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Why Study Wine Business?

Are you a wine enthusiast who has a particular interest in the process that transforms the grape into a sophisticated bottle of wine? If you aspire to become a wine expert and launch a successful career in the business, rest assured that the path isn’t as difficult as you may think. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to come from a family of winemakers or put in a millionaire investment to break into the industry. There are several ways of starting a career in the wine sector, and higher education offers the most straightforward route into the business. Read more about why you should consider the wine industry a career path…

Mar 16, 2022
  • Education
Why Study Wine Business?

Career options

The possibilities within the wine business are vast, but most careers options fall under production, distribution, and sales. To find out which career is right for you, you need to identify which part of the process interests you the most.

Are you fascinated by winemaking - walking around the vineyard, harvesting the grapes, and participating in the process of the finished bottle? Or do you prefer working in distribution - keeping up with industry trends and being the middleman between the vineyard and buyers? If neither of these seems right for you, sales (or marketing) might offer the answer you’re looking for: salesperson, marketing manager, brand ambassador, or consultant positions are always open for those who can identify what the customer wants and deliver it.

Working with wine is fun!

Imagine spending a morning walking around a beautiful vineyard, learning about the intricacies of winemaking, and tasting different wines. It doesn’t sound so bad, does it? That may be the best part about specializing in the wine business: it’s all practical. Sure, many technical aspects come into producing and selling wine, but the only way to become a wine expert is to take a hands-on approach. In doing so, you will not only learn about local winemaking practices but also about global cuisine, culture, and lifestyle.

The industry is evolving

Wine has been produced for thousands of years, with its first documented evidence being from around 6000 BCE, but the industry today is a mix of tradition and innovation. New trends in farming, marketing, and sustainability have influenced the business and put it in an exciting direction for the future.

Alternative packaging, mindful farming, and “earth-friendly” wines have been gaining momentum with the push for more sustainable practices, and alcohol-free wines are a great solution in more professional or health-conscious environments.

Profitability of the industry

Getting into the wine business can be very profitable for those who understand the entire structure of the industry. A single bottle of wine can generate a profit margin of up to 70% for a restaurant - making wine the most profitable item on the menu. But to achieve such favorable returns, it’s indispensable to have a solid grasp on the financial complexities of the whole supply chain. Only by considering all the underlying expenses and knowing the actual production cost of a product will you be able to negotiate the best prices on your wine.

Wine has also become an increasingly popular alternative investment. Because it’s not related to the traditional assets of the stock market, investors are turning to wine to diversify their portfolios through a product that shows low market volatility and high profit potential.

Established programs and degrees

It may seem the wine business is an exclusive club that only people with previous connections get to participate in, but that assumption couldn’t be further from the truth. Universities and institutions worldwide offer degrees in the wine business at both undergraduate and graduate level, meaning you can enroll in a specialized program regardless of your previous experience in the area.

Plumpton College in the UK, for instance, offers a BA in International Wine Business -- a three-year program with modules ranging from Introduction to the Global Wine Industry to Consumer Behaviour and Product Innovation. For those who prefer a shorter program, Le Cordon Bleu London offers a Diploma in Wine, Gastronomy and Management -- a six-month program with the option for a three-month professional internship in the U.K. or abroad.

“The knowledge that I gained from the Diploma in Wine, Gastronomy and Management definitely help me in my day-to-day role. The course gave me a solid foundation in the most important aspects of the wine industry and I build on what I was taught a little bit more every day,” says Anna Schena, assistant wine and spirit buyer at Harvey Nichols.

However, many other schools offer master’s degrees in the field -- an excellent alternative for professionals with some experience in the wine or related industries who wish to expand their education on the subject.

The wine industry offers the chance for a complete shift in lifestyle, depending on what career you choose to follow. Working at a local winery or traveling the world as a brand representative or events manager -- every option comes with its advantages. You can try different things and switch paths as you go, figuring out your place in the market. But the best way to start is through specialized education. A degree in the wine business will give you the foundation necessary to kickstart your successful career in this enchanting business!

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Wine Business
Thaís Roberto

Author

Thaís graduated with a degree in Language and Literature and is now pursuing her master's while working as an English teacher and freelance writer. She lives in an inland city in São Paulo, Brazil, and enjoys binge-watching TV, game nights with her friends, and learning how to play any musical instrument within reach