A Wine Estate, based in Stellenbosch, currently has a position available for a dynamic Winemaker to join their team. The ideal candidate is diligent, a detail-oriented person with strong interpersonal skills (Afrikaans and English), can work independently, and can perform well in both team context and individually.
The Winemaker will report to the CEO/Cellar Master and will be responsible for (but not limited to):
Technical functions
Production Management
• Overseeing all aspects of wine production, from grape selection to bottling, ensuring high quality and consistency.
• Planning specifics of blends, wine processing and bottling
Winemaking Process
• Managing fermentation, aging, blending, and other processes involved in winemaking
• Laboratory - Laboratory management and analysis control
• Distillery - Leading the distillery and aging process of spirits
• Quality Control: Conducting regular quality assessments and tastings to maintain and improve wine quality, adjusting as necessary
Management
Hierarchy
• Strong collaboration with and reporting to the CEO. Strong connection with Viticulturist and sales & marketing staff
Team Leadership
• Supervising and mentoring cellar workers, lab technicians, and other staff involved in the winemaking process
• Work distribution to subordinate employees according to competence and specifics of the work
Research and Development
• Staying updated on industry trends, innovations, and best practices to continuously improve winemaking techniques and product quality.
Inter-Departmental & Administrative functions
Budgeting and Planning
• Developing and managing budgets, forecasting production needs, control expenses
Regulatory Compliance
• Ensuring compliance with local, national, and international regulations related to winemaking, labeling, and safety standards
Maturity Control
• participation in maturity control of the grapes together with vineyard department
Grape Sourcing
• Collaborating with vineyard departments to ensure the availability of high-quality grapes for production
Technological scheme
• Creating technological scheme of wine, Chacha and sparkling wine and leading the technological processes. Relations with ISO department Equipment Maintenance: Managing and maintaining winemaking equipment and facilities to ensure efficiency and safety. Proficiency - Wine MS, WIETA, ECOCERT & SAWIS.
Essential qualifications, skills and experience
• BSc Agric Viticulture and Oenology, Elsenburg qualification, Food Science, Chemistry or similar;
• Relevant experience;
• Previous harvest experience (mandatory);
• Knowledge of Viticulture and Enology: Understanding grape growing, harvesting, and the science of winemaking;
• Laboratory Skills: Ability to conduct and interpret chemical and microbiological analyses;
• Sensory Analysis: Proficiency in tasting and evaluating wine to ensure quality and consistency;
• Winemaking Techniques: Familiarity with fermentation processes, blending, aging, and bottling;
• Attention to Detail;
• Problem-Solving Skills;
• Project Management: Skills in managing production schedules, resources, and teams;
• Good communication Skills;
• Regulatory Knowledge: Understanding of local, national, and international wine regulations and standards;
• Knowledge of different quality control systems (IPW, HACCP, ISO9001, FSSC22000);
• Experience with food safety systems and certification as applicable in the wine industry will be to the candidate’s advantage;
Profile
• Curious, spontaneous, open minded, structured and organized;
• Experience (8 years minimum);
• Distillery and organic production skills beneficial;
• Experience abroad beneficial.
• Excellent computer proficiency (MS Office, WineMS);
• Own reliable transport with valid driver’s license;
• Willingness to work overtime when required, especially during harvest season.
Please apply online at wineestaterecruitment@gmail.com before 12h00 on 31 July 2024.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates are contacted. If you don’t hear from us within two weeks of the closing date, please assume that your application was unsuccessful.