jobs in the wine industry

[graduate]

I am an economics major entering my senior year in college and am wondering what types of careers or short-term jobs (1-2 years) might incorporate an interest in learning about wine. Any and all possibilities welcome.

[hotwine]

Grad, your location is masked, so we can't determine your proximity to wine-producing regions or large wine markets in which you might find employment. Suggest you state the area(s) in which you would be interested in working, and that might stimulate some discussion of your possibilities.

[Innkeeper]

Some of the possibilities include working in a vineyard, working in a winery, working for a distribution system, working for a wine related association or publication, working for a wholesaler, working for a retailer, working with wine in a restaurant. The easiest way (with the hardest work) to break into wine industry is during the harvest and crush. Travel to Europe, California, or Australia during these periods, and almost all wineries will be taking on overhires. Some of the biggest, brightest names in the industry started that way.

[graduate]

I'm from Boston, but am considering heading out to the San Francisco area next year with some friends. When is the harvest period? Might you know of any websites providing info about wine-related businesses?

[cpurvis]

grad, the grape harvest season is Fall...mostly mid-September to early November.

Following is a site w/ numerous wine industry & regional vintner association links that you can explore for contacts/opportunities in California:

http://www.i5ive.com/links.cfm/california_wine#Industry Wine Sites

Happy pickin'
cp

[Innkeeper]

Actually preparations (including hiring) are going on in the Northern Hemisphere right now. Southern Hemisphere in about six months.