Hello! I am very interested in learning about how to break into the wine industry in an entry-level position but do not know where to begin. I have a B.A. in Communication and an M.A. in Clinical Counseling but due to the economic crisis, I must now use my graduate degree in a non-clinical setting and outside of my original field. I have traveled to some of the world's most renowned wine regions and do a lot of self-study as a hobby. I speak Spanish, Italian and beginner-level French. Recently, I worked for an event and promotion management company for which I did off-premise wine tasting events but quickly realized through that experience that I'm capable and would like to do so much more in that area. One of my ideas is to introduce and promote little-known, independent winemakers who practice biodynamic/organic boutique wines that are high-quality and hard to find in the US. But I have no idea what this position is, who I would have to work for and how that would happen. I attended the international touring Italian wine event, Vinitaly, and wondered how could I work events such as these? I have no idea how the winemakers meet importers and distributors and all of the other middle men in-between. After some consideration and preliminary research, I think my path could involve introducing or being a liaison between the winemaker and the next step in the business machine. Do you have any information for me about this? And perhaps reading recommendations as well as companies or individual professionals I could start with? Thank you in advance for your time and attention and assistance. All the best, Raquel Ornelas
Answer From Expert Roger Bohmrich MW
It strikes me that your explanation of interest could form the basis of a letter to prospective employers. It's also clear that, in addition to a postgraduate degree, you can express yourself very well and certainly have an interest in wine. My own background was not dissimilar when I joined the trade in the sense that I had an MA in an "unrelated" field (international affairs) and was propelled by a passion for wine. The challenge you face is universal, because convincing a company to take a chance on someone without experience is never easy, particularly at a time there are so many candidates looking for work. You may have to take a "starter" job before you gain access to your ideal position. Wine has many romantic aspects, but it's also a business like any other, and you'll need to prove yourself. One angle suggested by your activities could be as an assistant in the marketing or public relations department of an importer or winery. Fluency in both Spanish and Italian is a highly marketable asset and directly relevant to the wine trade (dealing with producers or buyers). You may find you'll need to relocate as interesting jobs are not available in many places, although there are wholesalers in virtually all states who are always looking for sales people. This could be very useful experience even though perhaps not your first choice. You can try to get a position with an importer with a fine wine portfolio (as I did when I left graduate school). I would find out the names of key managers and contact them directly in writing and then by phone. In terms of international trade fairs such as Vinitaly or Vinexpo, which I have attended regularly, they may not be the ideal opportunity to "knock on the door" as the exhibitors (wineries) are largely focused on current and new business; on the other hand, these fairs showcase a huge range of producers and can be very interesting. If you have the time and travel budget, they might just present a lucky connection of some kind. I hope this gives you some insight and wish you success in finding an interesting opportunity. Your situation reminds me very much of my own beginning in the wine trade!
