Assistant Winemaker

Overview: The Assistant Winemaker plays a vital role in the day-to-day operations of the winery, assisting with grape processing, fermentation management, barrel work, bottling preparation, and cellar maintenance. This hands-on position requires knowledge of the winemaking process and attention to detail to ensure the production of high-quality wines. The Assistant Winemaker will work closely with the winemaking team and harvest crew, manage wine inventory, oversee cellar operations, and ensure that all tasks are completed efficiently and in accordance with the winery's production standards.

Key Responsibilities: 

Harvest Activities (Sept – Nov) (25%)

·         Assist with grape processing, including crushing, pressing, fermentation management, and racking.

·         Monitor yeast additions, manage fermentation processes, and ensure optimal conditions for fermentation and quality.

·         Take samples and perform quality control checks during fermentation, conducting lab work as needed.

·         Collaborate with the team to ensure cleanliness and organization in all harvest-related tasks.

Cellar Management (Year-Round) (60%)

·         Oversee barrel work, including filling, emptying, cleaning, and managing barrel inventory.

·         Ensure proper filtration of wines from post-fermentation to ready-to-bottle stage.

·         Maintain and clean the cellar, ensuring the environment is organized and safe for wine production.

·         Track inventory of cleaning supplies, barrels, and other materials used in the winemaking process.

·         Manage wine movement between fermentation vessels, barrels, and tanks.

Bottling Operations (Year-Round) (10%)

·         Assist with the bottling process, ensuring that the wine is properly prepared and all quality checks are met before bottling.

·         Work with the Bottling Line Supervisor to prepare wines for the bottling line, ensuring everything is in place for smooth operation.

·         Oversee final packaging and labeling of wine, ensuring accuracy and consistency in all bottling steps.

Maintenance and Administrative Tasks (Year-Round) (5%)

·         Oversee basic maintenance of winery equipment, including pumps, filters, and fermentation tanks.

·         Assist with repairing barrels, maintaining tour center barrels, and ensuring equipment is operational.

·         Ensure accurate and detailed reports for each vintage, documenting daily tasks, wine movements, and any maintenance activities.

·         Communicate daily progress and updates with the winemaking team, and track major tasks.

  Working Conditions:

·         Physical Environment: The Assistant Winemaker will work in various winery environments, including the cellar, fermentation rooms, and bottling line. Exposure to outdoor elements during harvest and varying conditions in the cellar (e.g., temperature fluctuations) will be common.

·         Sensory Attention: Strong sensory attention is required for quality control throughout the winemaking process, including tasting, monitoring fermentation, and ensuring consistency in wine quality.

·         Work Schedule: The role requires flexibility, especially during harvest season (Sept – Nov), barrel work, and bottling operations. Extended hours, weekends, and occasional evening work may be necessary during peak times.

·         Team Interaction: The Assistant Winemaker will work closely with the winemaking team, harvest crew, cellar staff, and bottling team, ensuring collaboration and smooth communication throughout the production process.