Number of winemakers expected to grow
New Zealand wine has an excellent reputation, attracting tourists and creating export demand. The export value of wine has risen each year for the last decade and will likely reach $2 billion annually by 2020. The number of wineries is increasing. From 2018 to 2019, 19 new wineries were established.
Due to industry growth, the number of winemakers is expected to increase by 3% each year until 2026.
According to the Census, 741 winemakers worked in New Zealand in 2018.
Shortage of skilled winemakers
Employers report difficulty finding skilled winemakers, so your chances of securing a job are best if you have relevant experience.
Winemaker appears on Immigration New Zealand's regional skill shortage list. This means the Government is actively encouraging skilled winemakers from overseas to work in New Zealand.
Chances better in larger wine-producing regions
It can be hard to get an entry-level position or to progress from an assistant winemaker role. However, chances for entry-level roles are better in larger wine regions such as Marlborough, Central Otago and Hawke's Bay.
Most winemakers work for wineries or wine companies
Winemakers generally work for wineries or wine companies. They can work for small wineries, which make up 80% of New Zealand's total wine producers, or for large corporate producers.
