Assistant Winemaker

Job Description:

Position Summary
Fulkerson Winery is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Assistant Winemaker to support all aspects of wine production, cellar operations, and harvest activities. This hands-on role works closely with the Winemaker to ensure the production of high-quality wines while maintaining safety, cleanliness, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency.
The ideal candidate is passionate about winemaking, enjoys both physical and technical work, and is eager to contribute to a family-owned winery known for innovation, quality, and hospitality in New York's Finger Lakes region.
Key Responsibilities
Cellar Operations
•  Assist with all wine production activities from grape reception through bottling.
•  Perform wine transfers, racking, blending, filtration, stabilization, and bottling preparations.
•  Monitor fermentations and conduct routine cellar checks.
•  Clean and sanitize tanks, barrels, hoses, pumps, and production equipment.
•  Maintain accurate production records and cellar logs.
Laboratory & Quality Control
•  Conduct routine wine and juice analyses, including:
o Brix
o pH
o Titratable Acidity (TA)
o Sulfur dioxide (SO2)
o Alcohol calculations
•  Collect samples for internal and external testing.
•  Assist in sensory evaluations and quality assurance activities.
•  Support compliance with TTB, state, and winery quality standards.
Harvest Operations
•  Participate in grape intake, crush, pressing, and fermentation management.
•  Coordinate fruit processing activities during harvest.
•  Assist with vineyard sampling and maturity assessments.
•  Work extended hours, weekends, and flexible schedules during harvest season.
Bottling & Packaging
•  Support bottling line setup, operation, and quality checks.
•  Assist with labeling, packaging, and inventory management.
•  Monitor product quality throughout bottling runs.
Facility & Equipment Maintenance
•  Assist with routine maintenance of winery equipment.
•  Troubleshoot production issues and communicate recommendations to the Winemaker.
•  Maintain a clean, organized, and safe cellar environment.
•  Follow all safety protocols and operational procedures.
Team Support
•  Collaborate with winery, vineyard, and hospitality staff.
•  Train and assist seasonal harvest employees as needed.
•  Represent the winery professionally during events, tours, or educational activities.
Qualifications
Required
•  Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Enology, Viticulture, Fermentation Science, Food Science, Chemistry, or related field; or equivalent practical experience.
•  1–3 years of winery, cellar, brewery, or beverage production experience.
•  Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds regularly.
•  Comfortable working in wet, cold, hot, and physically demanding environments.
•  Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
•  Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
•  Valid driver's license.
Preferred
•  Previous harvest experience.
•  Forklift certification or willingness to obtain certification.
•  Experience operating pumps, filtration equipment, bottling lines, and cellar machinery.
•  Knowledge of New York wine production and grape varieties.
•  Familiarity with winery compliance and production recordkeeping.
Physical Requirements
•  Frequent lifting, carrying, climbing, bending, and standing for extended periods.
•  Ability to work around production machinery and confined cellar spaces.
•  Willingness to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, and extended harvest hours.
What We Offer
•  Opportunity to work with a diverse portfolio of Finger Lakes wines.
•  Hands-on involvement in every stage of the winemaking process.
•  Collaborative, family-owned winery culture.
•  Professional development and growth opportunities within winery operations.
•  Employee discounts and winery benefits.
Fulkerson Winery is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes candidates who are passionate about producing exceptional wines and contributing to the continued success of one of the Finger Lakes' longstanding family wineries.

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