What does an oenologist do? And how does his scientific expertise complement the practical work of winemakers and cellar masters in wine production?
What is it all about?
- What does an oenologist do?
- What is the career path to becoming an oenologist?
- How does METRO cooperate with oenologists?
An oenologist is a scientifically trained wine specialist who deals with the science of wine - from the grape to the finished product. Unlike the winemaker or cellar master, who work more practically, the oenologist primarily brings technical knowledge to the winemaking process. The term is derived from oenology, the study of wine.
What does an oenologist do?
The tasks of an oenologist include the analysis and assessment of grape material, the planning of vinification, the evaluation of fermentation processes and the development of styles and cuvées. In practice, the oenologist is often the link between the winemaker and the cellar master: they analyze the grapes, make recommendations for vinification, assist with sensory evaluation and also advise on questions of technology, hygiene or marketing. They also develop new products, research market trends or support sustainability strategies in the business. They also take on quality assurance tasks in research, trade or public authorities.
What is the career path to becoming an oenologist?
Sooner or later, anyone who wants to learn about wine as a career will end up studying oenology. In Germany, Hochschule Geisenheim University is the first port of call. The Bachelor's degree course perfectly combines theory and practice: vines, cellar technology, wine chemistry, sensory analysis - everything that makes the scientific wine heart beat faster.
In addition to the traditional degree course, the university also offers a dual, training-integrated variant. At the beginning of the dual study program, students first spend 14 months in a training company as a winemaker or wine technologist. They then start their first semester of study. The dual option combines vocational training with a degree course so that graduates obtain both a vocational and a university degree.
Whether classic or dual, both paths open doors to exciting jobs in wine production, consulting or research.
How does METRO cooperate with oenologists?
Oenological expertise plays a central role in the selection and profiling of the METRO "Wine of the Year". Sensory precision, knowledge of grape varieties, styles and market trends are essential in order to identify the right candidate from a large number of international wines.
