Winemaker

Hunter's Wines (NZ) Ltd.; Blenheim; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Hunter's Wines (NZ) Ltd. is seeking an experienced Winemaker to lead our Marlborough winery operations and drive quality, innovation, and operational excellence.

The role focuses on day-to-day production leadership, planning harvest activities, overseeing winemaking processes, and managing compliance, health and safety, and team development. Permanent NZ residency is required.

Qualifications

• A minimum of five years' commercial winemaking experience in a similar leadership role.
• Strong technical knowledge across premium still and Méthode Traditionnelle wine production.
• Proven leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent organisational, planning, and communication abilities.
• Experience managing compliance, health and safety, and quality systems.
• Permanent New Zealand residency required.

Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day operation of the winery and production team
• Plan and schedule production and harvest activities
• Manage contract winemaking and bottling client relationships
• Provide technical oversight across all winemaking operations
• Drive continuous improvements in wine quality, efficiency, and workflow
• Oversee winery maintenance, wastewater management, compliance, and audits
• Lead health and safety within the winery
• Mentor, develop, and recruit members of the winery team
• Manage harvest operations and day-to-day operational priorities

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Communication

Quality systems

Health & safety

Team development

Education

Tertiary qualification in oenology

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Hunter's Wines (NZ) Ltd. – Blenheim, South Island

Hunter's is a 2,500-tonne winery producing premium Marlborough wines for 35 export markets. With a strong focus on Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Méthode Traditionnelle, we are committed to making wines of exceptional quality. We are looking for an experienced Winemaker to help lead our winery operations and continue driving quality, innovation, and operational excellence.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day operation of the winery and production team
• Plan and schedule production and harvest activities
• Manage contract winemaking and bottling client relationships
• Provide technical oversight across all winemaking operations
• Drive continuous improvements in wine quality, efficiency, and workflow
• Oversee winery maintenance, wastewater management, compliance, and audits
• Lead health and safety within the winery
• Mentor, develop, and recruit members of the winery team
• Manage harvest operations and day-to-day operational priorities

About you

• A tertiary qualification in oenology
• A minimum of five years' commercial winemaking experience in a similar leadership role
• Strong technical knowledge across premium still and Méthode Traditionnelle wine production
• Proven leadership and people management skills
• Excellent organisational, planning, and communication abilities
• Experience managing compliance, health and safety, and quality systems
• A proactive approach to improving quality, efficiency, and operational performance
• Permanent New Zealand residency required

About us

Hunter's is a 2,500-tonne winery producing premium Marlborough wines for 35 export markets. With a strong focus on Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Méthode Traditionnelle, we are committed to making wines of exceptional quality.