Wine merchant
Buy wine from growers and shippers to sell in Scotland, or manage retail sales for a large business.
Also known as: wine vendor, wine specialist, wine seller, wine importer
About the job
What it's like
You would work as a buyer, importer or retail manager. You would buy wine from growers and shippers to sell in Scotland, or manage sales for a large business.
As a wine merchant on the high street, you would:
Order and display stock
Organise events such as wine tastings
Serve customers and offer advice on wines
Take payment for goods
Manage sales targets
Keep accounts and records
Hire, train and manage staff
It would be improtant to understand and follow the legal rules for the sale of alcohol.
You could also become a specialist buyer or importer. You might often travel abroad to find new wines. You would:
Visit vineyards, and wine producers’ cellars and production areas
Discuss prices
Check production standards
Build relationships with producers
Comply with UK and EU wine laws and taxes
Work with wholesalers in the UK who sell to restaurants, hotels and shops
You could also operate as an independent wine merchant, finding and buying your own stock and selling it from a shop, by mail order or online. You would buy wine, usually from importers, advertise it for sale and send out orders. You might also go to wine tastings in the UK.
Hours
You'll usually work 40 to 45 hours a week, which often includes evenings and weekends.
Environment
You may have to do heavy lifting and carrying and be on your feet for long periods. Although mainly office or shop-based, you may need to travel in the UK or abroad.
Travel
You may need to travel in the UK or abroad. A driving licence is often required.
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Food and drink
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- taking responsibility
- reliable
- time management
- managing resources
- attention to detail
- working with numbers
- problem solving
- written communication
- verbal communication
- building relationships
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Business
Health and Food Technology (Home economics)
There are no formal qualifications required to enter this role but most employers value a good general education including English and maths.
With a degree (SCQF level 9/10) you may be able to find a graduate management trainee scheme.
Qualifications and experience in sales, customer service, business and marketing.
It is possible to study for qualifications awarded by the Institute of Sales and Marketing Management (ISMM).
The Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) also has a range of courses which can help with professional development.
To be over 18 years old
To obtain a licence to sell alcohol such as the Scottish Certificate for Personal Licence Holders which is awarded by the British Institute of Innkeeping awarding body (BIIAB).
A driving licence is required for most jobs.
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Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Wine merchant'
