Winemaker

Accolade Wines Limited; New Zealand; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual wine allowance

Online learning library

Flu vaccination

Employee assistance program & disc

Job summary

Vinarchy, backed by Accolade Wines Limited, seeks a hands-on Winemaker to own the end-to-end winemaking process and help shape wines with character and integrity.

You’ll lead fermentation, blending, analysis, storage and sign-off while maintaining precise records and regulatory compliance. Expect close collaboration with viticulture and senior winemakers, emphasizing continuous improvement and strong communication.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in winemaking or science background is required.
• Excellent communication skills are essential.
• Strong computer and system skills are needed for data and record-keeping.

Responsibilities

• Lead the full production lifecycle from fermentation to final sign-off.
• Maintain meticulous records in our Wine Management Systems and ensure compliance.
• Work closely with Viticulture and senior winemakers on trials and blending decisions.
• Drive 5S standards, Tier meetings and annual audits.

Skills

Excellent communication

Strong computer and system skills

Good palate and appreciation of wine

Education

Tertiary Qualification in Winemaking

Bachelor’s in science

Job description

Winemaker

Company: Accolade Wines Limited
Job Type: Full Time
Location: New Zealand

About Us

Vinarchy - Redefining wine.
Established in 2025 following the merger of Accolade Wines and Pernod Ricard Winemakers, Vinarchy brings the best of these historic wine businesses into an exciting future, as one, new, exceptional global wine company.
Managing the entire wine supply chain - from grape to glass - Vinarchy produces wine in Australia, New Zealand, Spain, Italy, South Africa, Chile and the United States, with employees in almost every continent around the world.
Vinarchy’s diversified portfolio includes our global pillars Jacob’s Creek, Hardys, and Campo Viejo, alongside growth drivers - Grant Burge Wines, Stoneleigh, Jam Shed, Brancott Estate, Mud House, St Hugo, St Hallett and Petaluma - that are accelerating the category globally.
Croser, Tatachilla, Greasy Fingers, Cupiolo, Tapabrava, Castillo de Ibiza, J-Harden and Dolly Wines are the future stars driving the industry forward, while Ysios, Church Road and Bay of Fires are fine wine jewels crafted by some of the world’s best winemakers.
Innovative, ambitious and imaginative, Vinarchy challenges the conventions of the industry to lead, shape and grow the future of the wine category.

About the Role

Join a team where craftsmanship, innovation and regional pride come together. We’re looking for a skilled Winemaker to take ownership of the end‑to‑end winemaking process and help shape the future of our wines.

You’ll be a hands‑on winemaker with strong technical capability, a collaborative approach and a genuine passion for crafting wines with character and integrity. You’re confident in both the vineyard and the winery, communicate clearly, and thrive in a team that values innovation and continuous improvement.

You bring a can‑do attitude, enthusiasm and practical problem‑solving skills. You work hard, stay safety‑focused, and adapt quickly in a fast‑moving environment. A practical mindset and strong communication skills will help you hit the ground running and make an immediate impact.

What You'll Do

You’ll lead the full production lifecycle - from fermentation and blending through to analysis, storage and final sign‑off, ensuring every wine meets brand style, legal requirements and customer expectations. You’ll maintain meticulous records in our Wine Management Systems and keep all compliance obligations firmly on track.

You’ll be the key contact for a nominated brand, able to speak confidently about its style, story and technical detail. You’ll work closely with Viticulture, regularly visiting vineyards and contributing to new wine development, trials and blend decisions alongside the Senior and Chief Winemakers.

This role also champions continuous improvement: driving 5S standards, leading Tier meetings, supporting wine education across the region, and contributing to annual audits such as WSMP, ISO and BioGro.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all winemaking operations including fermentation, additions, blending, analysis and storage.

• Deliver wines on time, in full and to specification.

• Maintain accurate records in Vinarchy and ensure compliance (WECS, residue testing, dry goods).

• Ensure blends meet SWINZ, legal and label requirements; update tasting notes and blend sheets.

• Create blend amendments, tankering dispatch forms and end‑of‑month reporting.

• Monitor ferments, assess lab trials and oversee wine storage conditions.

• Support NPD and develop new wine styles.

• Manage wine inventory and volumes with senior winemaking leaders.

• Act as brand point‑of‑contact, sharing knowledge and insights confidently.

• Lead 5S standards, Tier meetings and contribute to annual audits.

Qualifications and Experience

• Tertiary Qualification in Winemaking or bachelor’s in science
• Previous winemaking experience - 4 Years
• Excellent communication skills
• Strong computer and system skills
• Good palate and appreciation of wine styles and quality\l
• Drive for excellence
• Winemaking experience in a large format winery

This role includes occasional domestic travel and some out‑of‑hours work. During vintage, you’ll step into an intensive seasonal rhythm, working up to 70 hours a week across six days.

Why Join Us

Vinarchy is a home for passionate people to do their very best work. We believe in empowering our people and celebrating success.

We offer a competitive rewards package and the opportunity to work with a world‑class team.

You will also have access to:

• Annual wine allowance and access to unique wine specials
• Access to an extensive online learning library
• Annual Flu Vaccination Program
• Employee Assistance Program & Various exclusive employee discounts

At Vinarchy we are dedicated to building a diverse, dynamic and inclusive culture. Prospective candidates will be required to provide proof of legal work rights and undertake relevant pre‑employment screening to verify eligibility and suitability.

Our Company Values

• Ownership
• Focus
• Innovate
• Results
• Leadership

About the Company

Accolade Wines Limited

Established in 2025 following the merger of Accolade Wines and Pernod Ricard Winemakers, Vinarchy is a new global leader with a mission to redefine wine

Read more about the company