How to Be Wine Critic - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Feb 1, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

The rise in popularity of wine tasting and appreciation over the last few decades has had a significant impact on the world of wine. As more people turn to experts to help them make informed decisions, the role of the wine critic has become increasingly important. Wine critics are responsible for evaluating wines, rating them according to quality, and providing detailed descriptions of their flavor profiles.

Their expertise helps consumers to make informed decisions when selecting a bottle of wine, as well as inspire producers to strive for excellence in their winemaking. The increased demand for quality wines has consequently driven wineries to seek certification from respected organizations, such as the Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée in France, and focus more attention on sustainable viticulture practices. This has resulted in higher quality wines for consumers, and a stronger and more competitive wine industry overall.

Steps How to Become

Develop a passion for wine. Wine critics must have a deep knowledge of wine, so cultivate your palate and a thirst for knowledge. Attend wine tastings, read books about wine, and familiarize yourself with different types of wine from different regions.
Become educated in the industry. Consider completing a certificate program in wine studies or a degree in viticulture and enology. This will give you the credentials necessary to become a certified wine critic.
Gain experience in the wine industry. Work in a winery, volunteer at a tasting room, or assist with grape harvests. This will give you the hands-on experience necessary to understand the workings of the industry.
Start writing about wine. Begin by writing articles for magazines or blogs, or start your own website to showcase your reviews and opinions. Make sure your writing is clear, concise, and informative.
Become certified. Consider applying for a certification program such as the Court of Master Sommeliers or the Certified Wine Professional Program. Becoming certified will help you gain credibility in the industry and help you secure future writing opportunities.
Network with other wine professionals. Attend industry events and conferences, and connect with other wine professionals to build relationships. This will help you stay informed about the latest industry news and trends, as well as help you make connections that could lead to new writing opportunities.

Keeping up with the ever-evolving world of wine can be a daunting task for any wine critic. To stay efficient and up to date, it is important to stay informed on new trends, grape varieties, and winemaking techniques. Keeping track of new releases and reading up on industry news are key steps to staying current.

attending wine tastings and visiting wineries will help to gain insight into the latest developments in the industry. Furthermore, engaging with peers through various forums and social media can help to further knowledge and understanding of the wide range of wines available. By taking the time to stay informed, any wine critic will be better equipped to provide accurate and reliable reviews.

You may want to check Cultural Critic, Political Critic, and Movie Critic for alternative.

Job Description

Lead Wine Critic: Responsible for tasting and evaluating wines, creating detailed tasting notes and ratings, and developing wine lists for restaurants, retailers, and other businesses.
Wine Writer: Writes articles, reviews, and blog posts about wine and winemaking for print and online publications.
Wine Educator: Teaches classes on wine appreciation, pairing, and production.
Wine Consultant: Advises businesses on wine selection, pricing, marketing, and distribution.
Sommelier: Works in restaurants to pair food and wines, select wines for the list, train staff on wine service, and manage inventory.
Wine Judge: Tastes and evaluates wines for competitions, awards, and other events.
Wine Brand Ambassador: Promotes a specific wine brand or portfolio of wines by attending events, developing relationships with buyers, and educating consumers about the brand.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of wine grapes, regions, producers, and vintages
Understanding of the different styles of wines and their associated flavors and aromas
Ability to write clear, accurate, and informative wine reviews
Ability to evaluate wines in a professional and objective manner
Familiarity with wine industry terminology
Ability to effectively communicate opinions on wines
Understanding of the various wine production methods
Ability to compare and contrast different wines in a comparative tasting
Knowledge of food and wine pairing principles
Familiarity with international wine laws and regulations

Being a wine critic requires a certain set of skills to be successful. First and foremost, a wine critic should have an excellent palate and the ability to differentiate between different flavors and aromas in a variety of wines. Second, they should have an extensive knowledge of wine regions, grape varieties, and winemaking processes.

Finally, they should have the ability to communicate their thoughts and opinions in an articulate and informative manner. All of these skills together, allow a wine critic to effectively evaluate a wine, provide accurate ratings, and create informative and interesting reviews that can inform and educate consumers. having the right combination of these skills is essential for becoming an expert wine critic.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have tasting and evaluating different wines?
What criteria do you use to assess a wine's quality?
How do you keep up to date on emerging wine trends and industry developments?
What do you think sets a great wine apart from an average one?
How do you ensure that your reviews are unbiased and objective?
What type of wine do you most enjoy tasting and why?
How do you handle disagreements with winemakers or members of the wine industry?
How do you make sure that your evaluations are accurate and consistent?
Do you have any experience teaching others about wine tasting and evaluation?
How would you handle a situation where a winemaker disagrees with your review?

Common Tools in Industry

Wine Spectator. A rating system and reviews of wines, with ratings of up to 100 points. (eg: Opus One 2014 received 97 points)
Vivino. A marketplace and wine rating app, with an extensive library of wines and ratings. (eg: The Penfolds Grange 2016 received a 4. 7 rating)
Wine Enthusiast. An online magazine and review site for wine enthusiasts, with ratings from 80-100 points. (eg: Chteau La Fleur-Pétrus 2017 scored 96 points)
CellarTracker. A database used by wine collectors and critics to track, rate, and review wines. (eg: The 2011 Chteau La Tour Haut-Brion scored 96 points)
Wine Advocate. An online wine review publication, with ratings from 80-100 points. (eg: Bouchard Père & Fils Beaune du Chteau 2017 received 91 points)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Wine Society (AWS)
Society of Wine Educators (SWE)
International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC)
International Sommelier Guild (ISG)
Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS)
Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET)
Wine Enthusiast Magazine
Wine Spectator Magazine
Decanter Magazine
International Association of Wine Economists (IAWE)

We also have Music Critic, Food Critic, and Style Critic jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Appellation. A term used to identify the geographic origin of a particular wine.
Aroma. The smell of a wine, usually derived from the grape variety and/or the process of aging.
Body. The weight, texture and structure of a wine, usually indicated by its alcohol content.
Balance. The combination of acidity, tannins, sweetness, alcohol and flavor in a wine.
Bouquet. The complex mixture of aromas found in a mature wine that develops with age.
Finish. The lingering taste of a wine after it has been swallowed.
Oakiness. The flavor of oak wood imparted to a wine during aging in oak barrels or chips.
Varietal. A wine made primarily from one grape variety.
Vintage. The year the grapes were harvested for a particular wine.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average rating score for a wine given by Wine Critic?

Wine Critic typically scores wines on a 100-point scale, with an average rating of 85-90 points.

What is the most common type of wine reviewed by Wine Critic?

Wine Critic reviews a variety of wines, but red wines make up the majority of their reviews.

How many wine critics are employed by Wine Critic?

Wine Critic employs a team of 10 professional wine critics who provide unbiased reviews and ratings.

What are the criteria used by Wine Critic to rate wines?

Wine Critic evaluates wines according to their appearance, aroma, flavor, body, and finish. They also take into account the wine's price and overall quality.