Viticulturists (or Wine Makers) study and apply growing processes of grape vines to produce the amount and quality of grapes necessary for wine production. They must have an understanding of optimum ripeness and proper harvesting of grapes. They also design and implement pest and disease control programs following pest management practices and a sustainable farming approach.
Responsibilities: Viticulturists are responsible for producing grapes under a wide variety of natural conditions, managing both table and wine grapes, understanding optimum ripeness and proper harvesting of grapes, designing and implementing pest and disease control programs, using plant, climate and soil moisture monitoring equipment for scheduling irrigation, diagnosing and solving viticulture problems, collecting, organizing, and reporting viticulture data to support farming and marketing decisions, directing and supervising staff, providing feedback and guidance to wine farmers/vineyard managers to yield the best results, and maintaining direct contact with the winemaker to communicate grape characteristics needed to begin the winemaking process.
Education Requirements:
Recommended High School Courses:
Agriculture Education
Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
Mathematics
Education/Training:
Bachelor's Degree in Viticulture, Oenology, or Horticulture
Master's Degree in Viticulture, Oenology, or Horticulture
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