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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