Job Description
Job Description:
WineTalent is working with a Luxury Calistoga Estate Winery on an Associate Winemaker Search
About the Company: WineTalent’s client is a luxury estate producing white and red Bordeaux-inspired blends, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The winery features mountain vineyards, classical winemaking and limited production.
About the Position: The Associate Winemaker will work closely with the Winemaker to lead and coordinate all aspects of day-to-day winemaking operations and wine quality assurance, ensuring the highest standards of ultra-premium wine production are met. This hands-on role includes overseeing lab functions, managing production logistics, maintenance scheduling and supply purchasing, and supporting administrative responsibilities such as bulk wine inventory, internal movements, and regulatory compliance. The Associate Winemaker will also play a key role in fostering a collaborative and positive team environment within the production department, while maintaining clear, proactive communication with the Winemaker.
Responsibilities:
Winemaking & Production Management
• Oversee and actively participate in all phases of the winemaking process, from grape to bottle.
• Collaborate with the Winemaker to plan and execute winemaking strategies aligned with stylistic goals.
• Participate in blending trials and tasting panels as needed, contributing expert sensory evaluation and decision-making.
• Monitor fermentation, aging, and bottling to ensure consistent wine quality.
• Maintain and improve cellar protocols, sanitation, and production SOPs.
Laboratory & Quality Assurance
• Supervise all lab activities, ensuring timely and accurate analysis of wines.
• Review and interpret lab results to maintain quality standards and advise on necessary adjustments.
• Coordinate outside lab testing and ensure proper documentation of all data.
Team Leadership & Supervision
• Supervise cellar staff and harvest crews; provide coaching and mentorship to junior team members.
• Foster a positive, safety-conscious, and collaborative team environment.
• Act as a liaison between production, lab, and winemaking leadership to ensure smooth operations.
• Assist in hiring seasonal team members and help manage their training and performance.
Purchasing & Inventory Oversight
• Manage procurement of winemaking and production supplies, including chemicals, small tools, and bottling materials.
• Maintain accurate bulk wine inventories and support compliance with label and regulatory requirements (TTB/BATF). Coordinate equipment purchases and vendor relationships as needed
Administrative & Regulatory Compliance
• Maintain detailed and accurate records of wine production, bottling, lab results, and inventory using Innovint or similar software.
• Ensure all winemaking activities comply with safety and environmental regulations.
• Assist with compliance-related documentation and audits.
Harvest & Bottling Coordination
• Lead harvest operations including grape intake, lab analysis, crush pad management, and fermentation monitoring.
• Manage bottling operations: quality checks, logistics, scheduling, and post-bottling tracking.
• Serve as a key point of contact for production needs during critical seasonal periods.
Cross-Department Collaboration & Representation
• Support Marketing and Public Relations by participating in tastings, events, and educational initiatives as requested.
• Represent the winery professionally with vendors, regulatory bodies, and within the industry.
• Support sustainability and waste management efforts across all production areas.
Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in Enology, Viticulture, Biology, Chemistry, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 7+ years of progressive winemaking experience, including at least 2 years in a supervisory role.
• Deep knowledge of winemaking practices, wine chemistry, sensory analysis, and vineyard-winery integration.
• Proficient in MS Word, MS Excel, and Outlook. Innovint or other winery software experience a plus.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills with a high attention to detail.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred.
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs and work extended hours during harvest.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Team player with a positive and collaborative attitude.
Compensation and Benefits:
• This is a full-time, salaried position. The salary range is $105,000 to $115,000.
• Competitive salary plus incentive bonus. Benefits include medical, dental and vision insurance. Additional benefits include 401(K) with employer match, PTO, and holiday pay.
About WineTalent: WineTalent is a wine industry focused recruitment company. We work closely with our clients and our job seekers to find the right fit of talents, experience and work environment. All inquiries will be kept strictly confidential.
WineTalent: The Right People for the Job
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Job Tags
Holiday work, Full time, Seasonal work,