5 Winemakers Spill The Most Important Winemaking Skill

Patience, physical strength, curiosity, self-belief, time management, winemaking and grape growing knowledge, and team members are some of the most important skills needed to be a good winemaker.

Joseph Patrick, Winemaker and Vineyard Manager at?Jones Family Farms, United States: Time management is the most important skill a winemaker must have, of course besides their own personal winemaking style. Logistics is the biggest factor in almost every decision you make in this industry. effectively managing your time can lead to better fulfillment of winemaking procedures and practices. When you complete your duties in an effective and efficient manner you will have a consistent, high-quality product.

Duncan Shouler, Chief Winemaker at?Giesen Group Limited, New Zealand: A good understanding of the science behind winemaking and grape growing is essential really.?That forms the foundation, and then after that, it's all about having the ability to use that knowledge to deliver a vision for a vineyard and a wine style.

Peter Selin, Winemaker, owner at?Selin Cellars, United States: Patience, desire for knowledge, and understanding of different styles of winemaking.

Brian Crew, Winemaker at?Cellar Beast Wine, United States: Passion, observation, organization, adaptability, eagerness to expand knowledge, strong work ethic, and experimental instincts.?Matt, Mark & I have always dared to experiment and it has constantly made us better at what we do.

Andrew Yingst,?Winemaker at?Grace Winery, United States: Patience is a good one. I thought I messed up at making a chardonnay one year, but as the wine aged in nice French oak barrels, it became something completely unexpected. It was one of the favorites I've made. However, the most important skill is the ability to take critical feedback. I always need someone alongside me to at the least bounce ideas off of and at worst tell me something I'm missing. I have the luxury of having a boss that demands quality and will tell me what he thinks. At the end of the day that has led to some wonderful creations.