ESSENTIAL PURPOSE: Under supervision (both direct and indirect) of the Winemaker, this position supports all activities of the winemaking process.


Key Responsibilities:

Cellar operations including but not limited to:

Harvest:

Oversee staff for harvest and general winery functions
Oversee crush pad operations
Oversee all additions as dictated by winemaker
Assist in scheduling of winery staff
Ensure that quality standards and practices are upheld
Assigning of tasks to cellar staff
Writing work orders
BBL and lot tracking
Assist with sampling vineyards to determine ripeness
Assist with sampling of grape and wine lots for chemical analysis
With direction of winemaker, assign tasks for Enologist (i.e. TA/pH etc.)


Bottling:



Working in conjunction with WM to schedule dates with bottling company
Working in conjunction with WM to prepare final blends for bottling
Working in conjunction with WM to develop and implement a filtering plan
Working in conjunction with WM, order and maintain inventory of winemaking supplies
Working in conjunction with WM to schedule trucking for case goods to storage
Schedule and oversee bottling crew
Manage hand labeling crew and process


Winery maintenance:

Work with Cellar Master to schedule maintenance of equipment and facilities. Inform winemaker when replacements or repairs are needed
Take a sense of ownership and insure that winery is clean at all times
Work with Cellar Master on tracking of chemicals
Double check repair & maintenance plan from Cellar Master for annual budget before presenting to WM


Blend & Comp tastings:

Work with WM in identifying quality in lots
Assist in pulling lots or gathering wines for tastings
Be a vocal part of the blend and comparative tastings


Clerical/Office:

Work order entries into AMS
Monthly inventories
Keep file of empty barrels
With aid of Enologist, track all chemical analysis
Track experiments
Track hours worked of employees and timecards

Travel/Marketing/Sales

Attend industry functions as needed
Be present at all winery functions; assist with set up for events & tastings
Assist with touring groups through the winery
Support sales staff with travel to specific markets as needed

Other Responsibilities

Follow out instructions from WM
Ability to assist WM and step in with any additional needs
Assist WM in all winery related operations including but not limited to harvest, blending, bottling, tastings, AMS, lot tracking, BBL tracking, staff scheduling, events, etc.
Complete the jobs requested by WM in a timely, safe and professional manner
Work with Cellar Master/Enologist to maintain a sanitary and safe workplace
Take sense of ownership with the winery, ensuring that it’s presentable, clean and safe
Inventory tracking and AMS entry with the help of WM
Interaction w/others

Must maintain a positive and optimistic attitude in the workplace
Treats others with respect
Listens to direction and orders well from any manager
Able to give direction and orders professionally
Able to provide leadership/mentorship role for cellar team
Provides guidance without micromanaging. Thus allowing for the efficiency of winery operations and the growth of employees
Supervisory Responsibility

With the help of the WM, oversee and supervise the entire team of personnel
Work with cellar team on various tasks ensuring the jobs are completed in a safe, timely and professional manner.
Gives guidance and leadership to entire cellar team
Over sees operations of cellar team
Direct contact for cellar team
Listens to concerns or suggestions from subordinates
Skills/Qualities



Must be able to lift 50lbs
Must be able to stand/walk for long hours in a work day
Team player + independently capable
Great attitude
Excellent understanding of winery and vineyard knowledge and operations
Excellent understanding of chemistry and its relation to wine
Excellent understanding of fine wine
Have a complete understanding of the white papers and vision created by the Winemaker
Vision for improvements regarding winery operations and wine quality that align with the stylistic goals
Leadership and mentorship qualities
Patience with subordinates
Fast learner


Experience

B.S. in Enology required
5+ years of full time cellar experience, with at least two years as Cellar Master and/or Enologist