyards. Vine Management, including pruning,
training and canopy management. Monitoring for vine pest & disease
issues Harvest operations -
both mechanical and hand harvesting Machinery operations Irrigation & Trellis - monitoring and
repairs Chemical application and recording
processes Responsible for care and maintenance of
vineyard equipment Responsible for WH&S compliance and
ensuring that all work activities are carried out in accordance with
company procedures and policies.
ANZSCO ID & description:
841216:
Performs routine tasks on a
vineyard such as cultivating and fertilising soil, planting, training
and pruning vines, and picking grapes.
Alternative names: Vineyard Hand;
Winery worker; Vineyard
Operator;
Knowledge, skills and attributes
A vineyard worker needs:
team and independently
Working conditions
Tools and technologies
Vineyard
workers will use secateurs for pruning vines and grape picking
and budding knives for reducing the number of buds on a vine and for
grafting. If pruning older vines,
vineyard workers may need to use
mechanised secateurs, loppers and hand saws. During vintage these
workers may need to operate grape harvesting machines.
Education and training/entrance requirements
It is possible to work as a vineyard worker without any formal
qualifications and get training on the job. However, entry into this
occupation may be improved by obtaining a qualification in wine industry
operations.
The Certificate II and III in Wine Industry Operations are offered at
TAFE Colleges and other registered training organisations throughout
Australia.
You can also complete a traineeship. The vineyard assistant traineeship
takes 12 months to complete and is available as a school-based
traineeship.
Related Jobs or work with these Jobs
Crop Farmer |
Soil Scientist |
|
WHS Officer |
Materials sourced from
Jobs & Skills WA [Grape
Grower;
Vineyard Worker; ]
Your Career
[Grape
Grower;
Vineyard Worker;
]
