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.