A career in wine

[badhorsey]

Recently, I went on a wine tasting course. The chap who presented it gave some background about how he'd worked in an investment bank, hated it, and decided to switch over to work in wine.

I find myself in a similar situation. I don't really like my job, despite how well it pays. But I love wine with a passion and whilst by no means an expert, would call myself an enthusiastic amateur.

So I'm wondering; how does one go about getting a job in the wine industry? Casting aside the rose-coloured spectacles I realise that this will not only involve some quite serious re-education, but also a drop in salary. And also that whatever I end up doing, it's not going to be all about jetting around the planet drinking plonk.

But I can weather that if the end result will be working in something that I really love.

Does anyone have any pointers? Are there books to read, courses to go on, qualifications to obain? Which areas of knowledge are essential, and which are desirable?

This is a lot to ask in one post, but if anyone can give me hints in the right directions.

Thanks!

[kermit25]

I fell into working with wine by accident. I'm 25 and about two years ago I thought there was red and white wine and that was it. Now I can talk about it comprehensively and love the different types and finding out and learning about it.

I got into it because I work in hospitality. I began working somewhere in the back of house department, with had the cellar within the department. I worked in the cellar part of the time and began learning about wine. When teh chance to work in there full time came up I took it and have been learning about wine and writing wine lists ever since.

I have found that the best and most recognised training comes from the WSET (Wine & Spirits Education Trust). The intermediate certificate is a good starting point. I am about to move onto the advanced certificate which is quite well recognised and therefore something that will really aid me in my career progession towards becoming a wine buyer.

My situation is a bit unique, but I would maybe suggest getting on a wine shop/merchants management training scheme or once you have the WSET advanced certificate becoming a part time wine consultant with someone such as the following people http://www.thirtyfifty.co.uk/

Hope this helps!

[get2me]

Badhorsey !
It's rare for an alcoholic to make a living out of his addiction. Is that all you can come up with for your furure life ? I suggest some more work on the imagination.