We have an exciting opportunity for a Winemaker to join the Argyle Winery production team! This role is responsible for overseeing all aspects of wine production, from grape sourcing to bottling. The position requires expert level understanding of all processes related to still and sparkling wines, quality control measures, and production level efficiency at a dynamic and growing high quality wine brand. The Head Winemaker will be the leader of the Winemaking Staff (Associate Winemaker, Lab and Cellar) by creating and fostering a collaborative environment focused on quality and innovation. The Head Winemaker will work closely with the Vineyard Manager to drive high quality fruit production off the estate vineyards and ensure tier specific fruit sourcing. In addition, this role collaborates with the Sales and Marketing departments to help promote the brand in the marketplace, and participate in various tastings, trade shows, and other affiliated events. This role is based in Newberg, OR and is a salary exempt position, working four, 10-hour shifts, Monday - Thursday, with occasional flexibility on Fridays and weekends during peak production and harvest periods. The incumbent qualifies for our outstanding health care benefits, PTO, 401k plan, wine allowance and more!
Minimum Qualifications:
- Experience as Winemaker or Associate Winemaker at a high-quality (premium) winery
- Minimum of 8 years of experience in winemaking, with at least 5 years in a leadership role
- Experience in promoting wine to customers – industry, trade, accounts, consumers
- Experience in sparkling wine production preferred
- Bachelor's degree in Enology, Viticulture, or a related field. Advanced degree preferred
- Strong knowledge of viticulture, enology, and winemaking theory, winemaking laws and regulations and cellar practices and equipment
- Proficient in technical platforms that include Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Vintrace
- Excellent leadership, communication and organizational skills
- Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Expert level ability to taste wines for style direction and flaws
Must be able to provide U.S. Work Authorization without current or future sponsorship.
Key Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Oversee the complete winemaking process from harvest to bottling
- Create and implement clear and consistent winemaking standards/protocols to ensure the winemaking staff can reliably execute
- Oversee and expand current QC measures to ensure consistency and excellence in all wines produced
- Drive a culture of innovation across the company by expanding new practices and technologies to increase wine quality and efficiency. Create experiments in collaboration with the winemaking and vineyard teams
- Collaborate with vineyard manager to select and source the best grapes for wine production
- Ensure all winemaking activities comply with local, state, and federal regulations. Maintain accurate records and reports as required by law
- Ensure Vintrace inventory and recordkeeping is accurate and up to date at all times
- Demonstrate leadership that creates a culture of honesty, transparency and positivity throughout the business
- Creation of yearly operating and CapEx budgets, including monthly reviews of KPIs
- Drive resource optimization to maintain or improve cost-effective wine production without compromising quality
- Work closely with the marketing and sales teams to align winemaking practices with market demands and brand positioning.
- Participate in promotional events and represent the company at industry functions while professionally representing Argyle with respect for the history and integrity of the brand.
Argyle Equity and Inclusion Statement - Argyle for All
At Argyle, we welcome differences, seek diverse perspectives and stand for fairness. While there will always be more work to be done as we honor and uphold the values of equity and inclusion, we strive to do the right thing, not just for today, but for the long-term. We understand that our words matter, but that our actions matter more. We are an equal-opportunity employer because we believe in equality for all. From our own employees to our guests, customers, community and industry partners, we are committed to treating everyone with the dignity, respect and kindness that they deserve. At Argyle, our doors are open to all.
By joining Distinguished Vineyards, you will be joining a team of diverse individuals, all passionate about wines, our employees, and our business and what they do! We aim to provide a fun and inclusive culture where everyone can be the best they can be and have a great time doing it. When applying for this opportunity, please complete an application and provide a complete resume. Distinguished Vineyards and it’s wine partnerships (MacRostie Winery, Markham Vineyards, and Argyle Winery) are an equal opportunity employer and encourages all to apply. All applications are kept confidential. Please visit our website to learn more about our culture: Distinguished Vineyards