Winemaker (Wine Jobs: Vineyards & Cellars )

  Haak Vineyards & Winery

  Santa Fe, Texas

Job Description:
Haak Vineyards & Winery, Inc. (HW) has helped set the standard for Texas fine wines beginning with its’ inception in 2000. Founded in 2000, the HW Portfolio has evolved to include Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Malbec, Merlot, several styles of Blanc du Bois, Port and produces the only Madeira dessert wine in Texas. HW sources premium wine varietals from more than 200 acres of acclaimed estate vineyards in the Texas High Plains AVA as well as vineyards in South Texas with grapes from the finest growers in Texas. HW wines are available primarily in Texas.

JOB SUMMARY: To successfully manage the day to day operations of HW and to continue the HW tradition of world class winemaking. To work with internal and external partners to ensure the highest standards of winemaking, winegrowing, quality communication, and engagement as it pertains to HW wines. In addition, to manage and maintain consistent and continued award winning quality at HW’s facility in Santa Fe, Texas.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Works with the Director of Wine to develop and approve HW grape supplies and to ensure growing conditions are within HW’s stylistic and harvest parameters.

Works with Director of Wine to coordinate harvest logistics to ensure timely harvest, interacts with vineyard owners and their designated growers to ensure good will and continued performance and quality assurance.

Cultivates a culture of continuous improvement, and quality communication among all suppliers, peers and HW’s winemaking team and employees.

Supports and upholds the brand identity, promotion and integrity of HW and associated brands in all markets. Travels upon request to support sales efforts of HW.

Oversees all winemaking activities associated with HW’s wines.
- Continuous objective to produce best-in-class wines.
- Fermentation management, aging, blending, finishing, and bottling.
- Barrel program – cooper selections, orders, delivery coordination.
- Brand specific research and development, focused on quality improvement and best practices for world class red and white wines.
- New product development.
- Works internal and external crush partners to ensure HW protocols are followed, and highest quality of winemaking is achieved.
- Works closely with all wine grape suppliers to insure their adherence to specified harvest parameters.

With Director of Wine and HW managers, establish and monitor production budgets, with a focus on efficiency and conserving resources.
- Develop and oversee operational plans and policies, ensuring achievement of budgeted goals.
- Identify capital needs, conservation and opportunities.

- Participates in blending and sensory evaluation sessions upon request and as needed with managers and wine making team as necessary.

- Fully supports the company’s commitment to established safety practices and policies.

- Works with Operations manager, Director of Wine, and winemaking team to coordinate HW bottlings to meet product demands.

- With Director of Wine, Operations Manager and winemaking team seek out strategies and opportunities for future HW profit centers.

- In conjunction with Senior Management and the HW winemaking team participates in establishing and supporting company policies and procedures.

-Special projects as assigned by the director of Wine.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
Minimum 3 yrs. experience or equivalent 
Strong interpersonal skills
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Must have legal work status in USA
Strong organizational, problem solving and, analytical skills
Good computer skills, including Xcel, PowerPoint and computer graphics.
Creative, flexible and innovative team player
Positive attitude
English/Spanish bilingual skills a plus
Ability to lift up to 42 lbs.
Must have good driving record

HW offers a competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package. Please respond with resume, letter of introduction and salary requirements/history. 
Additional Information:
Job Posted: 
Monday, November 14th 
Type of Work: 
Full Time 
Job Category: 
Winemaker/Enologist 
Salary Information: 
DOE