WSET Global

WSET Alumni insights

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Service Roles

Service roles focus on selling wines, beers and spirits to the general public. That could be in the on-trade: bars, pubs, restaurants or hotels. Alternatively, you could land a service role in the off-trade, which encompasses independent retailers, large retail chains, supermarkets, cellar door operations and online retailers. We have delved into the most common roles below.

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Distiller

A distiller is responsible for the production of spirits, such as whisky, gin, rum, brandy, vodka or tequila. Distilling involves turning raw ingredients – grain, fruit, molasses, botanicals – into drinks that can be enjoyed around the world.

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Brewer

The craft of brewing is steeped in centuries of tradition. This role encompasses everything from home brewing to overseeing enormous production facilities at global titans like AB InBev, Heineken and Molson Coors.

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Viticulturist

A viticulturist is responsible for growing the grapes used to make wine. This is an important and sometimes underappreciated role, as great wine always begins in the vineyard.

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Cellar technician

A cellar technician is responsible for installing and maintaining the equipment used to produce wine and spirits. This is a more senior and technical role than a cellar hand, but it requires a similar work ethic and physical fitness.

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Beverage buyer

A buyer is responsible for sourcing a diverse range of drinks on behalf of a business, such as a supermarket, a wine merchant or a hotel chain. Buyers aim to build a range that appeals to existing customers, but they also need to attract new customers. The portfolio should stand out from the competition, while offering a strong blend of quality and value.

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Beverage industry sales

Drinks industry careers in sales can be exciting, varied and highly rewarding. You will be required to sell drinks to businesses, such as bars, restaurants, hotels and supermarkets. It’s also possible to sell direct to consumers, but we have covered drinks retailing jobs and hospitality career options within our service roles guide.