Radford Dale: Assistant Winemaker

Radford Dale has an exciting opportunity for a recently-qualified winemaker to join our team.  The position will be based at our cellar on the slopes of the Helderberg outside Stellenbosch, with occasional work at our Organic Cellar in Elgin. 

Reporting to the Winemaker, the successful candidate will be involved in all aspects of winemaking including, but not limited to:

1. Harvest / crushing activities such as grape sampling, crushing, sorting, loading and unloading of grape presses and filling of barrels.
2. Fermentation management: monitoring and managing fermentation processes, including temperature control, yeast inoculations, and nutrient additions.
3. Cellar operations: performing cellar tasks such as racking, filling of barrels, transfers of wine and / or juice from and to tanks and barrels, making additions, conducting regular laboratory and sensory tests of bulk wines and preparing wines for bottling.
4. Management of bulk wine inventory as well as managing stock levels of additives, cleaning agents and consumables.
5. Supervision and technical training of staff.
6. Maintaining a high level of hygiene of equipment and the cellar so as to maintain a clean and organized winemaking environment.
7. Record keeping: Accurate and timely completion and upkeep of detailed records of all winemaking activities and cellar information on WineMS as well as SAWIS, IPW and SHE documentation.
8. Conduct tastings, tours and attend promotional activities and events on behalf of the company.

 
The successful candidate must have completed at least two vintages in a cellar (one vintage at a foreign cellar would be advantageous) and preferably have viticultural knowledge and experience.  The position requires an individual with a genuine commitment to excellence, who is willing to perform physical labour and work after-hours and weekends as required.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Degree or diploma in Viticulture and Oenology
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to maintain accurate records.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and physically demanding environment.
• Fluent in English and Afrikaans
• Forklift licence advantageous
• Valid driver’s licence and own transport

 
A detailed job description is available.

Please submit your CV with contactable references and a covering letter detailing salary expectations to kathleen@radforddale.com.

Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.