Senior Production Winemaker

VinLink Marlborough; Blenheim; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

VinLink Marlborough – Blenheim, South Island is seeking an experienced Senior Production Winemaker to manage key client relationships, drive harvest strategy, and lead daily operations in a fast-paced, high-capacity winery.

This role blends technical winemaking, vineyard decision-making, and client strategy, offering the scale and pace to develop leadership while crafting exceptional wines for a diverse client portfolio.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in commercial winemaking, with large-scale production experience.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities.
• Excellent communication and time-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary winemaking partner for assigned clients, overseeing blends, finishing, and dispatches.
• Collaborate on vineyard to harvest strategy and peak fruit quality, including spray diary review.
• Lead and mentor cellar teams and seasonal crews under the Chief Production Winemaker.
• Draft precise SOPs and job notes, ensuring safety, quality, and efficiency standards.
• Promote safety and high performance through internal committees (HSE/FSQL).

Skills

Winemaking

Leadership

Communication

Time management

Problem solving

Education

Oenology/Viticulture degree

Tools

Vintrace

Microsoft Office

Job description

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VinLink Marlborough – Blenheim, South Island

Take the helm of high-volume, precision winemaking. We are seeking an experienced Senior Production Winemaker to manage key client relationships, drive harvest strategy, and lead daily operations across a fast-paced, high-capacity winery environment.

This role bridges technical winemaking, vineyard-level decision making, and client strategy—offering the scale and dynamic pace to sharpen your leadership while crafting exceptional wines for a diverse client portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

Client & Portfolio Management: Act as the primary winemaking partner for assigned clients, turning creative specs and wine styles into execution plans while overseeing blending, finishing, and dispatches.

Vineyard & Harvest Strategy: Collaborate with clients to secure peak fruit quality. Monitor grape maturity, review spray diaries, and drive harvest scheduling.

Production Leadership: Support the Chief Production Winemaker in leading, mentoring, and inspiring permanent cellar teams and large-scale seasonal vintage crews.

Quality & Technical Precision: Draft precise job notes and operational instructions in Vintrace. Maintain and elevate SOPs across safety, quality (FSQL), and efficiency standards.

Safety & Culture: Serve as an active leader on internal committees (HSE/FSQL), driving a safety-first, collaborative, and high-performing winery environment.

Qualifications & Experience

Experience: 5+ years in commercial winemaking, with proven success in a large-scale production.

Education: Tertiary qualification in Oenology, Viticulture, or a related field.

Technical: High proficiency in Vintrace and Microsoft Products; deep understanding of winemaking systems, SOPs, and compliance standards.

Viticulture: Practical experience in field sampling, crop/harvest monitoring, and spray diary verification.

Leadership: Excellent communication and time-management skills; cool‑headed problem solver under tight vintage deadlines.

Eligibility: Valid NZ Work Rights (Citizen, PR, or holder of an active work visa).

What We Offer

Remuneration tailored to your depth of experience.

Exposure to diverse Sauvignon Blanc winemaking styles and high-tech infrastructure.

A supportive, team-driven workplace culture where safety and growth come first.