Vineyard Grower
Plants, grows and harvests grapes for wine, and manages the vineyard site and its workers.
Overview
A vineyard grower is responsible for the planting, growing and harvesting of the grapes for wine. The individual is also responsible for the selection of the site, land preparation for the vineyard and managing the workers in the vineyard.
Where they work
- Wineries
- Vineyards
- Grape Farms
Work environment
It is not a desk job. You are likely to manage a team of workers and helpers. Part-time and contractual jobs may be available. You are likely to have flexible work hours and overtime will be common during harvest season. Entrepreneurship: you can start your own business by directly supplying the product to the shops.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You are an ambitious person and set goals for yourself
- You like gardening
- You would like to start your own business
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10 + 2 in Science stream (Physics, Chemistry & Maths/Biology).
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete a Bachelor's degree in Wine Technology/Wine, Brewing and Alcohol Technology/Viticulture or any related subject.
Alternative route 3
- 1Complete a Diploma in Wine Technology/Wine Studies/Fruit Processing and Wine Technology.
Alternative route 4
- 1Complete a Bachelor's degree followed by an MBA in Wine Business Management.
- 2Complete a Bachelor's in Horticulture/Fruit Processing/Wine Technology followed by a certificate course such as Advanced Wine Pro/Wine and Spirit Education Trust etc.
Forms, exams and applications
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
Some of the institutes which offer courses in Wine Technology, Wine Studies and related subjects.
Government institutes
- Ambedakar Marathwada University, Aurangabad, Maharashtra
- Savitribai Phule Pune University, Maharashtra
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- IDRAC Business School, India Campus, Pune, Maharashtra
- Gargi Agriculture Research and Training Institute, Nashik, Maharashtra
- Wines And Spirits Academy, New Delhi
- Tulleeho Wine Academy, Bangalore, Karnataka
- Indian Professional Bartending Academy, Pune & Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Indian Institute of Bartending Chandigarh, Chandigarh
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Vineyard Grower
- 2Field Supervisor
- 3Vineyard Manager
Related careers to explore
Horticulturist
Cares for, cultivates and propagates plants — fruits, vegetables, ornamentals and non-food crops.
Vegetable Grower
Cultivates vegetables — from soil preparation and planting to harvesting and marketing the produce.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Science, Agriculture.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to working outdoors.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Kaushal Khairnar — Born in Nashik wine region, Kaushal Khairnar grew up surrounded by grape growers and wine producers. This led to his attending an introductory winemaking course for three years starting in 2008 at Gargi Agriculture Research and Training Institute (GARTI) Nashik. After his B.Sc. in Winemaking from GARTI, he did his Master's Degree in Viticulture and Oenology from Montpellier SupAgro University. He is currently the winemaker at Chandon India. From grape harvest to the final disgorgement of bottles, Khairnar has tried his hand at all.
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 1, printed page 47 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://www.payscale.com/research/IN/Job=Farm_Worker/Salary
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.