Winemaker
(Wine Jobs:
Vineyards & Cellars )
Full Time
Hillsboro,
Virginia
Doukénie Winery (Doo-KEN-ee) is family owned and has been in business for thirty-five years. We are located in Northern Virginia’s Loudoun County, within the Middleburg AVA, nestled beside Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Our property is about 400 acres, with thirty acres under vine and room to grow. We grow 14 different varietals, specializing in French noble viniferas. We also have three white hybrids: Traminette, Vidal Blanc and Seyval Blanc. We produce 4,000 – 5,000 cases per year and most years we are self-sufficient, producing all estate wines. Our vine ages range from 35 years to one year. Our range of wines includes classic single varietals and Bordeaux style blends, a traditional method Blanc de Blanc sparkling, white hybrid blends, a white port, a blush and a Syrah Rosé, and a late harvest dessert wine. Our oak of preference is French. We consistently win golds at national, state and local competitions.
Our business model is wine centric – with the goal of offering the best wines in an intimate setting. We are first and foremost a tasting room with a focus on our wine club, which is one of the largest in the state. We do not accept large groups nor do we do weddings. Our sales are currently 100% direct to consumer. Our bottle pricing currently ranges from $24 to $65. There are 50 wineries in Loudoun County, and we are highly regarded among them.
Doukénie is in search of a motivated and experienced winemaker with vineyard management responsibilities:
Winemaker Requirements:
-Must have a minimum of 5+ years of "hands-on" experience in all phases of vine growing and fruit production in a supervisory capacity in a winery setting.
-Degrees in Enology and Viticulture.
-Excellent communication, leadership and organizational skills.
-Excellent production tracking and monitoring skills, including wine lab analysis and the computer skills required.
-Flexible and able to work independently as well as collaboratively with the management team.
-Experience in forecasting and developing budgets.
-Knowledge of inventory control, TTB and ABC requirements.
- Knowledge of supply and equipment purchasing.
-Ability to communicate in Spanish with vineyard workers.
-Ability to perform physical requirements of the position including standing for extended period of time, kneeling, stooping, using stairs, able to lift, carry, push, pull weight of at least 50 lb.
-Ability to work a flexible schedule including weekends and holidays as needed. Must be able to work 7 days a week during harvest season and some evenings to lead wine club events and release parties.
-Must be familiar with tractor, ATV and forklift operation.
- Knowledge of the use, care and maintenance of all harvesting and wine making equipment.
Winemaker Responsibilities:
-Manage the vineyard to produce the highest quality grapes while operating within budget.
-Produce and manage detailed vineyard activity schedules to be carried out by the vineyard manager and vineyard workers. A schedule including, but not limited to: Planting; pruning; vine replacements; vine nutrition; pest and disease management and control; crop assessment; canopy management; sampling, bird and deer protection; and harvest scheduling.
-Identify suitable vines that will grow well in the soil and assist in the purchasing of these vines from a reputable nursery. Identify appropriate planting methods and trellis systems required for the new vine growth.
-Negotiate and contract to sell harvest crop as needed.
-Recommend and discuss with owner and general manager equipment purchases, repairs, maintenance schedules and supplies necessary to execute annual vineyard schedule.
-Develop detailed annual budget for all activities related to vineyard management.
-Maintain accurate records for all vineyard/cellar workers.
-Assist in developing wine product line and release schedule with owner and general manager.
-Develop and deliver a detailed winery and cellar management schedule of activities as appropriate. This schedule will include bottling, lab services, winery equipment maintenance, daily winery management and cellar activities.
-Maintain and report monthly bulk and bonded inventory.
-Ensure that all wine making equipment is in working, safe and sanitary condition; manage regular maintenance for pumps, crush equipment as well as all associated winery machinery and infrastructure.
-Manage and maintain a safe winery environment for all staff and visitors.
-In charge of creating and maintaining proper safe working environment and propose potential improvement where needed.
-Work with management team to determine wine blending to meet the wine style and pricing objectives.
-Participate and work with the winery management team to develop training of the tasting room staff to convey the “story” related to the Doukénie label.
-Purchase with owner and general manager approval all equipment and consumables necessary to execute the operations plan including bottles, corks, labels, oak barrels, winery equipment, winery supplies and other miscellaneous items as needed.
-Develop a detailed annual budget for all activities related to wine making.
-Other duties as assigned by owner and general manager.
This is an exempt, salaried, year round, full-time position, usually 40 hours a week but there are times when longer days/weeks are required, especially during bottling and harvest. The work schedule is very dependent on the time of year.
Compensation Package:
-Salary based on experience.
-Accrued Vacation and Sick Leave
-Health Insurance Allowance of $3,000 per year
Those interested may send resume and cover letter to [email protected] Only those will be considered who meet all or the majority of criteria listed in Winermaker Requirements and Responsibilities section.
