Assistant Winemaker - Maternity Cover (Wine Jobs: Vineyards & Cellars )

Wiston Estate winery is a multi award-winning winery set in the heart of the South Downs.

We are a renowned winery dedicated to crafting exceptional wines with a commitment to quality and innovation. We are seeking a passionate and skilled Assistant Winemaker to join our dynamic team and contribute to all aspects of the winemaking process.

Responsibilities:

People

• Support in the recruitment and management of seasonal workers during Harvest.

General

• Racking
• Chapitalisation
• Yeast and bacteria rehydration and inoculations including tirage culture
• Winemaking product additions
• Keeping the winery and equipment clean and tidy

Harvest

• Managing pressing fractions and additions of Sulphur Dioxide
• Operate presses and ensure safety of press team
• Ensuring equipment is clean and ready to use at the beginning of harvest
• Cleaning tanks and equipment between uses
• Keeping the winery clean and tidy
• Delegating tasks to cellar team where appropriate

Lab Work

• Basic analysis (pH, TA, Free and Total SO2, DCO2 and Brix & SG)
• Advanced Analysis with spectrophotometer (Malic and RS) - Essential

You must be

•  Able to drive yourself to Wiston Estate Winery – a rural location with limited accessibility via public transport, especially out of normal work hours
• Prepared to work weekends and evenings during key winemaking periods
• Physically fit and prepared to be on your feet
• Able to lift 20-25kg
• Able to work outside of the given standard hours. Although as much notice is given as possible with regards to additional hours, flexibility is required.
• Be highly numeric and have keen attention for detail.

Skillset and Attributes

• Energetic and positive
• Problem solving
• Diligent with attention to detail
• Ability to manage, prioritize and delegate workload during harvest and other key winemaking periods
• Able to work as part of a team during harvest and bottling as well as self-manage and work autonomously during quieter periods

Qualifications and Experience

• Knowledge of and ability to perform all basic winemaking tasks
• Lead the harvest cellar hand during harvest
• Forklift license is desirable but not necessary – training can be provided
• Lab skills are desirable
• At least 2 years experience working in a winery

What we will offer you

• 40 hours per week, Mon – Fri. 8am – 4:30pm.
• Additional hours and weekend working at peak times as required (Bottling and Harvest)
• Salary: £28,000 - £33,000 depending on experience and qualifications
• 12 month fixed term contract gaining experience from experienced and dynamic individuals.

Other benefits include:

 40% off Wiston Estate wines

• 25% off product and service
• 4% contribution to company pension scheme

As noted above, the ability to drive is essential due to the rural location.