Winemaker Job Description
From harvest to bottle, the Winemaker is responsible for all stages of production for all wine that passes through our multiple facilities. We have a 7500-ton custom crush winery, a 1500-ton boutique winery, a wine club, and two tasting rooms. The ideal candidate is a seasoned professional with years of experience and a passion for making amazing wine and growing their staff professionally. The Winemaker reports directly to the General Manager.
Winemaking Responsibilities
• Supervise all day-to-day cellar operations, including harvest, bulk wine, barrels, and bottling preparation.
• Provide winemaking technical support to the production staff.
• Coordinate day-to-day operations during harvest and communicate the plan to the lab and cellar staff.
• Write work orders for all production-related tasks from harvest to bottling.
• Participate in wine tasting and blending decisions at all stages throughout the winemaking process, conducting evaluation and recommendation of treatments.
• Ensure wines meet all legal requirements.
• Responsible for the quality and execution of work performed in the laboratory.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of the winemaking process and procedures.
• Conduct bulk and bottled wine inventories.
• Monitor the condition of all wines to prevent spoilage.
• Keep track of winery operations using Vintrace or similar platforms.
• Work with sales, packaging, and compliance to set production schedules in line with the capabilities of the facility and the needs of the market – order packaging materials and maintain bottling QC with lab personnel.
Administrative Responsibilities
• Data management of lab analysis and wine storage.
• Develop and maintain operational procedures for juice and wine analyses and sampling.
• Develop and maintain operational procedures for cellar hygiene programs.
• Manages safety, training, and records in the laboratory.
• Manage inventory levels of supplies and materials used in the laboratory.
• Ensure that all communication is clear, timely, and addressed to all concerned.
Personnel Management and Leadership Responsibilities
• Work as part of the leadership team to help set company direction.
• Actively engage with company management to work through important business opportunities and changes.
• Coach/mentor direct reports and provide regular feedback on performance.
• Actively participate in company-wide employee evaluation process.
• Responsible for supervising, training, and mentoring all lab employees.
• Act as a brand representative - lead tours, attend tasting room functions, lead winemaker dinners, and support sales efforts as needed.
Qualifications
• Degree in viticulture/enology from an accredited university or winemaking program.
• Strong communication skills; written, oratory, and presentation skills.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• Ability to work weekends and long hours as needed.
• Strong computing skills in MS Office and Vintrace.
• A proven track record of mentoring and growing staff.
• Ability to lift and move 50 pounds regularly.
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Compensation:
$7O,OOO.OO − $12O,OOO.OO Bonus, 401K, Benefits (Health, Dental, Vision)