Wine Enthusiast Podcast

Episode 160: Want to Work in Wine? Three Successful Winemakers Reveal What it’s Really Like

Feb 16, 2024

Explore the diverse paths of three successful winemakers from Australia and New Zealand as they share their entry into the industry, including encounters with toxic chemicals, punching through glass ceilings, and improbably scoring gigs at lauded wineries. Discover the challenges, milestones, and inspiring journeys of these prominent figures in the world of winemaking.

01:08:04

Creator website

Episode guests

Paul Pujol

Helen Masters

Jenny Dobson

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Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Starting out involves diverse experiences from vineyards to cellars, shaping early days in winemaking.

Passion and diverse experiences shape winemakers' journey of continuous learning and versatility in the field.

Shifts in gender biases, breaking barriers, embracing traditions highlight transformative opportunities for women in winemaking.

Deep dives

Embracing the Journey as a Winemaker

Starting out as a winemaker involves embracing diverse experiences, from working in vineyards to handling cellar operations. The journey often begins with humble tasks and colorful tales, shaping one's early days in the wine industry.

Introduction

2min

Journey to Becoming a Head Winemaker in Elsace

16min

Intervention at a Wine Tasting

11min

Journey of a Woman Winemaker

12min

Exploring Winemaking Philosophy with Steven Spurrier

5min

Exploring the Journey of a Respected Winemaker in New Zealand

2min

Journey in Winemaking

18min

Exploring Early Interests, Career Paths, and Becoming a Winemaker

2min

On the surface, winemakers appear to lead a glamorous, jet-setting life of international travel, fancy wine dinners and a never-ending supply of enviable bottles. But what is it really like to work in wine?

Wine Enthusiast Writer-at-Large Christina Pickard speaks to three well-respected winemakers from Australia and New Zealand on their entry into the industry. Hear from Paul Pujol, whose early experiences include a too-close-for-comfort experience with toxic chemicals; Jenny Dobson, who punched through the glass ceiling to produce her own wine label; and Helen Masters, who improbably scored a gig at a lauded winery, where years later she became the head winemaker.

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