Behind the Scenes: A Day in the Life of a Winery Owner
Owning a winery might seem like a romantic dream, filled with sunsets over rolling vineyards and glasses of fine wine. While these moments exist, the reality also involves a hefty dose of hard work—whether you’re dealing with recurring pests or sourcing quality Braud parts, there’s never a dull moment. And just when you’ve sorted out one broken-down grape harvester, a storm, mealybug infestation, or compliance issue is likely to arise!
This article takes you behind the scenes to explore a day in the life of a winery owner, offering insights into the dedication and effort required to run a successful winery.
Early Morning: Vineyard Walks and Planning
For a winery owner, the day often begins at dawn. The early hours are perfect for walking through the vineyard, inspecting the vines, and observing the condition of the grapes. This hands-on approach allows owners to spot any signs of pests, disease, or water stress that might affect the crop.
During the growing season, this morning ritual helps ensure the vines are healthy and productive. If it’s harvest season, the focus shifts to evaluating grape ripeness by measuring sugar levels (known as Brixand measured in °Bx), acidity, and tannins. Decisions made during these quiet morning walks—such as when to harvest—are critical to the quality of the wine.
Back at the office, the winery owner reviews the day’s agenda. This might include coordinating with vineyard managers, scheduling staff shifts, or planning marketing activities. With so many moving parts, staying organized is essential to ensure the smooth operation of both the vineyard and the winery.
Mid-Morning: Production and Collaboration
By mid-morning, the focus shifts to the winery itself, where production processes are in full swing. During harvest, this might mean overseeing the delivery of freshly picked grapes and ensuring they’re processed quickly. Grapes are sorted, de-stemmed, and either crushed or pressed, depending on the type of wine being made.
The winery owner collaborates closely with the winemaking team to make key decisions about fermentation. For example, should the wine ferment in stainless steel tanks for a clean, crisp profile or in oak barrels for added complexity? These choices require both technical knowledge and creative vision.
During the off-season, mid-morning might involve blending sessions. Blending is a highly skilled art where different lots of wine are combined to create the final product. The winery owner’s palate plays a critical role in achieving the perfect balance of flavors, aromas, and textures that define the brand’s wines.
Afternoon: Business Operations and Marketing
Running a winery is as much about business as it is about wine. In the afternoon, the owner often focuses on financial management, inventory control, and sales strategies. This might involve meeting with distributors, reviewing budgets, or analyzing market trends.
Marketing is another crucial aspect of the day. A winery’s success often depends on its ability to tell a compelling story. The owner might work with a marketing team to plan social media campaigns, design wine labels, or prepare for upcoming wine events and tastings. Many winery owners also host visitors in their tasting rooms, sharing the story of their wines directly with customers — and building brand loyalty along the way.
Evening: Events and Reflection
Evenings at a winery are often filled with events such as wine tastings, dinners, or private tours. Hosting these events allows the winery owner to showcase their wines and engage with customers in a more intimate setting. Whether it’s a casual tasting or a formal pairing dinner, these events require careful planning and attention to detail.
After the events wind down, the owner takes time to reflect on the day. What went well? What could be improved? These moments of introspection are vital for long-term success. Running a winery is a dynamic and challenging endeavor, and learning from daily experiences is key to staying ahead in the competitive wine industry.
A day in the life of a winery owner is a delicate blend of artistry, science, and business acumen. From early morning vineyard walks to afternoon accounting sessions and evening events, every moment is driven by passion and a commitment to excellence. By understanding the dedication behind each bottle, we can better appreciate the art and effort that define the world of wine.