Winemaker (Wine Jobs: Vineyards & Cellars )

  Confidential

  near Lake Erie, Ohio

Winemaker

A Northern Ohio estate winery, located near Lake Erie, is seeking a motivated Winemaker.

The Winemaker will be responsible for all aspects of winemaking from receiving the grapes at the crush pad to bottling the final product. The winemaker will be responsible for daily cellar operations, laboratory analysis, daily record keeping, inventory planning, processing/crush pad activities, fermentation management, additions, movements, racking/transferring, blending, finishing/bottling and warehousing all wines. He/she will participate in all winemaking decisions under the authority of the owners, will coordinate and oversee hands-on production of the highest quality wines that best reflect our estate vineyards and the winery’s brand.

Duties & Responsibilities:
*Receive grapes from our estate vineyards during harvest
*Coordinate all aspects of the crush, pressing, settling and all other phases of juice treatment and fermentation of the must.
*Generate, manage, and interpret laboratory analysis of all wine and fermentation monitoring.
*Responsible for correct calculations and management of all chemical additions
*Manage extensive barrel program, keeping barrels in good condition, using kegs for topping, cleaning bungs and empty barrels.
*Must ensure appropriate production and sanitation procedures are followed including implementing a sanitation and FSMA policy for the production area.
*Must maintain daily record keeping including monthly bulk wine volume reports
*Ability to identify potential problems in wines and make recommendations
*Perform sensory evaluations of wines
*Lead and participate in bench trials with established internal tasting panel prior to blending
*Manage and train cellar staff including year round and seasonal harvest employees
*Provide input to vineyard manager regarding fruit chemistry goals
*Partake in laboratory evaluations, laboratory budgets and laboratory capital recommendations
*Assist with guided tours and private tastings as needed
*Represent the winery at various industry, media, regulatory, and trade events
*Other duties as assigned

Credentials & Skill Sets/Education:
*Degree in Enology, Fermentation Sciences or closely related field. Work experience in lieu of a degree will also be considered
*At least 5 years experience in winemaking with direct responsibility managing wine production as a winemaker or assistant winemaker with vitis vinifera grape varieties
*Practical knowledge and ability to operate winemaking machinery including filters, bottling line, press, pumps, forklift, and other cellar equipment
*Proven ability to produce quality premium wines with strong sensory evaluation skills
*Ability to use a PC with proficiency in Windows and Microsoft Office
*Experience writing reports, business correspondence and procedure manuals
*Self-starter, motivated, results driven, “can do” attitude, problem solver, able to manage priorities with enthusiasm
*Good judgment with the ability to make timely and sound decisions
*Ability to work within existing and established guidelines
*A valid driver’s license and ability to be insured on company vehicles

Physical Requirements:
*Employee may often need to lift and/or move more than 50 lbs.
*Ability to pull, push, kneel, bend, reach and climb
*This position requires a high level of energy, and candidates should be aware of the physical demands of winery work.

This position requires extensive, long work hours during peak seasons including days, nights, weekdays, weekends and some holidays. The candidate will receive a generous annual salary based on experience and expertise, health insurance, paid vacation, and employee discounts. To apply, please send your resume and salary requirements in confidence.