Where Legacy Meets Innovation—Your Dream Winemaker Role Awaits

Bundschu Co • Full-time • Sonoma, California, United States • $105k - $150k / year • 5d ago

Bundschu Company—home to Gundlach Bundschu, Abbot’s Passage, and more—is seeking a dynamic, forward-thinking Winemaker to lead production across our portfolio. As a Regenerative Organic Certified winery with 165+ years of history, we’re looking for someone with practical winemaking leadership, strong business acumen, and a passion for crafting wines that reflect both place and purpose. This is a high-impact role in a fast-evolving company, with opportunities to drive innovation, mentor teams, and support this legacy’s continued growth.

Join a legacy. Shape the future of the wine industry.

ABOUT BUNDSCHU COMPANY

Since 1858, Bundschu Company has embodied the belief that quality wine and memorable experiences are deeply connected. As California’s oldest family-owned winery, bonded winery #64, we blend heritage with forward momentum, growing an intentionally small portfolio of wineries and brands—including Gundlach Bundschu, Abbot's Passage, GUNBUN, Bundschu Winery & Vineyard Services, and Huichica Music Festival—that each uniquely carry on that spirit.

We’re proud to be a Regenerative Organic Certified winery, committed to sustainability in practice, not just in principle. As a dynamic, multi-generational company, we honor our legacy by continually investing in innovation, top-tier wine, unforgettable experiences, and the next generation of diverse leaders in the wine industry. Learn more at www.bundschu.com.

ABOUT THE WINEMAKING POSITION

This is a unique opportunity to lead winemaking at a historic, yet forward-thinking winery, bringing craft, creativity, and commercial insight together in one role. As the oldest family-owned winery in the region, we are proud of our legacy and equally focused on evolution. You will oversee the full scope of wine production from grape to bottle across our estate and partner vineyards, ensuring our wines embody excellence, innovation, and a strong sense of place. This is a chance to help guide a storied brand into its next chapter, balancing heritage with fresh thinking to stay relevant and attract new audiences.

We're looking for someone with practical leadership experience in winemaking who brings new ideas and energy to a changing industry, has strong business acumen, and is excited to drive brand impact through both quality and storytelling. The Winemaker will support custom crush and private label programs, collaborate cross-functionally to align production with brand goals, and travel 4–6 times per year to support market and brand outreach. This role is ideal for someone ready to blend tradition with innovation—and help shape the future of a legacy winery in a dynamic market.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Winemaking Leadership & Innovation

Oversee all winemaking activities, from harvest planning to bottling, with support from ownership and our Consulting Winemaker
Develop and refine wine styles across all Bundschu Co. brands, ensuring consistency, quality, and innovation
Collaborate closely with vineyard partners to optimize fruit quality across multiple sites
Introduce new winemaking techniques and wines that reflect evolving consumer preferences

Strategic & Brand Alignment

Align winemaking approach with brand identity and company vision
Contribute to strategic planning and long-term brand development with the leadership team
Evaluate opportunities for custom winemaking, private label partnerships, and packaging evolution

Client & Custom Winemaking

Lead our custom winemaking and bottling services, ensuring client satisfaction, operational excellence, and profitability
Build strong relationships with custom crush clients, ensuring their specifications are met while maintaining high standards of service.

Quality, Compliance & Bottling

Advance a robust Quality Management System aligned with ISO 9001 standards
Oversee quality control, compliance, safety, and efficiency throughout production and bottling
Partner with marketing to ensure packaging aligns with brand storytelling

Team Leadership & Operational Oversight

Lead, mentor, and develop cellar and bottling teams, cultivating a culture of accountability, innovation, and ownership
Manage production budgets and vendor relationships with a focus on efficiency and sustainability
Participate in hiring, performance management, and equipment/facility planning
Oversee asset management and fixed asset accounting for long-term financial health.

Market Presence & Brand Engagement

Collaborate with sales, marketing, and hospitality to craft educational and promotional content
Represent Bundschu Co. at events, tastings, and in-market appearances (4–6 trips/year)
Serve as a brand ambassador within the broader wine industry

AUTHORITIES

Full oversight of wine production
Staffing and performance management for production teams
Collaboration with ownership and Consulting Winemaker on portfolio direction and blending
Vendor and client relationship management
Participation in strategic planning, grower negotiations, and new business development

IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Enology, Viticulture, or related field
7+ years of experience in premium winemaking, including team management and custom programs
Demonstrated success in leading production teams, managing complexity, and building strong brands
Innovative mindset with strong business acumen and awareness of industry trends
Skilled communicator and collaborator, comfortable working across departments and with clients
Passionate about regenerative farming, sustainability, and building a lasting legacy

WORK ENVIRONMENT & BENEFITS

Bundschu Company offers a competitive and holistic benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and work-life balance, including:

Medical, vision, and dental coverage
401(k) with company match
Life insurance, FSA, and disability coverage
Unlimited vacation time, holidays, and paid volunteer and birthday time off
Wine and merchandise discounts
A values-driven culture rooted in legacy, innovation, and community

At Bundschu Company, we foster a workplace where ideas are welcomed, people are respected, and ambition is met with opportunity. We’re building something lasting—and we’re looking for smart, driven, collaborative individuals who want to build their legacy with us.