Job Description: Full-Time Head Winemaker
Job Description
William Heritage Winery is in search of a motivated and experienced head winemaker with an exceptional work ethic. This individual will be expected to execute year-round production and lead the winemaking team in the pursuit of crafting high quality wines.
William Heritage Winery has been producing premium estate-grown wines since 2001. Recently rated 90 points from such publications at the Wine Advocate, Wine Enthusiast Magazine, Wine & Spirits Magazine, Decanter and the International Wine Guide - William Heritage Winery has been cementing itself as a benchmark producer in the region. The winery owns over 65 acres of vineyards for wine production.
Another core aspect of the winery's production is sweeter-style wines produced & bottled for the broader wholesale market in New Jersey. These wines make up a large portion of the production at William Heritage Winery.
*** Winemaker Requirements and Responsibilities - Will Only Consider Those Who Meet All Criteria in the Following Section
• 3+ years of winemaking experience (priority will be given to those who held head winemaker position)
• Formal degree or certification in enology
• Experience with operating a fully automated bottling line
• Experience operating a forklift
• Cellar sanitation experience – cleaning tanks, barrels and other winemaking equipment
• Harvest experience including - fruit sorting, processing, pump overs, pressing, etc.
• Experience blending, racking, SO2 additions, topping, etc.
• Ability to perform various types of lab analysis for winemaking
• The position requires the ability to lift 50 lbs., climb ladders, and comfortably navigate a production warehouse setting
• During harvest months – ability to work 6+ days and 50+ hours (September – November)
Additional Duties and Responsibilities
• Participate in grading individual wine lots and cooperages for blending and winemaking decisions
• Assist with maintaining an accurate monthly inventory of bulk wine, bottling supplies
• Participation with select winery events
• Maintain a working knowledge of winery equipment and be able to troubleshoot when necessary
• Help contribute to winery safety and training programs
Goals & Skill Sets
- Must have a thorough understanding of the entire winemaking process
- Good communication skills and the ability to work with a team as well as work well alone
- Strong attention to detail
- Commitment to maintaining quality standards
- Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and other basic computer programs
- Willing and able to work long hours during harvest and bottling
- Enjoys hands-on, production labor
- Willingness to occasionally work in difficult conditions such as: heat, cold, high places, and on ladders
Production
- Note that William Heritage Winery is a full production winery.
- Full-time winemaker may be required to assist bottle wines throughout the season.
Reporting Requirements
This position is directed by and reports to owners, Bill & Penni Heritage along with marketing & sales manager, Richard Heritage. Winemaker will also be directed by, and coordinate with Bryan Heritage (production manager) and Erik Heritage (vineyard manager). This position is also expected to manage and lead our assistant winemaker & additional winemaking team members throughout the year.
Compensation
- Hourly wage to be negotiated based on candidate's experience
- Two weeks paid vacation
- Overtime pay primarily during harvest months
- Annual Bonus
- William Heritage Winery currently does not offer a health benefits package
William Heritage Winery is owned and operated by Bill & Penni Heritage with the help of their sons – Richard, Bryan & Erik Heritage. The family takes tremendous pride in their family farm, wine quality and working environment. The Heritage family has been farming the same piece of land since 1853. The overall goal of the vineyard and winery is to continue the family farming legacy that has lasted for over six generations.
Those interested may send resume and cover letter to Richard Heritage. Only those will be considered who meet all criteria listed in "Winemaker Requirements and Responsibilities" section.
William Heritage Winery
480 Mullica Hill Road
Mullica Hill, NJ 08062 Create a Job Alert Receive an email alert when similar new jobs are posted. It's free, fast and easy.
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