Enologist

What is an Enologist?

Duties

The duties of an enologist involves the following:

• Monitor wine at the time of bottling such that proper hygiene is maintained and the wine temperature is accurate post the bottling.
• Keep track of sugar and acid levels during harvest season in order to understand the best time to pick the grapes.
• Collect and evaluable samples from barrels of wine and tanks, to run different analyses and conduct lab trials; lab equipment must be in top shape for this.
• Train new hires as well as employees in existing positions for running different analysis to determine the quality of wine produced.

Day In The Life

Every day can be different from week-to-week, month-to-month if you are working as an enologist. You will typically work closely with a small number of people and establish the schedule on a day-to-day basis during morning conversations, which can include completing routine tasks to inspecting the grapes before they are used. It is your responsibility to assess both grapes in the field (i.e. if the company grows its own produce) and also the grapes that are delivered to the winery. Your skillset is valuable for determining the right time when grapes are ready for harvesting and production; and which of the harvests are to be used for a variety of wines. Most importantly, an enologist is key to deciding when the production starts, based on specific criteria.

In addition, enologists may be involved with providing guidance on transporting grapes to production such that there is no damage, and they retain their flavour and quality. Gauging the proper grape crushing techniques for the purpose of producing wine of the highest quality is another significant task set before those in this position. Overall, you maintain quality of every wine produced at the winery concerned, and sometimes this means coordinating with the laboratory technician for upholding major testing procedures.

Work Schedule

An enologist is usually working at a winery. This means you might have a standard office, but will be moving between places such as the production area, the laboratory, or be in the vineyards. A key aspect of this type of role is constant movement between place to place in the winery, and having eyes on each part of the winemaking process. Sometimes you may be expected to travel in case you are providing trainings or workshops on wine production to others in the field, or managing multiple wineries. Enologists generally work normal work hours, but there can be times of stress and overtime during peak harvest or production season.

Growth Of The Job

The job demand for enologists over the next five years will be increasing, mainly since a big portion of the current workforce are close to the retirement age. This will result in a considerable number of openings for fresh enology graduates. As the number of wineries continue to see good business in the country, enologists will enjoy stable and reliable jobs. Another way for enologists to advance in the field is by starting their own wineries. This will lead to improved prospects for earning, especially if one has advanced expertise and experience with producing specific wines of high quality.

Typical Employers

Enologists work in vineyards or at wine facilities ranging from small to large companies. Most enologists that are working in the United States find good employment in the wine- growing areas of California.