Vintage Laboratory Assistant

Vinarchy; Berri; On-site; AUD 34,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Vinarchy, based at Berri Estates in South Australia, seeks a Vintage Laboratory Assistant to support winemaking and production by collecting, preparing and analysing samples in a NATA‑accredited lab. The role operates on a 24/7 rotating roster, including nights, weekends and public holidays, indoors and outdoors, with work at 15‑metre catwalks.

You will collaborate with lab staff, winemakers and cellar teams to ensure quality and consistency across the vintage.

Qualifications

• Strong communication and emotional intelligence are essential.
• Basic literacy and numeracy to follow SOPs.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to follow instructions and maintain accuracy under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Collecting and preparing juice and wine samples.
• Performing basic laboratory analysis.
• Recording, entering and reporting results accurately.
• Maintaining laboratory cleanliness and safety.
• Working at heights (15‑metre catwalks).
• Working indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Completing internal training and following SOPs.
• Working rotating shifts, weekends and additional rostered hours as required.

Skills

Strong communication

Emotional intelligence

Basic literacy

Numeracy

Independent worker

Teamwork

Follow SOPs

Accuracy under pressure

Job description

Enrich Your Everyday

Vinarchy was created in 2025 through the merger of Accolade Wines and Pernod Ricard Winemakers, bringing together decades of heritage, innovation and global winemaking excellence. Today, Vinarchy is redefining wine, and Berri Estates sits at the heart of that mission.

Berri Estates Winery, located in the Riverland, is the largest grape‑processing winery in the Southern Hemisphere, crushing hundreds of thousands of tonnes each vintage. It’s fast‑paced, hands‑on, and powered by an incredible team. For Vintage 2027, you can be part of it.

Whether you’re a school leaver, backpacker, working holiday maker, or returning for another season, these roles are your gateway into the wine industry - a chance to learn, grow, and experience vintage at scale.

These roles are based at Vinarchy - Berri Estates, Berri - South Australia.

The Role

As a Vintage Laboratory Assistant, you’ll support our winemaking and production teams by collecting, preparing and analysing samples throughout the winemaking process. You’ll work in our NATA‑accredited laboratory, using modern analytical equipment to ensure quality and consistency across every stage of vintage.

This is a shift‑based role, operating on a 24/7 rotating roster during peak periods -including nights, weekends and public holidays. You’ll work both indoors and outdoors, including at heights on 15‑metre catwalks, so flexibility and confidence in varied environments are essential.

You’ll be part of a supportive, collaborative team, working closely with experienced lab staff, winemakers and cellar teams. Vintage is busy, energetic and incredibly rewarding - no two days look the same.

Key Responsibilities

• Collecting and preparing juice and wine samples
• Performing basic laboratory analysis
• Recording, entering and reporting results accurately
• Maintaining laboratory cleanliness and safety
• Working at heights (15‑metre catwalks)
• Working indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions
• Completing internal training and following SOPs
• Working rotating shifts, weekends and additional rostered hours as required

Your Knowledge and Skills

• Strong communication skills and emotional intelligence
• Basic literacy and numeracy to follow Standard Operating Procedures
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to follow instructions and maintain accuracy under pressure

Physical And Other Requirements

• Frequent standing, walking and manual handling
• Regular use of stairs to access catwalks
• Must have a current driver’s licence
• Must have full working rights in Australia
• Note: Vinarchy does not fall under eligible categories for 88‑day visa sign‑off

About Vintage 2027

Applications will be processed September–December 2026, with successful applicants commencing January–February 2027. Vintage typically runs for approximately 12 weeks, though timing may vary depending on harvest conditions.

This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands‑on experience in a global wine business, and for many, it becomes the first step toward a long‑term career in winemaking, laboratory science or production.

Why Join Us?

• Work at the largest winery in the Southern Hemisphere
• Learn practical lab and production skills
• Be part of a global wine company shaping the future of the industry
• Make lifelong friends and experience the energy of vintage
• Build skills that can lead to ongoing opportunities

If you’re reliable, motivated and ready to be part of a high‑performing team during the most exciting time of the winemaking year, we’d love to hear from you.