Assistant Winemaker

Santolin Wines; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Wine Craft is seeking a hands-on winery professional to work closely with the winemaking team across all production stages. This role suits someone with a solid winemaking foundation who can take on greater responsibility in a small to mid-sized winery.

During vintage, expect a highly hands-on, flexible, energetic workload requiring a can-do attitude. This position involves supporting grape receival through bottling, monitoring ferments, laboratory analyses, and cellar operations.

Qualifications

• Degree in Oenology or related winemaking qualification.
• Hands-on winery experience in a practical setting.
• Experience working through vintage periods.
• Strong understanding of winemaking processes, fermentation and cellar practices.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to wine quality.
• Willingness to perform required tasks and adapt as needed.
• Good organisation and ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a small team.
• Positive attitude with a willingness to learn and take responsibility.
• Current driver’s licence and forklift licence.
• Confined space certificate.

Responsibilities

• Support all stages of wine production from grape receival to bottling.
• Monitor ferments and perform routine laboratory analyses.
• Carry out cellar operations including additions, transfers, racking, barrel work and tank management.
• Maintain accurate production, traceability and quality control records.
• Prepare, clean and maintain winery equipment, tanks and barrels.
• Guide seasonal cellar staff during vintage.
• Maintain a clean, safe and well-organised winery environment.
• Contribute ideas and practical improvements to winery operations and wine quality.

Skills

Winemaking

Laboratory analysis

Fermentation knowledge

Attention to detail

Team work

Forklift license

Education

Oenology degree

Job description

This is a practical, hands-on role working closely with the winemaking team across all stages of production. It is an opportunity for someone with a solid foundation in winemaking to broaden their experience and take on greater responsibility within a small to medium-sized winery environment. During vintage, this is a particularly hands-on role and will require flexibility, energy and a willingness to get stuck in wherever needed.

Key responsibilities

• Supporting all stages of wine production including grape receival, crushing, pressing, fermentation, maturation, blending, stabilisation, filtration and bottling
• Monitoring ferments and completing routine laboratory analysis
• Carrying out cellar operations including additions, transfers, racking, barrel work and tank management
• Maintaining accurate production, traceability and quality control records
• Preparing, cleaning and maintaining winery equipment, tanks and barrels
• Supporting and guiding seasonal cellar staff during vintage
• Maintaining a clean, safe and well organised winery environment
• Contributing ideas and practical improvements to winery operations and wine quality

About you

• A degree in Oenology, Viticulture & Oenology or a related winemaking qualification
• Previous hands-on winery experience
• Experience working through vintage
• A strong understanding of winemaking processes, fermentation and cellar practices
• Strong attention to detail and a genuine commitment to wine quality
• A practical, hands-on approach and willingness to do whatever is required to get the job done
• Good organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks
• The ability to work both independently and as part of a small team
• A positive attitude and a willingness to learn and take on responsibility
• A current driver's licence and forklift license
• A confined space certificate

About us

Wine Craft is a hands-on winery producing quality wines from one of Australia's most recognised cool-climate wine regions. Working in a smaller winery means you won't be limited to one part of the process. You'll have the opportunity to be involved in the full winemaking journey, work closely with the winemaker and develop a deeper understanding of what goes into producing quality wine from vineyard to bottle.