Vineyard and Winemaker Assistant
(Wine Jobs:
Vineyards & Cellars )
Full Time
Waterford,
Virginia
ABOUT US
8 Chains North is a boutique Loudoun County winery located just 8 miles west of Leesburg, Virginia. The winery includes an inviting Tasting Room, extensive outdoor seating, a dog park, and a beautiful private event space perfect for weddings—all with stunning vineyard views. As of August 2021, the winery and vineyard are owned and operated by Edz Sturans and Cissi DeMarco. The winery retains the former owner as the Vineyard manager and Winemaker, whose focus and attention to detail is in the vineyard, where great wines are made. This philosophy is evident in our handcrafted Old World-style wines. We are excited about our plans for thoughtful growth maintaining the quality and integrity that identify our brand today.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Vineyard and Winemaker Assistant (VWA) is an integral part of 8 Chains North’s wine production process. The Vineyard and Winemaker Assistant reports directly to and works under the supervision of the Chief Winemaker and Viticulturist (Winegrower) and is responsible for the overall organization and cleanliness of the Winery’s production areas and vineyard equipment from spring plantings to fall harvest through winter/spring bottling. During harvest, the VWA will help process fruit and maintain the cleanliness of harvest equipment, production room, and crush pad, as well as assisting the winegrower in taking fruit through the fermentation and aging process. The VWA will aid the Winegrower and vineyard contractors to ensure the vineyard is in overall excellent health, and will have the primary responsibility for chemical applications to address pest and disease pressures.
WINERY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
General:
- Rack wine and top barrels
- Clean barrels and tanks
- Clean pumps and hoses
- General winery/production room “health” and sanitation
Harvest:
- Clean and set up production equipment daily
- Process fruit
- Gas tanks and totes
- Conduct punch downs twice per day
Bottling:
- Filter wine
- Take and send wine samples to laboratory for analysis
- Organize supplies for bottling day, assist mobile bottler and winegrower with bottling process, and organize and store case goods
VINEYARD DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Spray Vineyard(s): VWA will have VDACS Pesticide Applicator’s License or complete licensure requirements; Under Winegrower’s supervision, VWA will mix chemicals, and spray vineyard(s) in a timely fashion and as necessary throughout the season
- Clean tractor, sprayer and other relevant equipment
- Assist with scouting
- Other duties as assigned by Winegrower or Owner
REQUIREMENTS
- Experience in a vineyard or winery environment preferred
- Viticulture or viniculture education is desirable
- Valid driver’s license with the ability to drive a forklift and tractor
- Will be required to have VDACS Pesticide Applicator’s License
- Conversational or fluent Spanish a plus
- The nature of this agricultural position often requires long and/or irregular hours due to vineyard management and winemaking seasonality
WORKING ENVIROMENT
- U.S. Citizen applicants only
- Agricultural/Farm Winery
- Must be able to lift 50+ lbs. and work barrels