Winemaker (Part Time/ Path to Full Time)

Job Description:

About the Opportunity
An independently owned and growing premium winery in Oregon's Willamette Valley is seeking an experienced and hands-on Winemaker to lead wine production and quality across a diverse portfolio of wines. The winery produces approximately 1,500 cases annually with established infrastructure and plans for continued growth. The portfolio includes premium Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, traditional method sparkling wines, and limited-production specialty wines sourced from estate and carefully selected vineyard partners. This position is initially part-time with the opportunity to transition into a full-time leadership role as production and distribution continue to expand.

Position Overview
The Head Winemaker will oversee all aspects of winemaking from harvest through bottling while maintaining the highest quality standards. The successful candidate will combine technical expertise, operational leadership, and entrepreneurial thinking to support both production excellence and long-term winery growth. This is a hands-on role requiring active participation in cellar operations, harvest activities, production planning, and strategic decision-making.

Key Responsibilities
Winemaking & Production
Lead all winemaking activities from grape reception through bottling.
Manage fermentation, aging, blending, stabilization, filtration, and bottling operations.
Develop annual production plans and harvest protocols.
Conduct blending trials and provide final recommendations on wine style and composition.
Maintain quality standards across the winery's portfolio.
Collaborate with ownership on new wine development and production strategy.

Cellar Operations
Oversee cellar operations and seasonal production staff.
Coordinate harvest logistics, bottling schedules, and production timelines.
Manage inventory of barrels, bottles, labels, closures, packaging materials, and production supplies.
Coordinate laboratory testing and quality assurance activities.
Maintain sanitation, safety, and production SOPs.

Quality Assurance & Compliance
Ensure compliance with all applicable federal and state regulations.
Maintain accurate production records and inventory documentation.
Support label approvals and regulatory reporting.
Maintain quality assurance and traceability standards.

Strategic Advisory
Provide consultation regarding fruit quality, harvest timing, and vineyard practices in collaboration with ownership and vineyard management partners.
Advise on grape sourcing opportunities and quality objectives.
Assist with annual production forecasting and planning.
Identify opportunities to improve wine quality, operational efficiency, and profitability.

Business Development & Brand Support
Participate in select trade tastings, wine club events, release events, and industry functions.
Assist with technical sheets, tasting notes, and educational materials.
Represent the winery with distributors, restaurants, retailers, and industry partners.
Support growth through industry relationships and business development opportunities.

Qualifications
Required
Bachelor's degree in Enology, Viticulture, Fermentation Science, Food Science, Chemistry, Agricultural Sciences, or a related field.
Minimum five (5) years of commercial winemaking experience.
Demonstrated success producing premium Pinot Noir and cool-climate wines.
Strong knowledge of wine chemistry, fermentation management, blending, and cellar operations.
Experience managing harvest activities and production workflows.
Experience safely operating winery equipment including forklifts, pallet jacks, pumps, presses, and related production equipment.
Ability to obtain or maintain forklift certification.
Strong organizational, communication, and recordkeeping skills.
Ability to perform physical cellar work and lift up to 50 pounds.

Preferred
Previous Head Winemaker, Consulting Winemaker, or Assistant Winemaker leadership experience.
Experience producing traditional method sparkling wines.
Experience working with Oregon vineyards and Willamette Valley fruit.
Strong sensory evaluation and blending skills.
Experience working with boutique and growth-stage wineries.

Schedule
Approximately 10–20 hours per week (predominately onsite, some flexibility during slow periods).
Increased involvement during harvest, blending, bottling, and major production periods.
Flexible scheduling based on operational needs.
Opportunity to transition into a full-time leadership position.

Compensation
$50-80+ per hour.
Flexible work arrangement.
Employee wine benefits.
Performance-based incentive opportunities.
Business Development Commission

The Head Winemaker will be eligible to earn commissions on qualified business generated through direct efforts, introductions, referrals, and industry relationships.
Eligible opportunities may include:
Restaurant placements
Retail placements
Distributor introductions
Corporate sales opportunities
Private event referrals
Wine club memberships
Other approved sales channels that contribute to winery growth
Commission structure and qualification requirements will be discussed during the interview process.

To Apply

Qualified candidates should submit a resume and brief cover letter outlining relevant winemaking experience, production background, and interest in joining a growing Willamette Valley winery.

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