Post-secondary education
Viticulture training covers a wide range of subjects from biology to soil science, pest control and more.
Programs include practicums where students can practice their skills in a working vineyard.
First year education as a Viticulture Technician Assistant includes:
- cultivate grapes
- prune vines
- canopy management
- harvest grapes
- irrigation maintenance and repair
- pest and disease management
- keep records
- hands-on practicums in working vineyards
Viticulture education is excellent preparation for a career in the field. Many employers want to ensure that graduates understand and can work in all parts of the vineyard from canopy management, to equipment operations and irrigation management. As in most careers, employers like to test out employee’s personality, motivation and general job fit along with their skills and knowledge.
Many viticulture employers will say a season or two in the field as a equipment operator or viticulture technician is a great start to a viticulture career. Those with a background in agriculture or the vineyard will then be given other opportunities to use their skills and knowledge in other positions.
As is true for most post-secondary education, a college or university education/training is a great way to fast track your career, be promoted faster and have the capacity to learn and develop quickly on the job - but it is rarely a shortcut to more senior positions.
Second year education as a Viticulture Technician includes:
- vineyard management to plan, develop, plant and maintain vineyards
- blend scientific theory with technical and practical skills
- viticulture theory
- supervisory and management skills
- manage pests and diseases
- design and construct drainage and irrigation systems
- hands-on practicums in working vineyards
Further education
Several institutions offer undergraduate and graduate programs in viticulture.
Student financial aid
Information is available through educational institutions
Tips
Most employers like to see how well employees perform in field work, and are able to demonstrate their skills, knowledge, tenacity and thirst for learning.
These positions are a great opportunity to demonstrate enthusiasm for the work, show a strong work ethic, and the flexibility to do all kinds of work and adapt to what mother nature may throw at you.
Approach the work as a career, by focusing on the job at hand while learning more about the technical and business aspects of the operation, so that you are considered for promotional opportunities.