Four Feathers Wine Estates, a part of Zirkle Fruit Company, is a family-owned custom crush winery based in Prosser, Washington. Our vision is to be a flagship organization known for exceptional service, strong brands, and a high-performing team. Our skilled team is dedicated to producing the highest quality wines while supporting our partners with precision and care. We are seeking a highly organized, detail-oriented Enologist to support our winemaking and packaging operations. This role is responsible for preparing wines for packaging and plays a key role in maintaining wine quality, compliance, and production efficiency.
The ideal candidate is proactive, adaptable, and thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities are essential.
Key Responsibilities
Packaging & Production
• Coordinate timelines for wine readiness and execute all preparation steps to meet tight, multi-line packaging schedules
• Prepare final packaging blends as directed by the winemaking team
• Manage finishing additions and filtration timing in alignment with packaging schedules
• Ensure blend composition aligns with label and compliance requirements
• Collaborate closely with winemaking, packaging, QC lab, and sales teams to address quality, compliance, and stability concerns
• Review and approve pre- and post-packaging COA analysis to ensure wines meet specifications
• Lead daily cross-functional meetings to review upcoming packaging runs and address potential issues
• Taste and evaluate wines prior to and during packaging to ensure quality standards are met
• Continuously improve packaging systems, SOPs, and quality control processes
Wine Quality & Cellar Management
• Execute daily and weekly objectives set by the winemaking team
• Monitor and manage partial vessels, including gassing, SO2 adjustments, and tank integrity
• Track key metrics such as Free SO2 and volatile acidity, and communicate any concerns
• Coordinate barrel topping and routine wine maintenance activities
• Maintain accurate and timely records, including partial tank reports and work orders
• Conduct monthly audits to ensure all wine lots have complete and accurate analysis
• Support blending trials, fining trials, and tasting preparations
• Participate in internal and client tastings to further develop sensory and technical skills
Team Support
• Provide cross-functional support across red, white, and sparkling winemaking
• Assist with additive sourcing and timing of additions
• Support development of new flavored products and processes as needed
• Ensure batch compliance through regular audits and documentation review
Harvest (Seasonal)
• Support all harvest-related winemaking operations, including fermentation monitoring and work order execution
• Collaborate with winemakers on daily tank activity and production planning
• Monitor fermentations (Brix, temperature, taste) and execute timely adjustments
Qualifications
• Degree in Enology, Chemistry, or a related field
• 1–2+ years of experience in a winery or production environment
• Strong technical knowledge of winemaking processes
• Excellent organizational, math, and record-keeping skills
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work both independently and as part of a team
• Detail-oriented with a high standard for accuracy and quality
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
• Willingness to work extended hours, including weekends and swing shifts, during harvest and peak production periods
Benefits
Benefits for this position may include paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, paid holidays, and 401k. The benefits are for a full-time employee and are subject to the terms and conditions of the benefit plans for eligibility and any associated waiting periods.
Please submit resume and coverletter.
Create a Job Alert
Receive an email alert when similar new jobs are posted. It's free, fast and easy.
Create Alert