Grape Grower
Tasks & duties
Grape growers may do some or all of the following:
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prepare soil for planting
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plant vines and monitor their growth
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install trellises for supporting vines
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manage the canopies (train the vines along the trellis)
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monitor and spray pests and disease
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manage irrigation
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prune vines and maintain the vineyard
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check the quality of grapes
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train and supervise vineyard workers
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organise and manage contractors for work such as pruning
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work with the winery/winemaker to grow grapes of an appropriate quality and to make harvesting decisions
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negotiate the price of grapes with wineries/winemakers
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organise the picking of grapes and their transport to the winery
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work out the cost of production and budgets
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keep up to date with changing technology
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manage bird and frost protection
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comply with Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) regulations
Specialisations
Grape growers may specialise in:
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growing grapes for a particular variety of wine
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different systems of grape production (such as organic or sustainable systems)
Skills & knowledge
Grape growers need to have:
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horticulture skills
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knowledge of grape varieties, and how to grow and maintain grapevines
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knowledge of how to prepare and manage soil for grapevines
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knowledge of weeds and pests, and how to use sprays and fertilisers
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skill in monitoring the weather
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knowledge of how to monitor and control irrigation systems
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knowledge of developments within the industry
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general maintenance and mechanical skills
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computer skills
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communication and staff management skills
Grape growers who run their own businesses also need to have skills in business management, such as record-keeping and contract negotiation.
Entry requirements
To become a grape grower, you usually need to have a qualification in viticulture, or training and/or experience in horticulture or farming.
You can train on the job and complete an apprenticeship through the Horticulture Industry Training Organisation (HortITO). These are only available through approved employers.
Secondary education
Three years of secondary school education is recommended. Useful subjects include science, biology, chemistry and horticulture.
Tertiary education
You can get a degree or diploma in grape growing and/or winemaking (oenology) from a polytechnic or university. However, this is not compulsory.
Training on the job
Grape growers learn many skills on the job. Vineyards may prefer to teach their own methods so that staff have a better understanding of the style and growing processes of the particular vineyard.
Grape growers may also attend conferences and courses to keep up to date with industry developments.
Useful experience
Useful experience for grape growers includes:
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vineyard work
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orchard experience
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any work requiring stamina, such as labouring or planting
Related courses
Crop Production
Horticulture
Viticulture
For more information, please refer to Career Services.
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