Press Pad Supervisor
(Wine Jobs:
Vineyards & Cellars )
Contract
Canterbury,
England
Defined Wine Ltd is seeking a press pad supervisor for the 2025 harvest. Defined Wine Ltd has been set up as a contract-only winery, with no vines or brands of its own. Its focus is therefore solely on supporting clients, whether they be small growers who want a full “crate to case” service, or larger clients who want any part of this: pressing, winemaking, bottling, riddling and disgorging or labelling. We are based at Highland Court Farm, near Canterbury, Kent (CT4 5HL).
Given the broad spectrum of our clients and their very different requirements, this is an exciting opportunity to be involved in making a wide range of still and sparkling wines. The press pad supervisor will report to the Operations Winemaker and the Head Winemaker.
Dates and hours
Dates: Start of September to end of November (accommodation within driving distance of the winery is provided for this period).
Hours: Forty hours per week outside harvest, up to 70 hours per week during the peak of harvest (roughly a five-week period from middle of September to end of October).
Tasks will include:
- Supporting pre-harvest preparations including tank movements and cleaning
- Leading pre-harvest deep clean of all six pneumatic presses and two de-stemmers
- Responsible for filling, emptying and maintaining up to six pneumatic presses
- Responsible for running and maintaining two de-stemmers and associated equipment (must pumps, must lines, elevator etc.)
- Work closely with winemakers to ensure pressing / processing requirements are met in accordance with client specification
- Lead a team involved in grape receival and grape processing
- Helping the cellar team with cap management including pump-overs / punch-downs where required
- Maintaining accurate records of all winery work
- Maintaining a safe work environment at all times and actively participating in Health & Safety policy and procedures
- Lead post-harvest deep clean and storage of all harvest equipment
Candidates must have:
- Eligibility to work in the UK
- Experience of managing presses and de-stemmers
- Good organizational and interpersonal skills and the ability to lead a team
- Hold a driving license and a proficiency certificate for forklift operation
- Flexibility to work extended hours when necessary
- The ability to lift up to 20kg
In addition, candidates should ideally have:
- Experience of working in a winery with contract clients
- Experience of making cool climate wines
- Own transport
Competitive salary, reflective of previous experience.
For further details and to apply for the post, please email: [email protected]
