Winemaker

winejobsonline.com; Marlborough; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Hunter's Marlborough seeks an experienced Winemaker to lead winery operations and drive quality, innovation, and operational excellence across production.

You will manage day-to-day production, plan harvests, oversee compliance and safety, mentor staff, and maintain relationships with contract winemakers and bottling clients while focusing on premium Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Méthode Traditionnelle.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in oenology.
• Min five years commercial winemaking experience in a leadership role.
• Strong technical knowledge across premium still and Méthode Traditionnelle wine production.
• Proven leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent organizational, planning, and communication abilities.
• Experience managing compliance, health and safety, and quality systems.
• Proactive approach to improving quality and efficiency.

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

Team leadership

Project planning

Quality control

Communication

Problem solving

Operational excellence

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Enology

Tools

Winemaking software

Quality management systems

Job description

WINEMAKER

HUNTER'S MARLBOROUGH

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.

Having assembled a talented team and with an exciting future ahead, 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

You are an experienced winemaker with a passion for producing premium wines and leading teams. You combine strong technical expertise with practical operational leadership and are committed to continuous improvement.

You Will Have

• 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.

A position of this calibre is rarely available in the New Zealand wine industry.

Applicants must hold permanent New Zealand residency to be considered for this position.