Imagine taking a leap of faith and leaving behind your stable day job to pursue a completely different career path, one that involves working at a winery. That’s exactly what the author of this article did. Seeking a change and a chance to experience something new, they found themselves at Unionville Vineyards in New Jersey, ready to delve into the world of wine. What they soon discovered was that working at a winery is far from just sipping wine and having a good time. It involves hard work, physical labor, and a deep understanding of the winemaking process. From observing the intricacies of bottling and checking pH levels to shadowing employees in the tasting room, the author learned that a career in the wine industry requires knowledge, practice, and a genuine passion for wine. While the experience was eye-opening and enjoyable, the author ultimately realized that their true passion lies in writing. However, they plan to continue visiting wineries for relaxation and inspiration, intertwining their two passions in the process.
1. The Decision to Leave the Day Job
1.1 The desire for a career shift
Have you ever found yourself longing for a career change? Maybe you’ve dreamt of leaving behind the monotony of your day job and pursuing a completely different path. That’s exactly how you felt. It was a desire rooted deep within you, an itch that needed to be scratched. You craved a new adventure, a chance to challenge yourself and explore a different industry.
1.2 Approaching Unionville Vineyards
After much contemplation and research, you set your sights on Unionville Vineyards in New Jersey. The winery’s reputation for producing exceptional wines and their commitment to sustainability piqued your interest. Excitement bubbled within you as you reached out to them, expressing your desire to join their team and learn the art of winemaking.
1.3 Starting work at the winery
To your delight, Unionville Vineyards welcomed you with open arms. You left behind the comfort of your day job and eagerly embraced this new chapter in your life. Little did you know that the reality of working at a winery would be very different from what you had initially imagined.
2. The Reality of Working at a Winery
2.1 Hard work and physical labor
The romanticized notion of working at a winery, sipping wine and enjoying scenic vineyard views, quickly faded away as you were thrust into the world of hard work and physical labor. From dawn till dusk, you toiled in the vineyards, tending to the vines, pruning, and harvesting the grapes. It was a stark reminder that the wine industry wasn’t just about the end product; it was about the dedication and sweat that went into each bottle.
2.2 Understanding the winemaking process
As you immersed yourself in the daily activities of the winery, you began to appreciate the complexity of the winemaking process. You learned about fermentation, maceration, and aging. Each step was vital in transforming humble grapes into exquisite wines. It was a delicate dance of science and art, and you were enthralled by the craftsmanship.
2.3 Bottling and checking Ph levels
One of the tasks that truly opened your eyes to the intricacies of winemaking was bottling. From cleaning and sterilizing bottles to filling them with the precious liquid, every action required precision and attention to detail. You even had the opportunity to check the pH levels of the wine, ensuring its optimal taste and quality. It was meticulous work, but it deepened your understanding of the importance of balance and acidity in winemaking.
3. Learning in the Tasting Room
3.1 Shadowing employees
While the vineyard work was physically demanding, you also had the opportunity to explore another aspect of the wine industry—the tasting room. You shadowed experienced employees, observing their interactions with customers and learning the art of providing an exceptional tasting experience. It was here that you realized the significance of customer service in the wine industry and how it could shape a winery’s reputation.
3.2 Acquiring knowledge about different wines
In the tasting room, you also delved into the world of wines. From crisp whites to bold reds, you learned about different grape varieties and the regions they thrived in. You developed a palate for nuanced flavors and aromas, discovering the intricacies that made each wine unique. This newfound knowledge excited you, fueling your growing passion for the art of winemaking.
4. The Requirements for a Career in the Wine Industry
4.1 Knowledge, practice, and a passion for wine
Your time at Unionville Vineyards revealed that a career in the wine industry demanded more than just a passing interest. It required dedication, continuous learning, and a genuine passion for wine. The complexities of viticulture, enology, and customer service were interconnected, and only those willing to invest time and effort could truly succeed. It became clear that pursuing a career in this field meant immersing yourself in its depths, taking courses, attending tastings, and continuously refining your skills.
5. Discovering True Passion in Writing
As you journeyed through the world of winemaking, something unexpected happened. Amidst the vines and the wines, you realized that your true passion lay in storytelling and writing. You found yourself yearning to express the stories behind the wines, the history of the vineyards, and the passionate people who dedicated their lives to this craft. It was in the act of writing that you felt most alive and connected.
6. The Plan Moving Forward
6.1 Continuing writing
With a newfound clarity, you decided to refocus your efforts on writing. You would use your experiences in the wine industry as inspiration, penning articles, and stories that captured the essence of the vineyards and the people who brought them to life. Writing became your tool for sharing the magic of winemaking with others, allowing them to experience the beauty and complexity that had captivated you.
6.2 Visiting wineries for relaxation and inspiration
While you may have turned away from a career in the wine industry, your love for wine and the vineyards remained steadfast. You planned to continue visiting wineries, not as an employee, but as a curious visitor seeking relaxation and inspiration. Each visit would be a chance to bask in the ambiance, savor the wines, and reconnect with the passion that had initially drawn you to this world.
In the end, leaving your day job to work at a winery was an eye-opening experience. It revealed the reality of the wine industry, both its hardships and its wonders. It enabled you to explore new passions and discover your true calling as a writer. The decision to change your career path was a pivotal one, leading you down a path of self-discovery and fulfillment.
