Winemaker

  • Full-time

Company Description

At Lewis Cellars, we take pride in our daily winemaking operations and the partnering relationships we have established in our Napa Valley to ensure we source the finest fruit and create highly sought-after wines for every vintage. 

The Winemaker is responsible for overseeing the production of premium quality wine and the winemaking process from picking through bottling ensuring the highest quality level and optimal efficiency.  Responsible for participating in the management of estate and outside vineyards as well as operations strategies and budgets to accomplish financial goals.  This position will also function as a technical and creative resource in wine and winemaking matters including representing the winery at public and trade events.

Job Description

  • Establishes and maintains winemaking processes and procedures that ensure premium quality every vintage
  • Provides direction in cellar process management of grapes and wines including chemical and ingredient additions, racks, transfers, clarification, blends, shipping and final preparation for bottling
  • Recommends actions to improve wine quality by consistently tasting wine inventory
  • Maintains the highest quality levels and addresses supply/demand fluctuations to help meet product volume goals
  • Directs harvest timing and picking decisions ensuring optimum grape quality for winemaking
  • Participates in the development of the annual winemaking operating and capital expense budget; responsible for adhering to approved budgets, ensuring targets are met within winemaking operations
  • Develops wine blends and new wines in order to support short and long-term winemaking goals and objectives
  • Oversees all enological matters; ensures appropriate record keeping for legal and compliance with Federal and State regulations related to all winemaking activities
  • Works closely with other resources/departments of the organization to ensure the highest quality and profitable completion of winemaking processes
  • Conducts presentations for internal and external customers
  • Participates in marketing and public relations activities.  Serves as lead technical spokesperson for the winery
  • Responsible for understanding and complying with applicable quality, environmental and safety regulatory considerations
  • Leads and motivates the winemaking team with innovative and creative approaches.  Communicates winemaking goals to employees
  • Manages supplies and ingredients, including preharvest winemaking supplies, all wine additives and fining agents
  • Implements and manages winemaking process changes with guidance and supervision from Vice President of Lewis Cellars
  • Ensures proper maintenance and operation of all winery equipment
  • Ensures all work orders are completed in an organized timely fashion.
  • Generates required bottling reports
  • Responsible for monitoring and tracking barrel inventory
  • Conducts annual performance reviews for production staff
  • Responsible for production staff training related to the winemaking process, safety and regulatory compliance

Qualifications

  • Degree from UC Davis, CalPoly or similar in Viticulture and/or Enology
  • 7-10 year’s experience in premium Cabernet Sauvignon winemaking
  • Competent forklift driving skills
  • Must be able to clearly communicate verbally and in writing in English.  Conversational Spanish desired. 
  • Strong organizational, problem-solving and analytical skills; able to manage priorities and workflow.  Proven ability to handle multiple projects and meet deadlines
  • Working knowledge of modern sanitation protocols and experience in the procurement/QA of packaging supplies is desired

Pay Range: $140,000 - $170,000 and a discretionary bonus. Final compensation will be dependent upon skills & experience.

Additional Information

  • Competitive benefits package including Medical (including 24/7 online access to a physician), Vision, Dental and 401k with match eligibility
  • Opportunities for development and internal mobility
  • Manager and leadership training, biweekly L&OD webinars, and eLearning offerings
  • Companywide problem solving and continuous improvement training
  • Wonderful Giving (wonderfulgiving.com) - allowing you to donate company money to a cause of your choice
  • Company prioritizes wellness through its Wonderful NOW (Nourish Our Wellness) initiative, which provides a robust suite of wellness offerings such as access to mental health resources and life coaching, employee community groups, cash rewards for healthy habits, and on-demand fitness videos

Since 1992, Lewis Cellars has flourished from a small family winery into a continually growing world-class winemaking facility in Napa Valley. We take pride in our daily winemaking operations and the partnering relationships we have established to ensure we pursue our production goals. Sourcing the finest fruit exclusively from Calistoga, St. Helena, Rutherford and Oak Knoll, our carefully selected varietal characters result in top-scoring, world class wines. To discover more about Lewis Cellars, please visit our website Lewis Cellars.

To learn more about The Wonderful Company, visit www.wonderful.com, or follow us on FacebookTwitter and Instagram. To view the current Corporate Social Responsibility report, visit www.wonderful.com/csr.

The Wonderful Company is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

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