Brewer/Winemaker

Your Fit

Income

$50K

Preparation

Some

Growth

3.4%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Brewer/Winemaker?

A Brewer/Winemaker is a professional who oversees the production of beer or wine, combining scientific knowledge and artistic skill to craft beverages. They manage the entire process from ingredient selection to fermentation, aging, and bottling.

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Brewer/Winemaker.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Brewer/Winemaker earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) is...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$36K per year	$42K per year	$50K per year	$61K per year	$76K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $0 below the national average.

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What does a Brewer/Winemaker do?

Work environment

Brewers and winemakers typically work in breweries or wineries. The environment can vary from small artisanal operations to large industrial facilities. It often involves working in varying temperatures and handling large equipment and containers.

Quick task list

Selects and sources ingredients like hops, malt, grapes, or yeast.
Monitors fermentation processes and adjusts conditions as necessary.
Tests and samples products for quality control.
Designs and develops new beverage recipes.
Ensures adherence to health, safety, and sanitation standards.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Craft Beer Brewing: Focusing on small-batch, artisanal beer production.
Viticulture: Specializing in grape cultivation for winemaking.
Oenology: Expertise in the science of wine and winemaking.
Industrial Brewing: Managing large-scale beer production.
Experimental Brewing/Winemaking: Innovating with new flavors, techniques, and styles.

Description

Brewers and winemakers combine a passion for their craft with scientific acumen to produce a variety of alcoholic beverages. The role requires a deep understanding of the chemical and biological processes involved in fermentation. Brewers and winemakers must be meticulous in maintaining cleanliness and consistency in their processes, as small variations can significantly affect the final product.

In addition to production, they are involved in recipe development, where creativity and innovation come into play. Understanding market trends and consumer preferences is also key, especially for those in smaller or craft operations. As the industry grows, brewers and winemakers must stay abreast of new technologies and methods, making continuous learning a crucial aspect of the job.

Career satisfaction comes from creating products that are appreciated and enjoyed by others. Many find joy in the blend of tradition and innovation, the community of enthusiasts, and the tangible results of their labor.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Crafting unique and enjoyable beverages.
The creative process of developing new recipes.
Seeing the enjoyment their products bring to consumers.
Being part of a tradition-rich and innovative industry.

You might make a good Brewer/Winemaker if you are...

Passionate about beer or wine and the craft of making them.
Detail-oriented, with a strong focus on quality and consistency.
Creative and enjoy experimenting with flavors and techniques.
Interested in both the science and art of beverage production.
Eager to be part of a growing and dynamic industry.

Pros:

Creative and fulfilling work in crafting beverages.
Growing industry with opportunities for entrepreneurship.
Community and culture around craft beverages.

Cons:

Physically demanding work with long hours.
The need for constant learning and adaptation.
High competition in the craft brewing and winemaking sectors.

How to become a Brewer/Winemaker

Typical education

Many brewers and winemakers have at least a bachelor's degree in fields like fermentation science, viticulture, oenology, or related fields. Increasingly, formal education is complemented by hands-on experience in brewing or winemaking.

High school preparation

Courses:

Chemistry and biology for understanding fermentation.
Home economics or culinary arts for recipe development.
Business studies for understanding the commercial aspect of brewing/winemaking.
Art classes to develop a creative mindset.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Homebrewing clubs (if of legal age) or culinary clubs.
Science clubs to deepen understanding of fermentation.
Visits to local breweries or wineries for practical insights.

Preparation after high school

Bachelor's degree in fermentation science, viticulture, oenology, or similar.
Internships or apprenticeships in breweries or wineries.
Professional certifications or courses in brewing or winemaking.
Participation in workshops and industry conferences.

More resources

Brewers Association - Resources and support for American craft brewers.
American Society for Enology and Viticulture (ASEV) - Professional organization for winemakers and scientists.
Institute of Brewing & Distilling - International education and training body in brewing and distilling.

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