Assistant Winemaker

Description:
At Peju, we strive to make wines and provide experiences that our customers love and our Assistant Winemaker is integral in the creation of the high-quality wines we are known for. The Assistant Winemaker is an essential part of the winemaking team; developing and implementing quality and style goals to meet winemaking objectives. Under the direction of the VP of Winemaking, the Assistant Winemaker, organizes short/long-term planning, supervises overall cellar work, bottling, lab, harvest operations, and oversees/follows up on daily winemaking activities. The Assistant Winemaker will also represent Peju at events. Other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

- Ensure the winemaking processes adhere to the style, quality standards and efficiency goals established by the VP of Winemaking in terms of bottling, lab analysis follow-up from daily wine work, blending and other cellar operations.
- Ensure production deadlines and goals are met.
- Manage the quality control oversight of both lab and cellar functions.
- Establish and maintain daily work schedules, maintenance records and inventory of equipment.
- Oversee equipment and line sanitation requirements; ensure proper operation and care of equipment.
- Utilize all Lab analyses, micro and tasting results to implement work orders.
- Direct lab to ensure timely results and accurate analysis from all equipment.
- Ensure all wines sent to the bottling line are “bottle ready” fitting lab analysis, tasting and the quality standards expected of Peju wines.

**Requirements**:

- BS in fermentation science, viticulture and enology or related.
- Minimum 3-5 years of wine industry experience.
- Outstanding organizational, management, and communication skills.
- Well-developed wine tasting skills.
- Keen understanding of major aspects of winemaking, laboratory procedures, bottling and production workflow.
- Advanced skills in Excel and Word.
- Clear commitment to high quality and attention to detail.
- Flexibility to work at multi-locations.
- Ability to work harmoniously with coworkers.
- Demonstrated ability to coordinate, help document workflow, and work with little supervision.
- Mechanical ability desirable.
- Effective communicator, both verbal and written.
- Knowledge of Vintrace desirable.
- Ability to lift 45 lbs. on an occasional basis.
- Fluency in Spanish desirable.
- Required availability for occasional overnight and/or weekend travel and/or functions.
- Ability to work flexible days/hours/shifts.
- Regular and predictable punctuality and attendance.