DISCOVER A CAREER IN THE SOUTH AFRICAN WINE INDUSTRY South Africa's wine industry offers a number of rewarding career paths and opportunities in one of four main areas of interest, encompassing the potential journeys within the industry. Whether you are just starting out, looking to grow, or wanting to formalise your experience, the South African Wine Industry Professional Body (SAWIPB) is here to guide and support you on your journey.

Some occupations require formal education, while others allow for the recognition of experience and offer the option to earn while you learn.

Find Your Path In Wine

The wine industry is diverse, with opportunities spanning four sub-sectors, as identified by SAWIPB. Each sub-sector offers exciting career streams, allowing you to discover where you fit in in the world of South African wine. Select each sub-sector below to discover the career opportunities and learning pathways available.

Primary Production

Cultivate the heart of our industry. Jobs in this stream focus on growing the grapes that make our world-class wines. Careers include viticulture, farming and soil science.
Secondary Production

Turn grapes into world-class wine. This path is for those who are passionate about the art and science of winemaking. Careers include wine making and oenology.
Wine Tourism & Marketing

Share the story of our wines with the world. In this sector, you will work with people and create memorable experiences for brands. Careers include tasting room management and digital marketing.
Logistics & Distribution

Take South Africa's wines to the world. This path is for strategic thinkers and those who excel at connecting products with consumers. Careers include imports, exports and logistics coordination.

When choosing a career, your passion, interests, experience and qualifications should be considered. Click below to see a full list of careers in the value chain.

Choose your career in the wine industry by considering your personal passion, interests, experience, and qualifications. Some roles require formal studies, while others recognise practical experience and offer the opportunity to earn while you learn.

Grow Your Career With SAWIPB

By ensuring everyone in the wine industry is skilled and informed, we allow South Africa's wine industry to compete on a global scale. We are committed to standardising the industry and supporting our members every step of the way. With the SAWIPB, you can access the tools and recognition you need to succeed.

Professional Designations
Professional Designations

The SAWIPB's professional designations acknowledge your skills, industry knowledge and experience, affording you the recognition and a competitive advantage within South African wine.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Your industry experience matters. Through our RPL programme, you can secure formal recognition for the skills and knowledge you have gained over the course of your career. With this recognition, you can access further learning opportunities or apply for a professional designation.

Continuous Professional Development
Continuous Professional Development

As a member of the SAWIPB, you gain access to our Learner Management System, where you can access a range of courses and workshops to build your skills and keep your knowledge up-to-date.

Your Journey Starts Here

Ready to begin your path to success and career growth? This step-by-step guide will help you get started.

  1. Join the SAWIPB Community
    The first step is to become a member. Simply click this link, enter your details, and accept the Code of Conduct. That's it!
  2. Plan Your Career Path
    Explore the different career pathways and options available to you. Use the sub-sector options above to explore and find the journey that's right for you.
  3. See What's Available
    Consider the possible designations on offer in the sub-sector. Click on the various designations and consider the details.
  4. Apply for a Designation
    There are many people in the industry that have skills and knowledge they have acquired through the years. A Designation is an acknowledgement of these abilities. The criteria for the various designations are listed under the four pathways. Apply online for the designation after joining SAWIPB.
  5. Apply for Recognition of Prior Learning
    If you have been working in the industry, you can expand your career by applying for recognition of your experience. The recognition could help you gain access to a qualification or be recognised via a SAWIPB designation. To apply, log in to the Membership portal and click on "Apply for Recognition for Prior Learning".
  6. Apply for Learning Programmes
    Access the learning opportunities, online courses and workshops available. After logging in to the Membership portal, complete the survey, select your preferred programmes, and you are ready to go!
Ready to Join SAWIPB?

Become part of the South African Wine Industry Professional Body and advance your career in the wine industry.

Join SAWIPB Today