Cellar Hand / Winemaking Assistant (Wine Jobs: Vineyards & Cellars )

Full Time

  New Hall Vineyards (http://www.newhallwines.co.uk)

  Chelmford, Essex, UK, England

We are offering an exciting opportunity for a full time member of staff to join our small team on our Family-run vineyard in Essex, UK  as a cellar hand during the 2018 harvest progressing to a winemaking assistant after the harvest.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a fun and friendly team helping with all aspects of winemaking working as a cellar hand for the 2018 vintage helping to process our fruit (along with fruit from our contract winemaking clients) then as an assistant winemaker to our head winemaker helping with all other processes from blending to bottling, disgorging etc.

Established in 1969, New Hall Vineyards is one of the oldest vineyards in the UK and currently has 100acres of vines in full production, a further 13 acres planted in 2018 and plans for more planting in future.  We produce predominantly aromatic white wines, as well as light reds, still rose and traditional method Sparkling wines.  Our winery processes approximately 130 tonnes of fruit each year from our vineyard with additional fruit from our contract winemaking clients.  Winners of the UK Winemaker of the Year trophy in 2013, 2015 and 2016 along with many medals in regional, national and international competitions, we strive to produce consistently high quality wines for both ourselves and our winemaking clients. 

With further development planned and an increase in production it is an exciting time to be involved.  This role is very much a long term prospect for someone who wants to be a permanent member of our team and be part of this exciting journey.  There will be ongoing skill development and training opportunities, as well as plenty of benefits including generous time off periods in the summer months.

 The role is split in two parts – the first is a Cellar Hand position for the 2018 Vintage.  This requires the person to work along side our Winemaker during the harvest including helping to run our two 3 tonne presses, racking, making additions, cleaning, basic ferment monitoring, berry sampling, having an input into decisions made throughout the harvest and communicating with our winemaker, vineyard manager and general managers. 

The second part will follow on directly from the harvest. You will become a permanent member of the team as an assistant winemaker to our head winemaker with a view to taking on more responsibilities in 2 – 3 years when our fruit intake increases.  The ideal candidate must have be willing to assist our winemaker in key decisions when it comes to blending, be able to maintain good records and follow our winemaking programme whilst still bringing new ideas for potential blends to try.  They will also be required to assist with all aspects of winemaking including filtering, bottling, disgorging, etc. 

Our ideal candidate must be enthusiastic, have a passion for the winemaking industry and a good work ethic.  They must be self-motivated and adaptable with a reasonable level of fitness due to the working environment and the nature of being part of a small family run business. 

Applicants must have the following abilities, skills and experience:

·        Good Time Management, Punctual and able to prioritise working under pressure

·        Ability to work alone and as part of a team

·        Self motivated and adaptable

·        Good record keeping skills, both paper and computerised

·        Basic computer knowledge (Excel/Word/etc)

·        Winemaking Experience

·        Fluent English Speaking

·        Willing to make a long-term commitment to this role

Hours – Monday to Thursday 7.30 to 4pm Friday 7.30 – 3pm  Additional Hours during harvest and some weekend work may be required.

Start date mid August 2018

Closing Date for applications:  20th May 2018

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