Operations Winemaker (Wine Jobs: Vineyards & Cellars )

  Balfour Winery LLP (http://www.balfourwinery.com)

  Staplehurst, England

Operations Winemaker – Balfour Winery

Location: Staplehurst, Kent
Salary: Competitive, based on experience
Reporting to: Director of Wine

About Balfour Winery

Balfour Winery is one of England’s leading producers of still and sparkling wines, known for its innovation, sustainability, and commitment to quality. With a state-of-the-art winery, extensive vineyard holdings, and a dynamic team, we produce award-winning wines that define modern English winemaking.

Role Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled and hands-on Operations Winemaker to play a key role in our winemaking team. This role focuses on the day-to-day operational aspects of the winery, ensuring efficient production while maintaining the highest quality standards. The Operations Winemaker will work closely with the Director of Wine, overseeing cellar operations, coordinating harvest logistics, and managing winery staff.

Key Responsibilities

• Winemaking & Production Management

  • Oversee all aspects of wine production, from fruit receival to bottling.
  • Ensure best practices in hygiene, fermentation management, filtration, blending, and stabilization.
  • Work with the winemaking team to maintain consistency and quality across all wines.
  • Manage and optimize winery workflows to improve efficiency and productivity.
  • Contribute to the development of new wine styles and trials.

• Harvest Coordination

  • Plan and manage the intake of fruit during harvest, ensuring smooth logistics and processing.
  • Oversee press cycles, fermentation schedules, and tank allocations.
  • Work closely with growers to monitor fruit quality and liaise on picking decisions.

• Cellar & Facility Management

  • Lead the cellar team, ensuring clear communication and task delegation.
  • Maintain winery hygiene and compliance with food safety regulations.
  • Ensure proper maintenance and calibration of winery equipment.
  • Oversee stock control of winemaking materials and consumables.

• Quality Control & Compliance

  • Conduct and oversee lab analysis and sensory evaluations.
  • Ensure all wines meet Balfour’s stringent quality standards.
  • Maintain accurate winemaking records in compliance with industry regulations.
  • Work with PDO certification processes where relevant.

• Team Leadership & Development

  • Train and mentor cellar staff, fostering a culture of excellence.
  • Support the Director of Wine in staff development and succession planning.
  • Provide input on staffing needs, particularly during harvest.

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree in Oenology, Viticulture, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum 5 years of practical winemaking experience, preferably including sparkling wine production.
• Strong technical knowledge of both still and sparkling wine production.
• Experience managing teams and coordinating winery operations.
• Ability to troubleshoot winemaking and operational challenges.
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Forklift license (or willingness to obtain).

Perks & Benefits

• 50% discount on Balfour wines.
• 35% discount on food and drink across our network of pubs and hotels.
• One complimentary night’s stay per year at one of our pubs.
• Be part of one of the most exciting brands in England.

To Apply:

 

Please send your CV and a cover letter to [email protected] with the subject line: Operations Winemaker Application – [Your Name].

commensurate with experience

How To Apply

Fergus Elias
[email protected]
07769316771

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