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How much do viticulturist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for viticulturist in the United States is $61,000.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,500.00 and $65,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the most common challenges viticulturists face during a typical growing season?

Viticulturists often encounter challenges related to unpredictable weather, pest and disease management, and ensuring optimal soil health throughout the growing season. They must regularly monitor vineyard conditions and make timely decisions about irrigation, pruning, and crop protection to maintain vine health and grape quality. Collaboration with winemakers and field workers is also essential to align vineyard practices with desired wine profiles, making adaptability and strong communication skills valuable assets in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a viticulturist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Viticulturist, you need strong knowledge of plant science, vineyard management, and soil science, often supported by a degree in viticulture, horticulture, or a related field. Familiarity with vineyard management software, geographic information systems (GIS), and pest and disease monitoring tools is crucial. Excellent problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills help in coordinating teams and responding to environmental challenges. These abilities ensure optimal grape quality, sustainable vineyard operations, and successful wine production.

What is a viticulturist?

Viticulturists are agricultural professionals who specialize in the science, production, and study of grapes, particularly those used for winemaking. They are responsible for managing grapevine health, selecting grape varieties, overseeing planting, irrigation, pest control, and harvest timing to ensure optimal grape quality. Viticulturists work closely with winemakers to produce grapes that meet specific wine production standards. Their expertise is essential in adapting vineyard practices to climate, soil conditions, and disease pressures, ensuring the sustainability and profitability of vineyards.

What is the difference between Viticulturist vs Enologist?

AspectViticulturistEnologist
CredentialsViticulturist often holds degrees in viticulture, horticulture, or agricultureEnologist typically has degrees in enology, food science, or chemistry
Work EnvironmentWorks primarily in vineyards, managing grape growing and healthWorks mainly in wineries, focusing on wine production and quality control
Industry UsageCommonly employed by vineyards, wineries, and agricultural firmsPrimarily employed by wineries, wine producers, and beverage companies

While both roles are essential in wine production, a Viticulturist specializes in grape cultivation and vineyard management, whereas an Enologist focuses on wine production, fermentation, and quality. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job role within the wine industry.

What education do you need to be a viticulturist?

A viticulturist typically needs at least a bachelor's degree in viticulture, enology, horticulture, agriculture, or a related field. Relevant coursework includes plant science, soil science, pest management, and climate studies, and hands-on experience or internships are highly valuable for entry-level positions.

How much do viticulturists make?

Viticulturists in California typically earn between $45,000 and $85,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and vineyard size. Experienced professionals with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in regions with high-value wine production.
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Viticulturist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Viticulturist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $61,000 per year, or $29.3 per hour.

Harvest Enologist Intern

The Duckhorn Portfolio

San Luis Obispo, CA • On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Other

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Job Title

The Duckhorn Portfolio is North America's premier luxury wine company. We were established in 1976 by Dan and Margaret Duckhorn. Today, our portfolio features some of North America's most revered wineries, including Decoy, Goldeneye, Calera, Kosta Browne, Sonoma-Cutrer and Greenwing.

This position will work with The Duckhorn Portfolio's Central Coast winemaking team to track fermentations, monitor trials, and record all data properly so that it can be used to make decisions that will improve the quality of the wines produced in 2026. This position will also support the grower relations and vineyard team by running all maturity analysis in our laboratory and report results accurately so the team can make the best pick decisions. Our ideal candidate must be detail-oriented, a self-starter with a strong work ethic, excellent communication skills and harvest experience. The estimated time frame for this position is August 24th through November 13th.

What we will ask you to do:

  • Manage all laboratory activities for grape maturity samples: process vineyard samples, run basic analysis (Brix, pH and TA), maintain equipment and supplies and track and share data
  • Track lab analysis from wineries: juice panels, daily Brix and temp and pressed wine analysis
  • Help Winemakers track and monitor fermentations at multiple custom crush facilities, paying attention to our protocols and/or R&D treatments
  • Maintain wine tracking software and winemaking spreadsheets
  • Evaluate grape loads and cellar activities as needed to ensure proper protocols are followed
  • Logistical support of Winemaker and Viticulturist and special projects as needed

What you will need:

  • Excellent organizational and time management skills
  • Positive attitude and willingness to learn
  • Ability to work independently and stay on task
  • Computer skills, including Excel and Winery Software experience preferred
  • Valid California driver's license and clean driving record
  • Previous harvest experience (lab or cellar) is required
  • Viticulture or Enology coursework or degree preferred

What we will provide:

  • The hourly range for this position is $22 - $24.
  • Seasonal Full-Time position.
  • Discounts on wine and merchandise.
  • Sick time accrual.
  • A diverse team of coworkers that care about each other in a fun, exciting work environment.
  • A company that promotes from within, provides great training and development programs and opportunities.

Apply