Winemaker

winejobsonline.com; Marlborough; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Hunter's Marlborough is seeking an experienced Winemaker to lead the winery operations, drive quality, innovation, and operational excellence in premium Marlborough wines. You will oversee day-to-day production and mentor the winery team.

You bring a tertiary qualification in oenology, at least five years' leadership winemaking experience, and a proven ability to manage compliance, health and safety, and continuous improvement in production, bottling, and client relationships.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in oenology.
• 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.

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

Planning

Communication

Technical winemaking

Education

Tertiary qualification in oenology

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.

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.

If you are an experienced winemaker looking for the opportunity to lead a high-profile Marlborough winery, work with an outstanding team, and shape our next chapter, we would love to hear from you.

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