Learn six tips to network in the wine industry, from attending events and using social media to joining associations and volunteering. Be yourself and follow up with your contacts.

If you are on the DTC side of the business attend the DTC Wine Symposium each year sponsored by Free the Grapes in the third week of January each year. The majority of the proceeds from the show go to FTG to continue to fight the good fight to keep wine shipping open in the US. Another good show for production and wholesale side is the Unified Wine and Grape Symposium-also held each January Be active in your local Vintners association. You get out as much as you put in when volunteer to serve on committees Comment and post on LinkedIn—my favorite social platform for business. Finally: go out and taste. Support your brethren. Almost 35% of DTC revenue comes from Industry tastings. Ask for the Industry discount. It will vary from 20-35%.

My website, Wine Cellar Door has a filter that shows all UK vineyards that welcome volunteers. Joining a harvest is a great way to meet people, have a fun day out and gain a unique insight into where your wine comes from.

What are the best ways to network in the wine industry?

Networking is a vital skill for anyone who wants to succeed in the wine industry. Whether you are a producer, a distributor, a sommelier, or a consumer, you need to build relationships with people who share your passion and can help you grow your knowledge, opportunities, and reputation. But how do you network effectively in such a diverse and competitive field? Here are some tips to help you make the most of your connections in the wine world.

1 Attend events

One of the best ways to network in the wine industry is to attend events where you can meet other professionals, taste new wines, and learn from experts. Events can range from trade shows and conferences to tastings and dinners. Look for events that match your interests, goals, and level of expertise. For example, if you are a beginner, you might want to join a local wine club or a tasting group. If you are more advanced, you might want to attend a masterclass or a seminar. Whatever the event, be prepared to introduce yourself, ask questions, and exchange contact information with people you meet.

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Brian Baker

Wine and spirits sales and marketing professional. Beverage Alcohol consultant. Specialist in wine and spirits DTC. Professional Speaker.
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If you are on the DTC side of the business attend the DTC Wine Symposium each year sponsored by Free the Grapes in the third week of January each year. The majority of the proceeds from the show go to FTG to continue to fight the good fight to keep wine shipping open in the US. Another good show for production and wholesale side is the Unified Wine and Grape Symposium-also held each January Be active in your local Vintners association. You get out as much as you put in when volunteer to serve on committees Comment and post on LinkedIn—my favorite social platform for business. Finally: go out and taste. Support your brethren. Almost 35% of DTC revenue comes from Industry tastings. Ask for the Industry discount. It will vary from 20-35%.

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Erica Lenz Ercolano

Retired ‘09
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The best way to net work that market is to support/sponsor and attend Vintner/Grower Association functions. Build relationships with the decision- makers who are the ones attending, ask whom in their organization might be the best to contact about possibly collaborating on whatever might be mutually beneficial 😉

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2 Use social media

Another way to network in the wine industry is to use social media platforms to showcase your work, share your opinions, and engage with your audience. Social media can help you reach a wider and more diverse network of people who are interested in wine. You can use platforms like Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn to post photos, videos, reviews, articles, or podcasts about wine. You can also follow, comment, and message other wine influencers, experts, or enthusiasts. Be authentic, consistent, and respectful when using social media, and avoid spamming or self-promoting too much.

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Misty Warren

Account Executive
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Food pairings is a great way to engage followers on social media platforms. Display your favorite wine cocktail recipe, discuss how spicy food and sweet wine compliment the other or which cheese goes best with a dry white to enhance the flavors.

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3 Join associations

A third way to network in the wine industry is to join associations that represent your niche, sector, or region. Associations can provide you with access to resources, education, advocacy, and events that are relevant to your wine career. They can also help you connect with other members who have similar interests, challenges, or goals. Some examples of associations are the Wine Institute, the Society of Wine Educators, the American Sommelier Association, or the International Wine and Spirits Guild. Find out what associations are available in your area or online, and check their membership criteria, benefits, and fees.

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4 Volunteer or mentor

A fourth way to network in the wine industry is to volunteer or mentor for a cause, a project, or a person that you care about. Volunteering or mentoring can help you demonstrate your skills, values, and commitment to the wine community. It can also help you learn from others, gain experience, and make a positive impact. You can volunteer or mentor for a charity, a non-profit organization, a winery, a school, or an individual. For example, you can help organize a fundraising event, teach a wine class, work at a harvest, or coach a new entrant.

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Elisabeth Else
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My website, Wine Cellar Door has a filter that shows all UK vineyards that welcome volunteers. Joining a harvest is a great way to meet people, have a fun day out and gain a unique insight into where your wine comes from.

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Drishti Bagla

Building Strong Personal Brands for Professionals on LinkedIn | Sports Content Creator | Deloitte India | All views are personal |
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In the wine industry, networking thrives through tastings and industry events. Attending renowned wine festivals like Vinexpo or ProWein offers ample opportunities. For instance, mingling at Vinexpo Bordeaux enables connections with winemakers, distributors, and industry experts. Engaging in discussions, participating in workshops, or volunteering at such events allows for meaningful interactions, fostering relationships crucial in the wine business. These connections lead to collaborations, partnerships, and valuable industry insights, enhancing one's presence and influence within the wine community.

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Tereza Roux

CEO & founder of Virtual Wine Concierge. Business Advisor in Wine, Food Diversity. As feature sommelier for resorts, restaurants & private clients, I ensure your guests experience memorable & your business is profitable.
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In my experience, when I began my career, volunteering at local wine festivals/events as well as getting involved with the restaurant association provided entry into the community of hospitality as well as allowing opportunities to increase my knowledge in tasting, pairing and selling wine. Over two decades later, volunteer and mentor work that I do is to spearhead charity/non profit societies in a few sectors of the world.

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5 Follow up and follow through

A fifth way to network in the wine industry is to follow up and follow through with the contacts you make. Networking is not a one-time activity, but a continuous process of building and maintaining relationships. You need to stay in touch with your network, provide value, and show interest. You can follow up and follow through by sending a thank-you note, a feedback, a referral, a recommendation, or an invitation. You can also share useful information, offer help, ask for advice, or propose a collaboration. Be polite, professional, and timely when following up and following through, and avoid being pushy or needy.

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6 Be yourself

A sixth and final way to network in the wine industry is to be yourself. Networking is not about pretending to be someone you are not, but about showing your genuine personality, passion, and potential. You need to be confident, curious, and respectful when networking, but also humble, honest, and open-minded. You need to listen more than you talk, and ask more than you answer. You need to be willing to learn, grow, and share. And most importantly, you need to enjoy the process of meeting new people, discovering new wines, and exploring new opportunities.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What are the best ways to network in the wine industry?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Attend events

2 Use social media

3 Join associations

4 Volunteer or mentor

5 Follow up and follow through

6 Be yourself

7 Here’s what else to consider

Interpersonal Skills

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What are the best ways to network in the wine industry?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Attend events

2 Use social media

3 Join associations

4 Volunteer or mentor

5 Follow up and follow through

6 Be yourself

7 Here’s what else to consider

Interpersonal Skills

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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