Assistant Winemaker (Wine Jobs: Vineyards & Cellars )

  Gusbourne

  Kent, England

The Company

Gusbourne is a category-leading English Sparkling Wine luxury brand owner, a producer of award-winning wines with an uncompromising commitment to quality. Amongst other awards in 2023 Gusbourne won “Best in Show” for our Blanc de Blancs 2018 at the Decanter World Wine Awards and was rated as the top English winery for quality in the Real Review.

We produce Vintage wines only, 100% made from grapes grown in our sustainably certified 93ha of vineyards across our two estates in Kent and Sussex and produced in our sustainably certified winery.

Gusbourne strives to create the finest wines in the world. Attention to detail, a commitment to quality and a sense of pride in all that we undertake are what we hope to see and to encourage in every employee.

Our Company Values:

·       We’re confident and curious.
·       We’re in it for the long term.
·       We value difference.
·       We enjoy the journey.
·       We go the extra mile.
·       We’re authentic and honest.

The Role

We are looking for a qualified and enthusiastic person to join our creative wine making team based  in our Winery at Appledore in Kent. If you are self- motivated, enjoy working as part of a small team in an environment where you are able to problem solve, have a forensic attention to detail and a keen desire to succeed then this role will interest you.

Reporting into the Head Winemaker of Gusbourne this is a significant role and the successful individual needs to embody all that is Gusbourne Wines. You will be responsible day to day running of the primary production site. Fundamental to success in this role will be  ensuring the highest quality of wine is made within a consistent and desired Gusbourne wine style.

Main Responsibilities

• In alignment with the Head Winemaker, ensure that all winemaking activities are carried out to the exacting Gusbourne standards;
• Provide leadership and guidance to a small team of individuals, including setting clear expectations, monitoring performance, and offering support and mentorship;
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the team, delegating tasks, managing workloads, and ensuring timely completion of deliverables;
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and efficiencies;
• Work closely with the Winery Leadership Team and the Health and Safety Manager to ensure all Health and Safety policies and procedures are up to date, and communicate this to ensure staff and visitors comply;
• Work closely with the Head Winemaker and Head of Wine Operations to lead a diverse team through harvest;
• Assist the Head Winemaker in preparing for grade tastings and blending, and participate in tastings when required;
• Under the supervision of the Head Winemaker organise the blending, filtration, and pre-bottling work in the cellar to ensure that all wine is prepared for bottling, to Gusbourne’s exacting standards;

We will be looking to recruit someone who has the following personal qualities and can demonstrate the following qualifications, skills, and experience:

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a cellar role in a commercial winery setting (sparkling wine beneficial)
• Tertiary Qualification in Oenology – Essential
• Tertiary Qualification in Viticulture - Desirable
• WSET educated -  Desirable
• Leading and managing a team- Essential.
• Attention to detail and feel comfortable helping to set and work within quality and environmental standards.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels of the business-Essential.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Problem-solving mindset, with the ability to identify issues, develop solutions, and drive results.
• High degree of IT competence
• Knowledge of Vintrace software - Desirable
• Knowledge of relevant legislation e.g. chemical safety and environmental-Desirable

Reporting to: Head Winemaker

Job Type: Full Time, Permanent.

Hours:  40 per week,

Salary: Competitive. Negotiable dependent on experience.
Benefits:

• 25 Days Holiday plus Bank Holidays
• 5% Company pension Contribution
• Employee development programmes
• Wine allowance
• Birthday Gift
• Employee discount scheme
• Health & Wellbeing benefits
• Free parking

Place of Work:

Gusbourne Estate, Kenardington Road, Appledore, Kent. TN26 2BE. Reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required).

Work Location: In person.

Application deadline: 26/04/2024.

How To Apply

Please apply with a CV and Covering Letter.

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