Assistant Winemaker
(Wine Jobs:
Vineyards & Cellars )
Full Time
New Hall Vineyards, Essex,
England
Established in 1969, New Hall Vineyards is one of the oldest vineyards in the UK and currently has 100 acres 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 175 tonnes of fruit each year. In addition, we are one of the main contract winemakers in East Anglia.
We are seeking an Assistant Winemaker to join our team. The successful candidate will work alongside our Winemaker assisting in all aspects of winery work throughout the year and support our continued growth. With further development of wine styles and an increase in production planned, it is an exciting time to be involved and a great opportunity to start a new chapter of your career.
This role is very much a long-term prospect for someone who wants to be a permanent member of our team.
In exchange, we will invest in the candidate’s ongoing skill development and training and treat them as part of the family with plenty of incentives and benefits, including generous time-off periods in the quieter summer months.
Responsibilities
§ Assist the Winemaker with all day-to-day tasks: grape sampling, fruit intake & processing, inoculations, additions, racking, fining, blending, bottling, cleaning, disgorging sparkling wines, decision-making throughout the year.
§ Setting up and maintaining winery equipment including tanks, hoses, pumps, bottling line, disgorging line, all filters and presses.
§ Adhering to sanitation procedures.
§ Basic laboratory analysis on juice and wine.
§ Communication with General Managers and Vineyard Manager.
§ Diligent record keeping at all stages of the winemaking process.
§ Involvement in all wine evaluation and input on winemaking decisions.
§ Assist with vineyard/winery tours and annual sales when required.
§ Adherence to health and safety regulations.
Attributes
§ Passionate about minimal intervention winemaking. Organised and efficient with attention to detail.
§ Be willing to work weekends and evenings when required.
§ Able bodied and comfortable lifting up to 25kg, climbing ladders, confined space entry and standing for long periods of time.
§ Reliable and punctual.
§ Strong team player but also capable of working alone.
§ Ability to take instruction and perform duties to a high standard
§ Ability to work in a high-pressure environment.
§ Eligible to work in the UK.
Experience and Training
§ A minimum of two full vintages essential. A previous full-time position in a winery (from harvest to bottling). would be highly desirable.
§ A good, working knowledge and experience in all aspects of winemaking from grape sampling, pressing to bottling.
§ Experience in the production of Traditional Method sparkling wines.
§ Full clean UK driving license.
§ Forklift license beneficial.
§ Computer literate with good Microsoft Office skills.
§ FdSc or BSc in Viticulture & Oenology or equivalent would be preferred but not essential.
§ WSET qualifications advantageous.
§ Sales and customer service experience would also be beneficial.
Start Date: August 2020 or immediate start for the right candidate.
Contract: This is a permanent, full-time position beginning with a 6-month probationary period.
Salary: Salary will be negotiable depending on experience.
Please email a CV and covering letter to Becki Trembath ( [email protected] )