Vintage Assistant Winemaker
(Wine Jobs:
Vineyards & Cellars )
Full Time
Canterbury, Kent,
England
Defined Wine Ltd is seeking a Vintage Assistant Winemaker for the 2021 harvest. Defined Wine Ltd has been set up as a contract-only winery, with no vines or brands of its own. Its focus is therefore solely on supporting clients, whether they be small growers who want a full “crate to case” service, or larger clients who want any part of this: pressing, winemaking, bottling, riddling and disgorging or labelling. We are based at Highland Court Farm, near Canterbury, Kent (CT4 5HL).
Given the broad spectrum of our clients and their very different requirements, this is an exciting opportunity to be involved in making a wide range of still and sparkling wines. The Vintage Assistant Winemaker will report to the Operations Winemaker.
Dates and hours
Dates: From the start of September to December, depending on harvest dates.
Hours: Forty hours per week outside harvest, up to 70 hours per week during the peak of harvest.
Tasks will include:
- Support pre-harvest preparations
- Responsible for running the night shift during the main harvest period
- Preparation and supervision of work orders
- Managing people
- Cap management including pump-overs / punch-downs
- Barrel handling
- Maintaining accurate records of all winery work
- Maintaining a safe work environment at all times and actively participating in WHS policy and procedures
Candidates must have:
- A winemaking qualification and/or experience as an Assistant Winemaker
- Competence in a broad range of winery duties
- Good organisational and interpersonal skills and the ability to lead a team
- Hold a driving licence and a proficiency certificate for forklift operation
- Computer skills to manage winery records, stock management and all winemaking administration
- Flexibility to work extended hours when necessary
- Eligibility to work in the UK
- The ability to lift up to 20kg
In addition, candidates should ideally have:
- Lab experience
- Experience of working in a winery with contract clients
- Experience of making English and Welsh or cool climate wines
- Experience of working with VinTrace and OenoFoss
- Own transport
Competitive salary, reflective of previous experience.