Enologist (Wine Jobs: Vineyards & Cellars )

  Hirsch Winery

  Cazadero, California

Hirsch Winery is seeking a full-time Enologist to join our team. Hirsch is a family-owned, biodynamic estate vineyard and winery on the West Sonoma Coast. 

The Enologist position is responsible for supporting the GM and Assistant Winemaker throughout the entire winemaking process: vineyard sampling, harvest and crush, elevage, blending, and bottling. As we are a small team, you will be engaged in all aspects of the winemaking. 

During harvest and crush, the Enologist position is focused on lab work. Outside of harvest, the majority of the Enologist’s time will be spent on cellar work. 

Hirsch Winery is in a remote location and housing is not provided, except during harvest. Before applying, please ensure your ability to commute daily to our location: 45075 Bohan Dillon Rd, Cazadero, CA.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to the following. Other duties may be assigned as needed.
•  Perform lab work associated with all aspects of the winemaking process.
•  Maintain accurate and complete records in VinTrace.
•  Oversee bottling QA program.
•  Assist with sanitation protocols.
•  Review lab analysis protocols for modifications and adherence to methods. Write and implement new protocols.
•  Management of calibration, preventative maintenance, and repair of lab equipment.
•  Maintain lab supply inventories, order supplies as needed.
•  Assist with state and federal compliance. 
•  Collect grape cluster samples; prepare samples for analysis; analyze samples. 
•  Monitor fermentations. 
•  Monthly barrel sampling.
•  Prepare, deliver and track samples sent to external labs.
•  Assist with other cellar tasks as needed, such as grape processing, Weighmaster duties, extraction, topping, sulfur additions, racking, bottling, cleaning. 

REQUIREMENTS
•  Bachelor’s Degree in Enology or related field.
•  Minimum 3 years of combined cellar and lab experience
•  Excellent English verbal and written communication skills. 
•  Mathematical skills to be able to comprehend and analyze excel spreadsheets, chemical addition computations, and laboratory analyses.
•  Intermediate level experience with Microsoft Office and wine tracking software, such as VinTrace.
•  Valid California Driver’s license with clean DMV record. May require use of personal vehicle with mileage reimbursement. 
•  Self-starter with strong work ethic, able to work independently and with a team. 
•  Must be able to work outside in wet, hot, and cold conditions. 
•  Non harvest work hours are Tuesday through Friday. Extended work days and hours are required during the harvest season (August through November). 
•  Demonstrated ability to lift 50lbs repeatedly.
•  Demonstrated ability to work extended hours, including 6-7 days per week.
•  Demonstrated ability to work on feet for extended hours, in a cellar environment.
•  Ability to sit, stand, squat, and climb ladders.

Hirsch Vineyards offers competitive compensation, medical coverage, PTO, paid holidays, and meals during harvest. 

How To Apply

Please attach these when applying for the position:

1. Cover letter with the following:
• Tell us about yourself and your past and present wine experience.
• Let us know what you believe you can contribute to our team and what you hope to get out of a position at Hirsch.
• The date you are available to start work.
• Expected length of your daily commute from home to Hirsch

2. Resume with multiple references.

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