What are the tasks and responsibilities of a winemaker? How does his work interact with that of the cellar master and the oenologist in the winemaking process?
What is it all about?
- What does a winemaker do?
- What is the career path to becoming a winemaker like?
- How does METRO support winemakers?
A winemaker is the specialist who takes care of everything that happens in the vineyard. From cultivation and care to the harvesting of the grapes. The winemaker decides which grape varieties to grow, how to prune, protect and care for the vines and when is the best time for the harvest. He must always keep an eye on the weather, soil, plant health and degree of ripeness. In addition to physical stamina, you also need brains. Technology, ecology, business management - anyone who makes wine has to be able to do more than just pick grapes. In a team with the cellar master and often also with the oenologist, the winemaker ensures that the grapes become a really good wine.
Fact: The German word "Winzer" comes from the Latin vinitor - which means wine worker. In some regions it is also known as Weinbauer, Wengerter or Weinhauer. Especially in the south of Germany, you still often hear the word "Wengerter".
What does a winemaker do?
Winemakers are responsible for all work in the vineyard. The activities follow a clear annual rhythm: Pruning in winter, tending the soil in spring, leaf removal in summer and harvesting in fall. They select grape varieties, tend the vineyards, take care of plant protection and fertilization and observe weather patterns to determine the optimal harvest time. In the cellar, many winemakers take on additional tasks such as controlling fermentation, hygiene measures or initial sensory tests. In modern wineries, digital harvest forecasts, temperature-controlled storage tanks or automated presses are used. In larger wineries, however, the focus of these technical and organizational tasks usually lies with a cellar master, while the winemaker is more responsible for cultivation, harvesting and often also marketing.
Where does the profession of winemaker come from?
Working with vines is one of the oldest cultural techniques known to mankind. In Armenia, archaeologists discovered traces of wine production dating back to around 6,000 BC.
In Europe, it was the Romans who professionalized viticulture. From the 2nd century BC, they turned the wild growth of vines into a sophisticated craft. And when they came to what is now Germany in the 1st century AD, they not only brought their legions with them, but also their love of wine. They planted the first vineyards, improved pressing techniques and introduced systematic cultivation. Much of this has shaped viticulture to this day.
Fun fact: In Trier, the oldest city in Germany, you can still marvel at Roman wine presses - a real highlight for wine and history fans.
What does it take to become a winemaker?
In Germany, the profession of winemaker is a state-recognized apprenticeship with a three-year dual training course. This combines practical work on the farm with lessons at technical colleges. The content ranges from pruning and soil care to cellar management and business management. After the apprenticeship, it is possible to specialize, for example as a cellar master or by studying viticulture or oenology.
How does METRO support winemakers?
METRO provides winemakers with practical support for their everyday sales activities. Practical wine crates facilitate transportation and storage, while high-quality shelving systems ensure an attractive presentation in the farm store. For events or open tastings, METRO offers professional bottle pourers and matching glasses, whether for white or red wine.
