How to break into the wine profession?

[Wine143]

Hi there wine experts!

I am a recent law school graduate, (seemed like a good idea at the time). . .and now I am looking for alternate career paths. I was wondering if any of you could give me advice about breaking into the wonderful world of wine. I don't have any formal training- but I do have LOVE and have an immense appreciation for vino. I found you guys because I too googled Jacob Gerhardt wondering if they were a reputable firm, as I thought "wine broker" seemed like an interesting way to get into the wine profession. I already know your opinions on JG, so now can you please enlighten me as to how I may find a job that I will love in the wine world? What is out there in addition to retail? Is retail the best way to get my feet wet?

Thanks!

[hotwine]

Welcome to the board, and congrats on crossing one hurdle in your life. Take a look at www.winebusiness.com; there are job opportunities listed there. And since you're in the Bay area, you're within an hour's drive of the primo grape-growing region in the country. Suspect the newspapers in that area would also be good sources of info.

If I were in your shoes, I'd look for a job with a grape-grower/winemaker, and try to learn as much as possible about the business from the ground up.

Good luck.

[Thomas]

If I had law training and wanted to get into the wine business, I'd start with law.

That's right. The wine industry is highly regulated, and so there may be opportunities as a regulatroy consultant, staff compliance lawyer, et al.

From there, you can learn the business and move on.

[This message has been edited by foodie (edited 08-30-2005).]

[Innkeeper]

Hard to disagree with the solid advice from hotwine and Foodie. My personal belief that the best bet for breaking into the business is at the retail level. Many people who have gone on to be writers, distributors, industry reps, etc have started that way. Talking about just taking an entry level job with a reputable retailer. You have lots of them in your neighborhood.

[Wine143]

Thank you for the amazing advice. There is "no guide to getting fun jobs in areas you like" out there. These seem like three interesting options to check out. Much appreciated!

[chittychattykathy]

Working in a wine shop does seem to be "the" most common starting point as IK mentioned.

It was my first leg in the industry.

A great way to have access to many, many wines from all over the world, in a short period of time... I.e. will get your knowledge, nose, and palete up to speed, very quickly, if you "apply" yourself! [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/wink.gif[/img]

I think going into "Beverage Law" would be very smart as well!