Vintage

Winemaking

Seasons

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Winemaking

Vintage is the process of making the wine after the grapes have been harvested. Grapes are picked by hand or by machine (see Viticulture – Vines) and stems and leaves removed.  The grapes are pressed and the juice stored in barrels or vats to ferment before being bottled. The timing of harvest can vary depending on seasonal factors.

What you’ll need to bring to the role

During vintage wineries hire additional staff, known as cellar hands, to complete a wide range of tasks. This includes pressing fruit, monitoring fermentation (making additions as needed), tank and floor cleaning and barrel work.  As this is a busy time you may need to be available to work shifts, five to six days a week and paid on an hourly basis.

What you’ll get out of it

This is an exciting industry to be a part of and there are opportunities to grow your skills and eventually travel to work in other wine making regions in New Zealand or around the world.

What are your training options

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Wine has become one of New Zealand’s most important export goods, contributing $1.95 billion to the national economy in 2022. Sauvignon Blanc is very popular and has helped establish New Zealand’s international reputation for producing premium wines.

Locations

Marlborough is one of New Zealand’s best-known wine regions and has around two thirds of the country’s vines and over 150 wine producers. Nelson/Tasman is a smaller wine growing region, but still offers opportunities. There are a range of jobs in winemaking, like cellar hand and laboratory technician roles and also in the vineyard – see Viticulture - Vines for more information.

Learn more about the roles

Vintage

Vintage is the process of making the wine after the grapes have been harvested. Grapes are picked by hand or by machine (see Viticulture – Vines) and stems and leaves removed.  The grapes are pressed and the juice stored in barrels or vats to ferment before being bottled. The timing of harvest can vary depending on seasonal factors.

Plan Your Next Step

Come and see what our industry has to offer and plan an employment and training path.

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For Employers

If your work is coming to an end and you are interested in seasonal workforce redeployment please contact:

Top of the South Early Response Team: totsearlyresponse@msd.govt.nz