Enologist/Production Team Member

Job Description:
We are looking for an energetic, motivated, team focused individual to join our winemaking staff. This is a hands-on role involving daily work in the cellar and direct participation in all winemaking processes to help guide wine style, ensure quality, and support the evolution of our portfolio.

The ideal candidate has a strong technical background with a deep understanding of sparkling wine production, operating and maintaining winery equipment, cool climate viticulture and laboratory analysis. Attention to detail, a solid work ethic and a strong dedication to winery sanitization and cleanliness are essential to this role. The position will support all aspects of wine production for Sparkling Pointe and our select group of custom crush clients.

You will be responsible for assisting in ensuring high-quality wine from grape to bottle through active involvement in daily operations, including vineyard scouting, berry sampling, crush pad operation, juice racking, fermentation management, sanitation, filtration, cellar supervision, inventory control, bottling, disgorging, labeling, and cellar maintenance.


Responsibilities (including but not limited to:)

•  Work in conjunction with the current winemaking team in all aspects of production from grape to bottle.

•  Conduct and supervise coworkers in day to day winemaking operations

•  Contribute to the continuous improvement of winemaking processes and procedures

•  Participate in wine tasting at all stages throughout the winemaking process and assist in making recommendations of treatments and blends

•  Maintain a clean and organized workplace

•  Assist with operation and maintenance of bottling and disgorging lines

•  Assist in maintenance of winery equipment

•  Ensure necessary analysis is preformed in a timely manner (pH, TA, VA, FSO2, Alcohol, Brix, YAN, RS, Malic, Heat/Protein Stability, Cold/Tartrate Stability)

•  Stay informed of industry trends and sustainability practices

•  Contribute to fostering a positive, happy, productive, and team-focused work environment where staff feel valued and respected


Qualifications

•  Bachelor’s degree in enology, viticulture,food science, engineering, chemistry, or equivalent experience

•  At least 3 years cellar experience preferred (sparkling wine experience a plus)

•  Existing knowledge and strong interest in wine (WSET or equivalent preferred)

•  Possess a thorough understanding of fermentation science, sanitation, and wine chemistry

•  Strong attention to detail

•  Prior Vineyard Experience a plus but not required

•  Fluency in Spanish, French, Italian, or German a strong positive but not required

•  Excellent communication skills

•  Ability to set priorities and work independently with set guidelines

•  Availability to work flexible hours, including weekends, evenings, and holidays during the harvest and bottling season

•  Experience driving forklift and loading a wine press or a willingness to learn

•  Provide support representing winery at trade, media, and consumer events and tours


Physical Requirements

•  Must be able to frequently lift and carry weights of up to 50 pounds at varying frequencies

•  Must be able to climb ladders and stairs

•  Ability to perform tasks requiring bending, stooping, standing, and twisting in the performance of various tasks

•  Ability to stand for long periods

•  Able to work at various heights

•  Able to work outdoors in various weather conditions


Benefits

•  full time annual salary of $70,000-$90,000 yr. based on experience

•  Available Medical/Dental Insurance Plan (Eligible to join 2 months after hire, company contribution, not fully covered)

•  Paid Time Off / Vacation accrual / NYS Sick Time / Company Holidays

•  401K Retirement Account with 3% Company Match (an employee must be at least 21 yrs of age and have satisfied one year of service or 1,000 hours of service during the 12 consecutive month period).