Associate Production Winemaker (Wine Jobs: Vineyards & Cellars )

The Associate Production Winemaker (APW) is one of the most exciting, evolving and essential roles of Amici Cellars and Olema Wines and will supervise the wine production from grape to bottle of our core Amici and Olema wines. It is expected that the APW will be an active leader in not only the wine making process, but all aspects of Amici Cellars, constantly searching for ways in which to improve wine quality, efficiencies and processes while becoming an essential part of the winemaking team and leadership of the company. This position requires a passionate appreciation and respect for wine, an entrepreneurial attitude and the desire to be a part of a growing company and brand.

Essential Duties
Custom Crush Facilities - Management
•  Act as the primary Amici/Olema liaison to all custom crush supervisor/winemakers ensuring proper planning and scheduling for all winemaking needs.
•  Works closely with Amici Winemakers to create and send work orders as needed and ensure all protocols are explained clearly and properly.
•  Present at all winemaking facilities to monitor quality and care in the winemaking process and all work orders are followed correctly.
•  Maintains inventory of all cellar/lab supplies and equipment needed by our contracted facilities. Requests and places orders as needed.
•  Manages the grape receiving process and wine production operations during the harvest.

Bottling and Production of Wholesale Brands
•  Run all logistics involved with the blending, stabilizing, trucking, compliance, bottling and inventorying of bottled wines.
•  Collaborates regularly with the sales team and President to help develop and adjust a production/bottling calendar that supports both sales and winemaking needs.
•  Collaborates regularly with the accounting team to ensure costing is up to date and accurate, accounting for proper compliance with company goals.
•  Purchase all bottling supplies and track inventory.
•  Manage supplier relationships, while continuously re-evaluating costs and efficiencies to maximize quality and value.
•  Constantly searching, tasting and developing new sources and relationships for production from grapes to negociant sourcing of wine.

General Winemaking Responsibilities
•  Participates and helps to organize winemaking team meetings, tastings and blending sessions
•  Assists in all winemaking activities, leading by example, including vineyard sampling and various aspects of winery operations, crush work including but not limited to forklift operations, wine movements, and general up keep of the facilities.
•  Driving multiple hours throughout Sonoma, Napa and other northern California regions.
•  Initiates issue resolution surrounding logistical, quality and scheduling related matters in consultation with the Winemakers.
•  Executes special projects and other assignments as directed by the Winemakers and or Amici Leadership.
•  Ability and desire to work extended hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays especially during the harvest season

Skills, Education and Experience
•  Superior organizational skills with proven ability to prioritize workload, anticipate future challenges and respond appropriately
•  Strong attention to detail, multi-tasking and time management skills
•  Writing and communication with a polished, professional presentation.
•  Self-motivated with the ability to work independently as well as in a team environment, willing to assume additional responsibilities.
•  Demonstrate the ability to analyze, evaluate and report on all components related to the winemaking process.
•  Bachelor’s Degree, in the area of enology, viticulture, chemistry, biology, fermentation science, or equivalent experience.
•  Minimum of 4-6 years’ experience in winery operations such as processing and experience supervising/ managing production personnel.
•  Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Excel and comparable Google Applications
•  Experience with Premium Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay production.
•  Ability to work on feet for at least 4 hours, lift and move objects up to 50 pounds, and at times wine barrels weighing up to 100 pounds with the help of others.
•  Must possess a valid driver’s license, at least 21 years of age