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.
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