Job Summary:
The Enologist supports the winemaking team by performing essential laboratory and cellar functions to ensure wine quality standards are achieved. This role involves conducting and reviewing chemical analyses, performing experiments and trials to address winemaking challenges, and recommending improvements to elevate wine quality. The Enologist also ensures timely and accurate interpretation of lab results and collaborates with the cellar team to implement action plans.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
1. Laboratory Analysis & Review (50%)
• Conducts laboratory analyses with accuracy in accordance with instrumentation standards.
• Trains lab technicians and interns in new analytical procedures.
• Evaluates and introduces new analytical methods or equipment.
• Performs red wine analysis using a modified Harbertson-Adams assay.
• Regularly reviews lab data to identify anomalies or gaps. Coordinates with Winemaker for follow-up testing.
• Collaborates with winemaking to develop and execute lab work plans.
• Verifies that bottling blend analyses align with final bottled wine data.
• Captures detailed information about bottling blends for future reference.
• Inputs and maintains lab data.
2. Winemaking Support (10%)
• Participate in wine tastings with Winemaking staff to deepen familiarity with wine styles and quality benchmarks.
• Provides technical guidance on treatments to address wine quality issues or improve style.
• Prepares blends and trial treatments in collaboration with the winemaking team and oversees their implementation in the cellar.
3. Special Projects & Harvest Support (15%)
• Leads technical projects aimed at resolving quality assurance issues or enhancing wine quality.
• Supports the Winemaking team during harvest with tasks such as tank additions, fermentation monitoring, fining trials, and specialized analyses.
• Uses database to track wine histories and enters or corrects analytical data as needed.
• Participates in continuing education or technical forums to enhance expertise and contributions.
• Prepares clear, actionable work outlines for the winemaking staff.
• Assists in supervising harvest winemaking interns.
4. Cellar Operations (25%)
• Sterilizes tanks, hoses, and pumps.
• Operates cellar equipment including pumps, barrel steamers, washers, and ozone systems.
• Operates wine presses and monitors tank headspace for quality assurance.
• Performs SO2 additions to barrels and tanks.
• Follows all safety protocols including confined space entry, harness use, and respiratory precautions.
• Measures wine additives and cleaning agents accurately.
• Cleans floors and work areas using a pressure washer.
• Performs additional tasks as assigned.
Job Requirements
Education & Experience:
• Bachelor’s degree in Enology, Fermentation Science, or related field preferred.
• 3–5 years of winery experience.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Analytical and Technical Skills:
• Strong foundation in wine chemistry and laboratory techniques.
• Ability to use logical reasoning to analyze and solve problems.
• Familiarity with technical resources within the wine industry.
• Working knowledge of wine record databases.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.
Communication and Organization:
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Highly organized, able to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
Work Ethic and Character:
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to accuracy.
• Demonstrates honesty, integrity, and reliability in the workplace.
• Shows initiative and proactive problem-solving.
• Strong awareness and accountability for workplace safety.
• Employees are expected to adhere to all safety protocols outlined in the Injury and Illness Prevention Policy (IIPP), supporting a safe work environment.
Compensation and Benefits
• Rate: $25-$28 Per hour DOE
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• PTO, Paid Holidays, Paid sick leave
• Employee assistance program
Maryhill Winery is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are dedicated to creating an inclusive atmosphere for all employees.
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