A Day in the Life of a Winemaking Apprentice

 A Day in the Life of a Winemaking Apprentice

Hello, fellow wine enthusiasts! Today, I’m excited to give you an inside look at what a typical day in my life as a winemaking apprentice looks like. Winemaking is a dynamic profession where tasks vary greatly with the seasons. Whether it’s vine training in the spring or hedging vines in the summer, every day brings something new. Currently, I’m recovering from a shoulder injury, so my routine is a bit different. However, I’ll walk you through what a typical summer day would be like if I were at full capacity.

Morning Routine: Rise and Shine

My day starts at 7 AM, and I like to hit the ground running. I’m not one to dilly-dally in the mornings—I prefer to get straight to work. My usual breakfast is a fruit smoothie, but lately, I’ve been treating myself to fresh German bread from a new bakery in town. Fresh bread with cheese has become my new go-to breakfast. I’m fortunate that my commute is only a 5-minute walk, making mornings less stressful.

The Workday Begins: Summer Edition

Typically, work starts at 8 AM. However, when the forecast predicts temperatures above 28°C (82°F), we start as early as 7 AM to avoid the intense afternoon sun. On days when we’re spraying the vineyards, we start as early as 6 AM, as this task becomes unbearable in the heat.

Before the day begins, we usually discuss the tasks for the day, so I have a good idea of what to expect. In the spring, I often work with a team from Romania, although they speak Hungarian, which presents some communication challenges! During the summer, after most of the time-sensitive tasks are completed, it’s usually just me and sometimes my boss working on the vines.

Summer Vine Work: Precision and Patience

One of my primary tasks during the summer is hedging the vines by hand. We use manual shears to trim the tops of the vines, ensuring they look like perfect little boxes—a process known as “Stumpen” in the local Mosel slang. This task is typically done three times a year, although it depends on the weather. If it’s too dry, the vines grow less, which means less trimming is required.

I enjoy working alongside my boss during these tasks, as it gives us plenty of time to discuss what we observe in the vineyards. Whether it’s spotting early signs of botrytis or correcting past mistakes, this hands-on experience is invaluable.

Lunchtime: A Much-Needed Break

By noon, it’s time for a well-deserved break. Since I live so close to work, I usually head home for lunch. If the weather is particularly hot, we might take a longer break to avoid the heat. Sometimes, I’ll switch gears and focus on cellar work during this time, which is my favorite part of the day since the cellar is nice and cool.

Afternoon and Evening: Wrapping Up the Day

After lunch, it’s back to the vineyard. Depending on how much we accomplished in the morning and how cooperative the weather is, my day could end anytime between 5 PM and 10 PM. Some days are long, but don’t worry—I get plenty of time to relax and take vacations in the winter.

In addition to vineyard work, I occasionally help out at our seasonal restaurant. This is where I get to engage with consumers, sharing my passion for winemaking and learning from other wine enthusiasts. It’s a great way to connect with the people who enjoy our products and to stay informed about market trends.

Looking Ahead: A New Chapter Begins

As summer wraps up, my routine is about to change. In September, I’ll be starting winemaking school alongside my apprenticeship, which will bring a whole new set of challenges and learning opportunities. I’m excited to start documenting this journey in my “Apprenticeship Diaries,” where I’ll share more insights into my experiences, lessons learned, and the balance between school and work.

Final Thoughts: The Passion That Drives Me

Despite the physical demands and long hours, the passion for winemaking keeps me going. There’s nothing quite like watching the grapes ripen and hoping for dry weather to avoid fungal issues before harvest. And when I’m able to share that passion with others—whether it’s through working in the vineyard or talking to customers—it makes all the hard work worthwhile.

Thanks for joining me on this journey through a day in my life as a winemaking apprentice. Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or new to the world of wine, I hope this gives you a glimpse of the dedication and passion that goes into every bottle.

Prost!