Position Summary
The Assistant Winemaker plays a key role in supporting day-to-day winemaking and vineyard operations within a family-owned vineyard and winery. This position is hands-on and collaborative, working closely with ownership to maintain quality, consistency, and efficiency from vineyard to bottle. Responsibilities span cellar work, vineyard coordination, inventory control, and administrative tasks including purchase order creation and management.
Key Responsibilities
Winemaking & Cellar Operations
- Assist with all stages of winemaking including harvest, fermentation, blending, aging, and bottling
- Monitor fermentations, conduct sampling, additions, and analysis
- Maintain cellar cleanliness, organization, and sanitation standards
- Operate and maintain winery equipment and tools
- Support bottling, labeling, and packaging activities
Vineyard Management
- Work closely with owners and vineyard managers on day-to-day vineyard operations
- Assist with vineyard sampling, maturity tracking, and harvest decisions
- Track vineyard activities including irrigation, canopy management, and crop estimates
Inventory Management
- Maintain accurate monthly inventories of bulk wine, bottled wine, and dry goods
- Track wine movements, losses, and usage
- Coordinate inventory needs ahead of harvest, bottling, and seasonal operations
- Assist with annual inventory reconciliation and reporting
Purchasing & Administrative
- Create, manage, and track Purchase Orders (POs) for winemaking supplies, vineyard materials, and services
- Communicate with vendors and suppliers to ensure timely delivery
- Maintain organized records for costing, compliance, and internal review
- Support budgeting and planning with ownership
Compliance & Quality
- Assist with maintaining production records and regulatory documentation
- Support quality control and continuous improvement initiatives
- Ensure proper recordkeeping to meet state and federal requirements
Qualifications
- Degree or coursework in Enology, Viticulture, or related field preferred (or equivalent hands-on experience)
- 2–5 years of winery or vineyard experience preferred
- Practical knowledge of vineyard and cellar operations
- Experience with inventory tracking and administrative processes
- Familiarity with PO systems, spreadsheets, and winery management software
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
- Willingness to work flexible hours
- Comfortable working in cellar and vineyard environments
Ideal Candidate
- Hands-on, adaptable, and comfortable wearing multiple hats
- Strong communication skills and a team-first mindset
- Respect for family-owned business values and traditions
- Passion for wine, farming, and craftsmanship
Pay: $23.00 - $25.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
