About the Role

Mari Vineyards is currently seeking an experienced Head Winemaker to lead our cellar team in the production of our estate red and white wines. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, creative, hands-on, and experienced in working with multiple cool climate varieties.

The Head Winemaker is a key leadership role responsible for the direction and execution of the winemaking program, ensuring the production of high-quality wines that reflect our style and standards. This individual will lead a small team of cellar staff, collaborating closely with our farm staff, tasting room managers, wine club, and marketing department to coordinate and achieve the winery's strategic objectives, including regular support of hospitality and sales initiatives.

Winemaking Responsibilities

Manage and oversee all aspects of the winemaking process, from harvest through fermentation, aging, blending, and bottling, maintaining and continually improving our world-class wine standards
Balance traditional winemaker techniques with innovative processes and technology, working with a multitude of varieties, styles, and both single varietal and blended wines
Lead the cellar team in quality control and sensory evaluations such as barrel tastings, blending bench trials, and technical sheet creation
Manage, mentor, and train cellar staff to ensure that all winemaking activities are performed safely and efficiently
Foster a positive and productive work environment amongst different work styles and personalities
Conduct performance reviews, identify training needs, and support the professional development of team members; interview and hire new staff as needed
Do typical cellar hand work as needed, such as bottling/labeling, blending, racking, testing, topping, filtering and sanitizing, etc
Report bi-weekly in management meetings (or as needed) to the management team regarding farm and cellar updates, market trends, production projections, and overall goals and needs

Viticulture Responsibilities

Collaborate closely with the Vineyard Manager on all viticultural operations, ensuring grape quality and quantity to meet the winery's standards and production goals
Analyze annual climate and weather trends to determine vineyard goals and hoop house timelines
Participate in vineyard walks and assessments, contributing to decisions regarding canopy management, harvest timing, spray programs, and other key viticultural practices
Foster strong communication and collaboration between the winemaking and vineyard teams

Strategy and Financial Management

Continue and constantly improve upon the annual production plan in conjunction with the tasting room and ownership, aligning with the winery's overall business objectives
Oversee the financial performance of production, including farm costs, cellar equipment and vessel purchases, repairs and maintenance, and labor
Develop and continually refine long-term vineyard and winemaking strategies, maintaining house standards and quality benchmarks

Administration and Compliance Responsibilities

Ensure the proper administrative functioning of the winemaking operations, including TTB reports and filings
Maintain accurate records of all winemaking activities
Coordinate scheduling, proofing, and ordering of wine labels to remain compliant with TTB regulations
Distribution, DTC, and Marketing Responsibilities
Foster existing distributor relationships and lead expansion in this area as able, working with Michigan, Chicago, New York, and limited Texas distribution channels
Collaborate with the tasting room, wine club, events, and marketing managers to promote Mari’s wines both on and off-site, such as representing the winery at industry events, media engagements, trade account visits, house events, and more
Support the tasting room team by interacting and hosting guests as time allows
Work with the individuals responsible for staff training to educate servers on our farming, winemaking, and stylistic approaches, as well as general wine knowledge and history
Develop and maintain strong relationships with vendors, suppliers, and key customers such as wine club members

Experience

Degree in Winemaking/Enology/Viticulture, or related field
5+ years of experience in a winemaking program, preferably leading a team
Experience working with both red and white cool climate varieties, preferably in an estate grown and produced environment
Experience with winemaking equipment, including crushers, presses, tanks, barrels, and bottling lines, etc
Excellent leadership, communication, and coordination abilities amongst the cellar team and interdepartmentally
A strong sensory ability to accurately access wine quality and descriptions
Organizational and analytical skills regarding both data entry and the overall wine program
Adaptable to unexpected changes and conditions with the ability to multitask on concurrent projects and initiatives
Able to work long hours under physically demanding situations
Able to move and/or lift 50 pounds, sometimes repeatedly for extended periods
Able to work on wet, slippery floors that include obstacles such as hoses and pumps
Able to tolerate physical conditions such as heat, cold, and wet
Experience with operating a forklift helpful but not required
Proficient in Vintrace or other winemaking/inventory software

Benefits

Salary commensurate with experience
Simple IRA with employee matching
Health insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Paid sick time
Paid time off

To apply, please send a resume and letter of interest to Sherry Yeager - accounting@marivineyards.com

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Employee discount
Health insurance
Paid sick time
Paid time off
Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Mari Vineyards

New Jobs

Head Winemaker