Viticulturalist
   Environments

 

Menu

Vineyard Worker

 

Related Jobs or Working with these Jobs

 

 

Nature or RecreationAnalytic or ScientificSkill Level 5

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 Future Growth Static 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: Inspecting vines

  • 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.


Viticulturalist

Farmer

Horticultural Assistant

Zookeeper

Construction Worker

Urban and Regional Planner

Park Ranger

Beekeeper

Civil Engineer

Horticulturalist

Surveyor

Landscape Architect

Wine Maker

Horse Trainer

Lifeguard

Forester

Electrical Linesperson

Shearer

Greenkeeper

Stonemason

Crop Farmer

Livestock Farmer

Aquaculture Farmer

Miner

Mining Engineer

Petroleum Engineer

Jillaroo Jackeroo

Arborist

Horse Manager

Wool Classer

Farrier

Waste Water Operator

Horse Groomer

Grain Oilseed Pasture Grower

Animal Attendant and Trainer

Coastal Engineer

Pomologist

Pest and Weed Controller

Geographer

Olericulturist

Environmental Consultant

Floriculturist

Agricultural Consultant

Sustainability Consultant

Wind Turbine Technician

Zoo Education Manager

Hazardous Materials Labourer

Feedlot Manager

Energy Efficiency Engineer

Rat Farmer

Poultry Farmer

Horse Breeder Stud Manager

Pig Farmer