How to become a Winemaker
Also called: Oenologist
Plans, supervises and coordinates the production of wine or spirits from selected varieties of grapes.
Main tasks
- Studies, develops and improves models used in the processing and blending of wine to improve or create new products
- Tests and monitors the quality of grapes at different stages of production to assess ripeness, sugar and acid content to identify the ideal time for harvesting
- Liaises with vineyard personnel or contract growers to provide grapes, and advises on how to maintain their integrity for processing
- Conducts laboratory and taste tests on wine samples to study and improve wine quality
- Plans and oversees the wine bottling process to ensure safety and quality standards are met
Ways in
- University: Science degrees, Offered by 39 universities in Australia
- TAFE and VET: Diploma of Viticulture (AHC51524); Certificate III in Wine Industry Operations (FBP30921); Certificate II in Wine Industry Operations (FBP20521)
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Typical full-time pay: $114,088 a year
- About 10,200 people work in this job group now, and about 12,300 are projected by 2035. (+19.6%)
- AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Winemaker?
Ways in include: Science degrees; Diploma of Viticulture; Certificate III in Wine Industry Operations.
How much does a Winemaker earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $114,088 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is a Winemaker a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 20% by 2035, from about 10,200 to about 12,300 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become a Winemaker?
Usually. 70% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Will AI change the work of a Winemaker?
AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.
Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04
Updated 2026-10-04