Winemaker (Wine Jobs: Vineyards & Cellars )

A truly exciting, rare and outstanding opportunity to work with a unique team focussed 100% on making premium-quality high-end wine. The Moorbridge estate in Berkshire (England) will produce only the finest wine from 20 hectares (ha) of vines planted in 2018, predominantly for sparkling wine production. 

This is a privileged position reporting directly to the business owner. The successful candidate will have full responsibility for winemaking in a new state-of-the-art winery, as well as working with the Vineyard Manager and team (including top Sommeliers and Masters of Wine) to craft grapes and wines of exceptional quality. This hands-on role requires a high degree of self-motivation, dedication and desire to manage the Estate’s wine production and strive for perfection.

We are seeking an experienced and passionate winemaker. The candidate will demonstrate experience in all aspects of winemaking operations as well as strong oenology and viticulture science, planning, communication and interpersonal skills. They will be a strong team player with good observational, diagnostic and problem-solving skills.  

Principal responsibilities

• Making impeccable wine
• Managing all aspects of wine production
• Winery health & safety
• Managing winery staff
• Winery and wine production budget management
•  Actively assisting with vineyard activities as required
• Establishing and managing environmental and waste management plans

In addition, as and when reasonably requested the post holder will be required to provide:

• Support to commercial activities and representation of the Moorbridge Estate
• Flexibility and ability to work overtime up to 7-days per week as needed, during harvest and at other key times of the year
• Any other reasonable and relevant duties from time to time

Experience and training

• Professional high-end winemaking, desirably cool-climate and sparkling wine 
• Experience in managing staff
• Relevant operational licences
• A tertiary or higher-education qualification in oenology/winemaking is desirable

Accommodation and location

There may be accommodation provided near or on-site as part of the employment package, if required. The estate is in a stunning location in rural Berkshire with amenities and primary and secondary schools nearby.