Top Winemaker/Enologist Interview Questions & Answers:

1. Do you know how many grape vines can be planted per acre?

In a wide spacing of 566 vines per acre one would ask each vine to ripen 44 clusters (11 pounds) to achieve a 3.1 ton yield per acre. However, in a dense spacing of 2,723 vines per acre you would ask each vine to ripen only 9 fruit clusters to achieve the same yield per acre.

2. Tell me where grapes are grown?

Talk to other vineyards about the availability of vineyard workers. While grapes will grow in most climate zones in the United States, the types of grapes grown for wine, eating or juices are have a much more limited growing area. Before planting any commercial vineyard, consult an expert in viticulture in your area.

3. Tell me how do you grow grapes?

Wine grapes are grown outdoors, in a warm, sheltered, sunny site, such as a south- or southwest-facing wall or fence. Grapevines grow on any soil, providing it is well drained. When planting a row of vines, a south-facing slope is desirable with the rows running north to south.

4. Tell me what is vinification process?

Winemaking or vinification, is the production of wine, starting with selection of the grapes or other produce and ending with bottling the finished wine. Although most wine is made from grapes, it may also be made from other fruits or plants.

5. Tell me what do you look for when you make wine?

I'm looking for wines that taste good. That's obvious, but I am looking for that. I'm also looking for wines that are in balance. I want some wines to be ready to drink right away and others that can be laid down to age for awhile. I'm looking for the parameters and ingredients that can create that process and scenario.

6. Explain me what does a viticulturist study?

As a Viticulturist, you're in the business of growing grapes. The art of grape growing is part science and part intuition, commonly known as “trusting your gut.” With your knowledge and skills, you grow grape vines that produce large quantities of juicy, mouth-watering grapes.

7. Tell me what is the season for grapes in India?

Wine grapes in India are harvested during February-April, versus September-October elsewhere in the northern hemisphere, in this sense we are like the industry “down under” (the southern Hemisphere - Australia, South Africa, South America) where, too, the 2013 harvest is currently going on.

8. Tell me what is the meaning of plant pathologist?

Plant Pathology is defined as the study of the organisms and environmental conditions that cause disease in plants, the mechanisms by which this occurs, the interactions between these causal agents and the plant, and the methods of managing or controlling plant disease.

9. Tell me what is your favorite wine that you've made and what makes it your favorite?

Throughout my career the wineries I've worked at have been mostly Cabernet oriented wineries and I've made a lot of really good Cabernet. When I make a reserve style Cabernet from a great vintage and it turns out just right, I'm really proud of that. But what I like the most is when I make a really good Pinot Noir. Pinot Noir is a tricky wine to make and I probably drink more of it than any other kind.

10. Tell me how long does it take for grapes to ripen?

Most grapevines give you fruit in their third season. Your backyard grapevine can take up to three years to produce viable grapes, but that timeline is based on several environmental factors as well as how you care for the plant. Sunlight and well-drained soil are key to grape production, as is proper pruning.