Assistant Winemaker (Wine Jobs: Vineyards & Cellars )

  Defined Wine Ltd (http://www.definedwine.com)

  Canterbury, Kent, England

Defined Wine Ltd is a contract-only winery, with no vines or brands of its own. Its focus is solely on supporting clients, whether they be small growers seeking a “crate to case” service, or larger producers requiring specialist support.

 This is an exciting opportunity to be part of the dynamic English wine scene and to be involved in making a diverse range of still and sparkling wines from a wide variety of regions and grape varieties.

We are seeking a motivated and hands-on Assistant Winemaker to support the Winemakers throughout all stages of wine production, from grape intake and fermentation through to maturation, blending, bottling, disgorging and cellar operations.

The successful candidate will combine a strong interest in winemaking with excellent attention to detail, practical cellar skills, and a commitment to quality, hygiene, and health and safety. This is a hands-on role that requires flexibility and the ability to work effectively during demanding periods, particularly harvest.

Responsibilities

·        Tasting, blending and participation in all major winemaking decisions 

·        Management of blends 

·        Verification of wine for disgorging: Analysis, riddling, feasibility 

·        Planning, management and implementation of all MLF and referments 

·        Harvest running totals and averages of chaptalisation / alcohol / acidity 

·        Interacting with clients, visiting vineyards, discussing winemaking requirements

·        Improvements, management and interfaces with Vintrace 

·        Reconciliation of extraction rates, blends, volumes and costings per batch and blend. 

·        Post-production wine QC 

·        Establishing and writing safe systems of work for SALSA / BRC and HSE compliance 

·        Reference for wine standards and UK wine quality schemes  

Harvest

·        Assist with operational winemaking duties

·        6 days a week working 10 hrs per day but up to 12 if required

 

 Candidates must have:

 

·        Relevant qualifications

·        Good attention to detail and accuracy

·        Clear English communication - written and verbal

·        Ability to work in fast paced environments

·        Competency on MS Office applications

·        Strong time management skills

·        Physical fitness - lifting, standing and moving stock

·        Ability to lift up to 25kg

·        Eligibility to work in the UK (assistance with visa application can be provided for the suitable candidate) 

In addition, candidates should ideally have:

·        Certification in forklift driving

·        Lab experience

·        Own transport

 

 We offer:

 ·        Competitive salary, reflective of previous experience.

·        Company pension

·        Opportunities for your own continuous personal development 

·        Higher than statutory annual leave

 

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