The demand trend for cavists—professionals who specialize in selling and advising on wine in specialized shops—showed a strong uptick in the first half of 2024, rising to 73 percent of the level seen in the same period of 2023. Job openings in this field grew notably, with vacancies increasing by 55 percent in 2023 compared with 2021 and by 19 percent in 2023 compared with 2022. This pattern comes from a study conducted by SimpleWine and hh.ru and later reviewed by SocialBites.ca, highlighting a market that is expanding with regional variation in mind.
Wages for cavist specialists have also shifted upward. The average salary rose from 56,700 rubles in 2022 to 71,000 rubles in 2024. Service costs in cavitation—likely referring to specialized tasting and purchasing services—recorded a 19 percent rise from the first half of 2024 versus 2023, with a broader comparison showing a 25 percent increase from 2022 to 2024. These figures point to a sector adjusting to greater demand and a more competitive pay environment across the board.
The study indicates that demand is not uniform across regions. Interest among wine specialists in Moscow grew by about 20 percent from 2023 to 2024. Some areas saw even larger spikes: Kirov up by 500 percent, Leningrad by 475 percent, and Orenburg by 200 percent. This uneven growth suggests consumer curiosity and retail expansion in specific markets are driving hiring more than in others, a trend that might influence how wine education and training programs are structured in different provinces and neighboring countries with similar consumer profiles.
Analysts note a sustained rise in interest in the cavist occupation. In the first quarter of 2024, vacancy responses increased by roughly 1.5 times compared with the same period in 2023. More often than not, those drawn to the field secured employment, and starting salaries in early 2024 reflected a notable uplift—cavists earned around 20 percent more than in 2023. Some observers attribute this momentum to growing recognition of the role among travel bloggers and cultural influencers who spotlight wine culture. It is also observed that the 2023 television adaptation Drops of God has resonated with a broad audience in Russia, contributing to heightened interest in wine careers. The shift signals a broader appeal of wine expertise in moving markets, including international consumers who value informed, passionate retail staff.
Historically, the preference among Russians for non-alcoholic beverages has evolved as tastes and health considerations shift, alongside the broader global movement toward diverse beverage options. The evolving market for cavists reflects ongoing changes in consumer behavior and the widening palate of wine enthusiasts across regions, with implications for retailers, educators, and recruitment professionals aiming to match talent with demand in both domestic and neighboring markets.