Assistant Winemaker / Cellar Hand – Maternity Leave Cover

Krinklewood Estate Pty Ltd; Broke; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Krinklewood Estate is seeking an experienced Assistant Winemaker or Cellarhand for a full-time maternity leave cover at its Broke, NSW winery. The role runs 38 hours per week with additional hours during vintage, commencing 4 January 2027.

You will work under the Head Winemaker to manage day-to-day cellar operations, process fruit, monitor fermentations, maintain records, and uphold strict hygiene and traceability throughout the vintage and beyond.

Qualifications

• Minimum three completed vintages in a cellar environment.
• Experience in Australia or New Zealand vintage work preferred.
• Forklift licence holder with safe operating practices.

Responsibilities

• Receive and process fruit, including crushing and transfers.
• Undertake pump-overs, plunging, racking, additions and fermentation work.
• Conduct daily cellar and fermentation checks and follow the winemaking program.
• Operate winery equipment safely and maintain hygiene, records and traceability.
• Maintain separation between organic, biodynamic and conventional fruit and wines.

Skills

Strong practical cellar experience

Tools

Forklift licence

Job description

Assistant Winemaker / Cellar Hand – Maternity Leave Cover

Assistant Winemaker / Cellarhand – Maternity Leave Cover

Location: Krinklewood Estate, Broke, Hunter Valley NSW

Employment type: Full-time, fixed-term maternity leave cover

Duration: Minimum six months, with the possibility of extension if required

Commencement: 4 January 2027, with some flexibility by agreement

Hours: 38 hours per week, with additional hours required during vintage

Remuneration: Competitive salary based on experience, plus superannuation

Krinklewood Estate is seeking an experienced, hands‑on Assistant Winemaker or Cellarhand to join our small winery team for a full‑time maternity leave cover position.

This role would suit an experienced cellar professional who has completed multiple vintages and is confident working autonomously. It offers the opportunity to take genuine responsibility for the day‑to‑day operation of the cellar while working within a clearly established winemaking program and with the support of an experienced replacement winemaker.

About Krinklewood

Krinklewood Estate is a certified organic and biodynamic vineyard and winery located in Broke, in the Hunter Valley.

We produce wines from our own certified organic and biodynamic vineyard while also providing contract processing for other wine producers.

During the upcoming vintage, we expect to process approximately 35 tonnes of fruit from our estate vineyard and several external growers, including both organic and conventionally grown fruit.

Maintaining strict separation between fruit and wines, preventing cross‑contamination, and keeping accurate winery records are fundamental requirements of this role. Our organic and biodynamic certification also requires a high standard of traceability and documentation to support our ACO audits.

About the role

The successful candidate will initially work closely with our Head Winemaker, learning Krinklewood’s wines, cellar processes, production program and certification requirements before the Head Winemaker commences maternity leave in mid‑February.

During her leave, an experienced replacement winemaker will attend the winery approximately once a week to oversee the winemaking program, assess the wines and establish priorities for the week.

You will be responsible for carrying out that program and managing the day‑to‑day cellar operations between visits.

You will not be expected to make major winemaking decisions independently. However, you must have the experience and judgement to work autonomously, identify anything requiring attention and communicate promptly with the replacement winemaker.

Key responsibilities

During vintage, you will:

• Receive and process fruit, including crushing, pressing and transfers




• Undertake pump‑overs, plunging, racking, additions and fermentation work




• Conduct daily cellar and fermentation checks




• Follow the established winemaking program accurately




• Operate the forklift and other winery equipment safely




• Maintain excellent cellar hygiene and winery organisation




• Keep accurate production, traceability and compliance records




• Maintain strict separation between organic, biodynamic and conventional fruit and wines




• Assist with filtration, bottling and preparation for bottling




• Undertake general winery and equipment maintenance




• Communicate regularly with the replacement winemaker regarding progress, priorities and potential issues




• Manage and prioritise the daily cellar workload between winemaker visits

This is a hands‑on and physically demanding position, particularly during vintage. The successful candidate will be the primary person carrying out the cellar’s day‑to‑day operational work.

Additional hours and some weekend work may be required during vintage, depending on fruit arrivals and production requirements.

After vintage

Following vintage, the role will continue to support the day‑to‑day operation of the winery.

Responsibilities will include cellar work, wine preparation, filtration and bottling support, stock organisation, winery maintenance and the implementation of the weekly production plan.

The replacement winemaker will continue to provide oversight and establish priorities, while you will be trusted to carry out the required work independently and keep the winery operating safely, cleanly and efficiently.

About you

To be considered for this position, you will have:

• A minimum of three completed vintages




• Strong practical cellar experience




• Experience completing at least one vintage in Australia or New Zealand, preferred




• A current forklift licence




• Valid Australian working rights for the full duration of the position




• A sound understanding of cellar operations and fundamental winemaking processes




• The confidence and experience to work autonomously within an established winemaking program




• Excellent attention to detail, particularly regarding hygiene, traceability and record‑keeping




• Strong organisational and task‑management skills




• The ability to recognise potential issues and elevate them appropriately




• The physical capacity to undertake the lifting and demanding cellar work associated with vintage




• A proactive, practical attitude and willingness to assist wherever required




• A current RSA, or willingness to obtain one




• A current driver’s licence and reliable transport




• Your own accommodation within reasonable travelling distance of the winery

Winery, Wine Club and logistics support

As part of a small team, you will occasionally assist with practical tasks outside the cellar when production requirements allow.

These may include:

• Restocking the Cellar Door and coolroom




• Packing and dispatching online and Wine Club orders




• Preparing wine for courier and freight collection




• Moving and organising stock




• Assisting with Wine Club fulfilment




• Supporting general warehouse and winery logistics




• Assisting the wider team with other practical tasks when required

The role’s primary focus will remain cellar and winery operations, but a willingness to pitch in across the wider business is essential.

Why join Krinklewood?

This is a rewarding opportunity for an experienced cellarhand or developing assistant winemaker who enjoys practical winery work and is ready to take greater responsibility within a small, collaborative team.

You will gain hands‑on experience across organic and biodynamic production, contract winemaking, compliance, cellar management and the complete vintage cycle, with ongoing direction and support from experienced winemakers.