Vintage Cellar Hands
(Wine Jobs:
Vineyards & Cellars )
Full Time
Canterbury, Kent,
England
Defined Wine Ltd is seeking Cellar Hands 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 Cellar Hands will report to the Operations Winemaker and/or Vintage Assistant Winemaker.
Dates and hours
Dates: From the start of September to late November, depending on harvest dates. There is an opportunity for at least one post to become permanent.
Hours: Forty hours per week outside harvest, up to 70 hours per week during the peak of harvest.
Tasks will include:
- Grape receival and processing, both with a forklift truck and by hand
- Inoculation, enrichment and other relevant additions
- Racking and transfers of juice / wine
- Ferment monitoring
- Conduct sampling of wines as advised by winemakers
- Cap management including pump-overs / punch-downs
- Barrel handling
- Bin / tank / press / barrel sanitation
- Maintaining cleanliness throughout the winery at all times
- 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:
- Previous winery experience (minimum one harvest)
- Clear English communication both written and verbal
- The ability to work well in a small team
- Eligibility to work in the UK
- The ability to lift up to 20kg
- Good literacy and numeracy skills with an eye for detail
- The understanding that shifts could last up to 12 hours in the peak of harvest and may include a nightshift
In addition, candidates should ideally have:
- Certification and experience in forklift driving
- Lab experience
- Own transport
Competitive salary, reflective of previous experience.
