Chief Winemaker (Wine Jobs: Vineyards & Cellars )

  Juniper Estate

  Margaret River, Bunbury & South West, Western Australia

Established in 1998, Juniper is a family-owned wine business producing premium wines from three sustainably farmed vineyards in Margaret River. Only the second Senior Winemaker in Juniper's history, this represents a rare opportunity to forge the next chapter for an acclaimed Margaret River producer.

Reporting to the CEO, the role will be responsible for all production and operational decisions in the winery, including a strong desire to drive improvements and quality across these areas of the business. In conjunction with the Viticulturist and the vineyard team, the role will oversee 35ha of premium Margaret River vineyards across three unique sites in Wilyabrup and Karridale. With a focus on Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, the Senior Winemaker will be responsible for producing wines which reflect site and place. With an eye for innovation and creativity, an understanding and aptitude for less common varieties (and styles) such as Tempranillo, Fiano and Malbec will be highly regarded.

The Senior Winemaker will be responsible for a small winemaking team and demonstrate leadership across all facets of the business. As well as a significant ‘hands-on’ element, particularly during the vintage period, the position will be responsible for maintaining the quality of wines for, and relationships with, our small contract winemaking portfolio. The position demands experience in all commercial aspects of winemaking including the development and management of production forecasts and winery budgets. The role will require correspondence and interaction with trade and media in both a domestic and international capacity, as well as establishing a strong presence/network within the Margaret River region.

The position demands a commitment and passion for producing wines of the highest quality while aligning with the vision and values of the business. The successful candidate will receive an attractive remuneration package, commensurate with experience.

Key responsibilities

• Overseeing all day-to-day operational winery activities
• Leading all production and forecasting decisions
• Provide leadership, communication and guidance to the production team
• Driving improvements in quality across all facets of the production cycle
• Liaising closely with the Viticulturist to manage vineyard decisions related to wine production including pruning, leaf/shoot management, picking
• Managing vintage logistics and scheduling for Juniper and all contract clients
• Manage winery budgets
• Liaise with management team to provide updates on key areas relating to production - quality, volumes, production, WHS
• Managing all WHS improvements and compliance across the winery and site
• Working with the sales/management team to drive creativity and innovation within the business 
• Managing all on-site bottling including the sign off of finished wines and the organisation of dry goods and bottling schedule
• Host trade/marketing events at the winery or at external venues 

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in Oenology
• At least five years' relevant experience 
• Advanced knowledge of wine production
• Very strong wine tasting and sensory analysis focus, preferably with AWAC training or wine show judging experience
• Experience with wine software Vintrace preferred
• Valid forklift and driver's license

How To Apply

Please submit resume, cover letter and any relevant qualifications to this job advert.

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