Assistant Winemaker

Fior di Sole•Napa, CA

28d•$75,000 - $80,000•Onsite

About The Position

As Assistant Winemaker, you will assist Winemaker of Core brands and Private labels in building and delivering projects for packaging, including collateral cellar movements management. During harvest, you must support the winemaking team in directing and guaranteeing proper execution of harvest operations.

Requirements

BS/MS in Fermentation Science, Viticulture and Enology, Biology or Chemistry
Minimum 3 years of experience as Enologist
Good organizational and communication skills (verbal and written)
Well-developed wine tasting skills
Deep understanding of major aspects of winemaking, laboratory procedures, bottling and production workflow
Computer proficient in Excel (intermediate to advanced), Access and Word
Clear commitment to high quality and orientation to details
Ability to work harmoniously with coworkers
Able to work independently with a minimum of supervision
Lift and carry up to 50 pounds
Work on and around ladders, catwalks, uneven flooring, in hot, cold, and wet environments

Nice To Haves

Fluency in Spanish desirable

Responsibilities

Create project sheet (BR), pull reference samples from archive and print batch history (blending composition, fining, etc.)
Organize and execute in timely manner the blending components’ samples collection
Work with Dispatching Clerk in scheduling incoming lots
Prepare trial blend for tasting and analysis
Prepare final blend for approval session, Core (internal- with WM & Director), Private Label (Client- in person or via courier)
WO creation and issuance, from blending to pre-bottling transfer, including analyses’ (panel) to request
Update project progress status in the summary reports sheet
Interact with Lab Supervisor to guarantee timing of analysis and reporting, including data review and taste sample approval at each processing stage
Responsible for adhering to state and federal regulations
Contribute to the continuous improvement of the winemaking process and procedures
Responsibility for the quality and execution of work performed review and implementation of standards of care, safety, and operating procedures.
Assist in safety training and management of compliance issues
Sales/Marketing samples preparation for new SKU/ projects
DSL Pre-blends, vintage/varietal and generic non-vintage (includes Rotovac output selection)
Bulk wine inventory chemistry data review (in house and outside storage)
Bulk wine inventory optimization by blending/consolidating partial tanks
Review and report on Enologist’s accuracy and efficiency in executing proper aging practices and processing such as, but not limited to, SO2/acid adjustments, preventative and curative treatment (fining) and filtration
Review and report on Enologist’s accuracy and efficiency in juice fermentation monitoring and management
Execute harvest operation scheduling and tasks assignment to Cellar Supervisor/Lead, from grape receiving to first rack off lees (after AF or ML, as it applies)
Barrel management (barrel down)

Benefits

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance – Full suite of healthcare coverage options to meet individual and family needs.
Life and AD&D Insurance – Company-provided coverage for added peace of mind.
Paid Time Off (PTO) – 14 days of annual PTO to rest, recharge, and prioritize personal well-being.
Paid Family Medical Leave – Company-paid leave to support employees during important family or medical situations.
401(k) Profit Sharing Plan with Company Match – Plan for your future with our retirement savings plan, including generous company matching.
Holiday Pay – Paid holidays provided throughout the calendar year.
PTO Donation – Employees can donate PTO hours to a shared bank or directly to a co-worker in need.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Confidential, company-provided support for mental health, financial counseling, legal guidance, and more.
LifeMart – Access to exclusive discounts and special offers on products and services through the LifeMart employee savings program.
Pet Insurance – Optional coverage to help care for your furry family members.
Employee Wine Discounts – Enjoy generous savings on our portfolio of wines.
Supplemental Benefit Options – Access to a variety of voluntary benefit programs for additional coverage and personalized support.