Why study Oenology?

Enology is the study of wines and the making of this beverage. This degree does not include the study of grape cultivation or harvesting, which is called viticulture.

Those who study enology often become winemakers or work in commercial laboratories where research is carried out on the finer aspects of winemaking.

If you want to learn more about this interesting degree, which in Spain has a broad field of work as our country is one of the main producers and exporters of wine, keep reading the interesting information we offer below.

What is Enology about?

A winemaker is the person in charge of everything related to the science (chemistry and biology) of wine. Their responsibilities vary greatly from one winery to another depending on its size, the wines produced and their needs.

Their main job is to carry out laboratory work and analyze wine. These analyses help them make decisions about how to treat and control it in search of defects and deterioration, as well as to detect any problems and treat them before they become worse.

The winemaker monitors the wine at the time of bottling, ensuring that proper sanitation is carried out so that after bottling it remains stable in terms of temperature and microbial factors.

During harvest, the winemaker monitors sugar and acid levels, which helps them make the decision of when to pick the grapes.

What is the profile of an Enology specialist like?

If you love science, wine, agriculture and country life, being a winemaker will be a great career for you.

If you end up working in a small winery or vineyard, your tasks will not only be limited to performing functions in a laboratory, but you will be able to do other things, which can be important for those who do not like getting stuck with the same work every day.

Being analytical and able to solve problems will be very useful qualities in a winemaker.

Patience is also important because there are many variables in wine chemistry and each one reacts differently.

Having well-developed senses of taste, smell and sight is very important in a winemaker's profile.

If you like innovation, research and are also a creative person, you will be an excellent winemaker.

Frequently asked questions about the Enology degree

How long is the degree?

To become an oenologist, you must study for four years and complete 240 study credits.

How much does it cost to study Oenology?

Below we present the cost of the first year of Oenology at some universities in Spain:

• Universidad de Cádiz: €757
• Universidad de Extremadura: €942
• Universidad de Castilla - La Mancha: €1,132
• Universidad de Valladolid: €1,162
• Universidad de La Rioja: €1,273
• Universitat Rovira i Virgili: €2,146

What cutoff grade is needed to study Oenology?

The cutoff grades to study Oenology in Spain are:

• Universidad de Cádiz: 5
• Universidad de Extremadura: 5
• Universidad de Castilla - La Mancha: 5
• Universidad de Valladolid: 5
• Universidad de La Rioja: 7
• Universitat Rovira i Virgili: 5

General subjects in Oenology

Some of the general subjects in Oenology at some universities in Spain are as follows:

• Chemistry
• Mathematics
• Biology
• Genetics
• Physics
• Sensory analysis
• Oenological chemistry
• Viticulture
• Microbiology
• Vineyard health protection

Career opportunities and salary

As we already mentioned, Spain is one of the countries that produces and exports the most wine, so there are countless wineries where an oenologist could carry out their duties, studying the vineyard and tending the cultivation of grapes.

You can also work in the tourism sector (also with great potential in Spain), organizing visits to different wineries and organizing tastings.

You can work as a sommelier in a restaurant or as a wine taster in the restaurant industry.

Communication and marketing are also two interesting career paths for an oenologist, who can write and be a wine critic, but who can also organize events linked to this drink.

An oenologist's salary is around €1,400 per month, while one with more than five years of experience can earn about €27,000 gross per year.

How do I know if this degree is for me?

If you are a person who feels attracted to life in the countryside and to agriculture, but who also likes working in a laboratory and the process of making a food product (in this case wine), oenology may be an excellent option to consider in your professional life.

Remember that you must be a patient, innovative person, with keen senses and good problem-solving skills.