Enologist (Wine Jobs: Vineyards & Cellars )

Cakebread Cellars, the Rutherford-based Napa Valley premium winery, seeks to add a talented and professional Enologist to the team. 

Under the direction of the Winemaker, conducts and analyzes laboratory/quality control tests as prescribed by Winemaker, preparing various reports on findings and recommendations. Responsible for maintaining wine analysis data files as well as ensuring that the lab is orderly, professional, and safe at all times. May participate in performing cellar operations as determined by Winemaker.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
1. Develops, implements, and maintains good laboratory procedures and practices in order to meet and support winemaking goals and objectives, maintaining an orderly, clean, and safe laboratory
2. Carries out all laboratory analysis including the common analytical components of sulfur dioxide, volatile acidity, total acidity, pH, malic acid and residual sugar as well as any other sensory compounds in wine which require more advanced technical analysis. 
3. Performs data entry of all analytical results
4. Conducts quality control during bottling and monitors microbiological sterility of bottled products
5. Maintains inventory of laboratory chemicals and supplies and makes certain all equipment is organized and sterile
6. Maintains lab equipment through performance checks and schedules yearly preventative maintenance
7. Samples barrels and tanks as directed by Winemaker and Assistant Winemaker.
8. Prepares fining trials and lab blends
9. Sets up cork sensory trials and evaluate results
10. Monitors wastewater ponds and keeps current accurate records of data, including weekly, quarterly, and yearly reporting
11. Organizes routine tastings and may participate in blend tastings
12. Calculates and prepares laboratory solutions
13. Calculates basic tank additions and may write basic work orders such as SO2 Additions
14. Designs and maintains research experiments to improve wine quality
15. Assists in harvest activities, tank and barrel sampling and fermentation checks
16. Processes grape samples and analyzes juice for brix, pH, acid profiles, nitrogen compounds, etc.
17. Maintains record keeping and performs data entry
18. Directs and assists harvest interns in training and all lab analysis and activities
19. Performs microbiological evaluation of grape, juice and wine 
20. Assists in cellars operations as needed, which includes but is not limited to: cleaning and sanitizing tanks, racking and filling barrels, conducting pump overs, topping barrels, conducting filtration, making wine additions, and racking tanks
21. Performs all other duties as assigned

Position Specifications-Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
•  Bachelor’s degree in Viticulture and Enology.
•  Minimum of two years of Enologist experience in a winery lab with a minimum 1 year supervisory experience.
•  Working knowledge of scientific equations and ability to calculate unknown concentrations and volumes
•  Dedication to confidentiality, professionalism, and maturity
•  Commitment to excellence and high standards
•  Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills; able to manage priorities and workflow
•  Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within changing priorities with enthusiasm
•  Acute attention to detail
•  Ability to work independently and as a member of a team
•  Proficient in MS Office
•  Proven ability to handle multiple projects and meet deadlines
•  Ability to deal effectively with a diversity of individuals at all organizational levels
•  Good judgment with the ability to make timely and sound decisions
•  Creative, flexible, and innovative team player
•  Working knowledge of data collection, data analysis, evaluation, and scientific method
•  Experience with laboratory environment, equipment, and safety procedures
•  Experience in research and development, including understanding of statistical analysis
•  Ability to work a flexible schedule with extended hours during busy harvest season