Assistant Estate Winemaker - Santa Barbara County

Job Description:

The Kiani Preserve is looking to hire a wine-quality focused Assistant Winemaker for our well-appointed winery in beautiful Santa Barbara County.

•  In conjunction with the winemaker: Coordinate, schedule and calendarize all winemaking activities and operations.

•  Assist with supervision and/or execution of grape receiving, crushing, pressing and washdown.

•  Write work orders consistent with the winemaking goals and specifications as agreed upon with the winemaker. Plan work sequences in the cellar, as driven by work orders.

•  Co-manage all winemaking research and development projects.

•  Co-create a sustainable, dynamic, quality-driven portfolio of wines that represent/reflect the estate in the highest light.

•  Co-manage the winery laboratory and office operations.

•  Review internal and externally-produced winemaking analyses and initiate any required actions.

•  Actively participate in cellar activities and ensure that winemaking goals and QC standards are met.

•  Managing all data entry into the winery information database.

•  Assist with team-building: recruiting, interviewing and training winery employees.

•  Supervise winery production employees (full-time and part time) including seasonal interns.

•  Review and help to enter completed work orders, prepare and balance monthly bulk wine inventory, create and maintain reports pertinent to winemaking needs.

•  Assist in bottling oversight and packaging QC.

•  Co-manage the reconciliation of bottling inventories and write BOL’s for outbound cased good shipments.

•  Co-manage the winery sanitation program.

•  Assist with bulk wine sales efforts, including handling and facilitating the shipping and storage of bulk wines.

•  Assist and participate alongside the winemaker in planning all tastings, including blending sessions, component/cooperage evaluations, ownership reviews and critical tastings.

•  Act as a production leader, trainer, mentor, and supervisor.

•  Provide input on current winery set up and layout as well as future winery design.

•  Act as a winery ambassador for select trade and consumer events.

•  Perform other duties and work on special projects at the Santa Ynez ranch, Lompoc winery or Los Olivos Tasting Room as assigned by the winemaker or management/ownership.

Vineyard Responsibilities include:

•  Provide input regarding plant and soil health, canopy management, inputs, sprays, etc.

•  Co-create a Protocols and Practices guidelines for the estate vineyard.

•  Assist with the in-house vineyard record keeping, data organization and analysis.

•  Design, implement, and manage the vineyard compost program.

•  Harvest support: sampling, yield estimations, flagging, mapping, scouting, assisting harvest crew.

General Requirements and Expectations:

•  Commitment to excellence and high standards. Optimizing and maintaining wine quality is the #1 priority.

•  Contribute positively to a work environment that prioritizes efficiency, employee health and safety, conservation of resources, and an appreciation of all things in nature.

•  Excellent written and oral communication skills. Spanish language skills a plus (but not required).

•  Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills; able to manage priorities and workflow. Able to plan, anticipate, and lead winemaking procedures and training programs.

•  Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm.

•  Ability to work independently and as a member of various teams and committees.

•  Proven ability to handle multiple projects and meet deadlines.

•  Strong interpersonal skills.

•  Ability to deal effectively with a diversity of individuals at all organizational levels.

•  Good judgement with the ability to make timely and sound decisions.

•  Self-motivated while also being a creative, flexible, and innovative team player.

•  Ability to represent winery at trade and consumer events.

•  Experience in research and development, including understanding of statistical analysis.

Compensation & Benefits:

•  Salary and benefits package TBD based on experience.

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