If you’re one of the millions of people who enjoy a good glass of wine, you may be surprised to find out that you could make a good living from your passion as a winemaker.
Even those who do not live in traditional wine regions can get involved, so you need not worry if there isn’t a vine to be found for miles around!
How Can I Do This?
While in years gone by it was only those who lived in a warmer climate and had access to hundreds of acres of land and a full-time staff who could hope to start a business as a winemaker, nowadays there are opportunities for everyone.
By buying surplus harvests from larger vineyards you can get your hands on the raw material – grapes, that is – necessary to make your own wine. If you don’t want to get your hands dirty, you can even avoid the entire process of wine making by buying up stocks of other peoples’ products and selling them under your own private label.
By simply renaming and repackaging low-end wine you can sell thousands of bottles at a tidy profit without so much as having to see a grape!
What Will I Need To Become A Winemaker?
So, what do you need to have to start a career as a winemaker? First and foremost is a close knowledge of the wine industry, so if your only acquaintance with it currently is a wine tasting or two, you may have to brush up a little before you can break in.
While the ancient practice of making wine may not seem too complicated, in modern times the process has changed somewhat with the many steps from growing to processing to packaging taking many months. Fortunately, there are countless books and websites which will help you gain the necessary expertise to make and sell your wine.
As in any industry, it is also essential to be familiar with the market. Even if you have a delicious wine which you’re willing to sell for a reasonable price, you’ll find yourself with a lot of surplus stock if you don’t have the proper channels of communication open with those to whom you can potentially sell.
You may also encounter difficulties from the authorities if you ignore the regional rules and regulations which govern the growing, packaging and selling of wine.
Expanding Your Business
There are a number of secondary opportunities for making money besides simply selling the wine itself. By offering customized labels or branded wine glasses for parties and corporate events, you can provide a service while promoting your wine to the demographic most likely to become your customers. Many wine makers will offer discounts on their wine (or even a number free bottles) for such events in exchange for exclusivity rights.
If you choose to sell your wine online, you may also draw more interest if you offer wine reviews which help your site visitors find something that suits their taste and budget. While it is difficult to make money directly from such services as a winemaker, you will find that you have far more repeat business from the satisfied customers you do manage to obtain.
Related Startup Resources
Check out the following related resources that can help you learn more and get started with this small business (will open in new window)...
Successful Winemaking - Craft Superb Table Wines At Home
The Home Winemaker's Inner Circle
Ultimate Fruit Winemakers Guide
Delicious Winemaking Made Easy
Home Winemaking: Step By Step
Homemade Wine Profit Secrets
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