Assistant Winemaker Yarra Valley - Wine Craft

Wine Craft; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Wine Craft in the Yarra Valley is seeking an experienced Assistant Winemaker to join our hands-on winemaking team. You will work across all stages of production, collaborating with the winemaking team and taking on responsibility in a small to medium-sized winery.

You should have a degree in Oenology or related qualification and hands-on winery experience, with a practical, detail-focused approach and the ability to work both independently and as part of a small team.

Qualifications

• Degree in Oenology or related winemaking qualification.
• Previous hands-on winery experience.
• Experience through vintage.
• Strong understanding of winemaking processes, fermentation and cellar practices.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to wine quality.
• Willingness to learn and take on responsibility.
• Good organisational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a small team.
• Current driver’s licence and forklift licence.
• Confined space certificate.

Responsibilities

• Support all stages of wine production including grape receival, crushing, pressing, fermentation, maturation, blending, stabilisation, filtration and bottling.
• Monitor ferments and complete routine laboratory analysis.
• 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.
• Support and 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.
• During vintage, be hands-on and flexible to help wherever needed.

Skills

Hands-on winemaking

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Independent & team

Positive attitude

Willingness to learn

Education

Degree in Oenology / Viticulture & Oenology or related qualification

Tools

Forklift license

Driver's licence

Confined space certificate

Job description

Wine Craft is looking for an experienced and motivated Assistant Winemaker to join our team in the Yarra Valley.

We are a hands-on winery producing quality wines from one of Australia’s most recognised cool-climate wine regions. We are looking for someone who is passionate about wine, takes pride in their work and has a strong eye for detail.

This is a practical, hands-on role working closely with our 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.

We are looking for a qualified winemaker with commercial winery experience, ideally gained in a small to medium-sized winery where you have had exposure to a broad range of winemaking and cellar activities. You will be reliable, trustworthy and honest, with a strong sense of responsibility and professionalism.

You will have:

• 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

Why Wine Craft?

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.

If you're looking for a role where you can be hands-on, learn, contribute and grow as a winemaker and you're excited by the idea of working in the Yarra Valley we'd love to hear from you.

Location: Yarra Valley, Victoria
Employment: Full-time
Qualification: Degree in Oenology / Viticulture & Oenology or equivalent
Experience: Previous commercial winery experience required

The role

Key responsibilities will include:

• 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

During vintage, this is a particularly hands-on role and will require flexibility, energy and a willingness to get stuck in wherever needed.