Working in wine has a certain romance attached to it. Sun-drenched vineyards, old cellars, handwritten labels, long lunches that turn into longer conversations. But behind the scenes, the wine world is made up of a wide range of careers, many of which don’t require owning a vineyard or making wine yourself. Whether you’re drawn to agriculture, hospitality, creativity, or travel, wine touches more professions than most people realize.

Here are some of the best jobs related to wine and why they’re worth a closer look.

Winemaker

This is the most iconic role in the industry and for good reason. Winemakers oversee the entire process, from grape selection to fermentation, aging, and bottling. It’s equal parts science and intuition. A good winemaker understands chemistry, weather patterns, and timing, but also trusts their palate and experience. The job can be physically demanding and deeply seasonal, but for those who love hands-on work and long-term craft, it’s one of the most rewarding paths in wine.

Vineyard Manager

If you love the outdoors and don’t mind getting your hands dirty, vineyard management is where wine truly begins. Vineyard managers oversee planting, pruning, irrigation, and harvest schedules, often working closely with winemakers to shape the final product before grapes ever reach the cellar. This role requires a strong understanding of soil, climate, and sustainability. It’s less glamorous than tasting rooms, but arguably one of the most important jobs in the entire industry.

Sommelier

Sommeliers are professional wine experts, typically working in restaurants, hotels, or private clubs. Their job goes far beyond recommending a bottle. They curate wine lists, manage inventory, train staff, and help create memorable dining experiences through thoughtful pairings. A great sommelier is part educator, part storyteller, and part host. It’s a people-forward role that rewards curiosity, hospitality, and deep knowledge.

Wine Buyer or Wine Director

Wine buyers work for restaurants, retailers, hotels, or distributors, selecting which wines make it onto shelves or lists. This role requires a strong palate, market awareness, and an understanding of pricing and trends. Buyers often travel to tastings, meet producers, and stay ahead of consumer preferences. It’s a strategic job that blends business instincts with genuine passion for wine.

Cellar Hand

For those just getting started, cellar work is one of the best entry points into winemaking. Cellar hands assist during harvest and production, handling everything from cleaning tanks to monitoring fermentation. It’s physically intense and often seasonal, but it provides invaluable hands-on experience. Many winemakers start here, learning the rhythm of production from the ground up.

Wine Educator or Writer

If you love explaining wine as much as drinking it, education and media might be your lane. Wine educators teach courses, host tastings, and work with brands or schools. Wine writers, journalists, and content creators translate complex topics into stories people want to read. This path is ideal for strong communicators who enjoy research, storytelling, and making wine more approachable.

Tasting Room Manager or Hospitality Lead

Tasting rooms are often the first point of contact between a winery and its customers. Managers oversee staff, guest experience, events, and direct-to-consumer sales. This role is perfect for someone who loves hosting, brand building, and creating atmosphere. It blends hospitality with sales and plays a major role in a winery’s success.

Wine Sales and Brand Roles

Behind every bottle is a team handling marketing, sales, design, and distribution. These roles keep wine moving from producers to consumers. If you’re business-minded or creatively inclined, wine brands need people who understand storytelling, relationships, and market positioning just as much as they understand the product itself.

The wine industry is wide, layered, and surprisingly flexible. Whether you’re drawn to the land, the glass, or the story around it, there’s a place in wine that fits far more lifestyles than people expect.