careers in wine

[joeyz6]

I recently graduated from college and am considering pursuing (among other things) a career in wine. I was wondering if anyone has any advice as to what areas of the industry are best to go into, and what experience or education is generally required? My degree is in Psychology and French, so I doubt I could enter the agricultural end without getting a Master's in Biology or something.

[This message has been edited by joeyz6 (edited 06-30-2002).]

[Innkeeper]

I think you are well academically qualified to get into the wine business. Maybe some business courses along the way if you don't have any. Get into the business at the retail level. You learn more about wine very quickly than you can at any other level. You live in the Chicago area. There are all kinds of retailers there. Don't pick one that is so big that you will have just one little job. You want one where you can get into all aspects of the business. Say a five or six person operation; even as high as ten or twelve. Eventually you will make contact with representatives of the next level up; distributors. You should be able to get to that level within a reasonable number of years, and then you will be able to contact winery represetatives. You get my drift.

All along the way you should take lessons and seminars on wine whenever you get the chance. You might dabble with writing now and then. Send columns to suburban papers. They don't pay much, but get your name out there.

Most importantly, contact Barnesy. He made the move himself over the last couple of years, and is moving right along. I'm sure he will be of assistance.

[wondersofwine]

If you have good organizational and people skills you might be able to help a retailer set up special tastings, wine and food pairing events, etc. As my usual wine shop has expanded its business it has hosted wine tastings in both Raleigh and Charlotte, NC and wine dinners in associated restaurants.
These can increase the clientele and the sales of the shop.

[joeyz6]

Thanks for the tips!

IK, that is interesting that you mentioned writing. I am actually very interested in writing, and I have experience writing and editing for my college newspaper. But what kind of writing were you suggesting, and did you mean personal writing or professional?

[Innkeeper]

Professionally. That is why you need to pick some more experiance, as in retailing. You can start with local (in your case suburban) papers, and move up from there. You will get no, no, no, no, no,................yes.