Assistant Winemaker (Wine Jobs: Vineyards & Cellars )

  Gusbourne (http://www.gusbourne.com)

  Appledore, Ashford, England

We’re Gusbourne – an award-winning English fine wine producer based in the heart of Kent. Our vision is simple: to craft some of the finest wines in the world.

As a luxury brand, excellence is at the core of everything we do. We create vintage-only wines that reflect the character of each growing season, and we take pride in our meticulous attention to detail across the vineyard, winery and beyond.

Role Purpose

The Assistant Winemaker plays a key role in delivering Gusbourne's vision to create the finest wines in the world. Reporting to the Head Winemaker, this is a significant hands-on position within one of England's most respected and award-winning wine producers, supporting the production of exceptional sparkling and still wines crafted exclusively from estate-grown fruit.

Responsible for the day-to-day coordination of winery operations, the Assistant Winemaker will help ensure that all winemaking activities are carried out to the highest standards of quality, safety and efficiency, while maintaining the precision and attention to detail for which Gusbourne is renowned. Working closely with the Head Winemaker, Head of Operations and wider winery team, the role contributes to every stage of the winemaking journey, from harvest through to bottling, helping to deliver wines that consistently reflect the excellence of the Gusbourne brand.

We are seeking a passionate and ambitious winemaking professional who shares Gusbourne's relentless pursuit of excellence and commitment to craftsmanship. The successful candidate will combine strong technical winemaking expertise with their ability to be highly organised, proactive and solutions-focused, with the confidence to work independently while building strong and collaborative relationships across the winery, vineyard and broader business.

This is an exceptional opportunity for an individual looking to develop their career. The Assistant Winemaker will have the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the continued success of Gusbourne, helping to produce internationally recognised wines while playing an important role in shaping the future of one of the world’s leading premium wine brands.

Key Accountabilities

• Support the Head Winemaker in the delivery of all winemaking activities, ensuring wines are produced in line with Gusbourne's quality standards and production plans.
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the permanent Cellar Hand and the seasonal winery team, setting clear expectations and promoting a positive, high-performing team culture.
• Maintain exceptional standards of winery hygiene, organisation and housekeeping across all operational areas.
• Ensure accurate and timely completion of winemaking records, production documentation and Vintrace data.
• Accountable for the stock and inventory levels within the winery, ensuring dry good and inventory levels are maintained in line with production planning. 
• Play a key leadership role throughout harvest, supporting grape intake, wine production activities and the effective management of seasonal staff.
• Champion compliance with health and safety, environmental and quality standards, promoting a safe working environment for all employees, contractors and visitors.
• Assist with wine evaluation, tastings, blending programmes and bottling preparation activities to ensure wines consistently meet Gusbourne's quality and style expectations.
• Build strong working relationships across the winery, laboratory, vineyard and wider business, supporting collaboration and the successful delivery of operational objectives.

Key Relationships and Inputs

• The Executive Team.
• Head of Operations.
• Head Winemaker.
• Laboratory Manager.
• Production Manager.
• Seasonal Bottling and Harvest Teams.

Role Requirements

• A minimum of 3 years’ experience in a cellar role in a commercial winery setting. Experience within a sparkling wine setting would be advantageous.
• Tertiary Qualification in Oenology.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels of the business.
• 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.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation e.g. chemical safety and environmental.
• Being adaptable and flexible during busy operational periods such as Harvest and Bottling, whereby you will be in a key leadership role during these peaks.

Desirable Requirements

• Experience within a sparking winery setting.
• WSET Educated to Level 2.
• Tertiary Qualification in Viticulture.
• Wine Laboratory Expereince.
• Knowledge of Vintrace software very beneficial.

Behaviours and Competencies

Ethical Practice – Acts with integrity, applies company policies and procedures consistently, and makes sound decisions that protect colleagues, wine quality, compliance standards, and the reputation of Gusbourne.

Values-Led Leadership – Leads by example in quality, safety, professionalism and performance standards, fostering a culture of accountability, teamwork, continuous learning and excellence throughout the winery.

Collaborative Partner – Builds strong working relationships with the Head Winemaker, Head of Operations, vineyard, laboratory and cellar teams, working collaboratively to deliver winemaking objectives and maintain seamless operations.

Strategic Thinking – Understands how daily winemaking activities contribute to Gusbourne's long-term vision and objectives, balancing operational priorities, resource requirements and wine quality considerations to support successful outcomes.

Communication Excellence – Communicates clearly, openly and professionally with colleagues, seasonal staff and stakeholders, ensuring priorities, expectations and technical information are understood and effectively delivered.

Resilience and Adaptability – Remains calm, focused and effective during busy operational periods, particularly harvest, adapting quickly to changing priorities and challenges while maintaining quality, safety and performance standards.

Continuous Improvement – Seeks opportunities to improve winemaking processes, winery operations and team effectiveness, using data, technology and industry best practice to enhance quality, consistency and efficiency.

Commercial Awareness – Understands the importance of balancing quality, productivity and cost control, making informed decisions that support both the integrity of Gusbourne wines and the commercial performance of the business.

Inclusive Mindset – Creates a respectful, supportive and collaborative working environment where colleagues and seasonal workers are valued, treated fairly and encouraged to contribute to the success of the team.

Coaching and Development – Supports the development of cellar staff and seasonal team members through training, mentoring and constructive feedback, helping to build capability, confidence and adherence to Gusbourne's high standards.