Winemaker Assistant

SUMMARY:
Our client, a leading winery in Stellenbosch, is seeking a skilled Winemaker Assistant to join their team. The ideal candidate will have a relevant degree or diploma in Winemaking, a minimum of five years’ experience in a similar environment, and strong knowledge of viticulture and winemaking processes. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Sage, excellent wine tasting and record-keeping skills, as well as a valid driver’s license, are essential. This role is primarily administrative, with a strong focus on preparing and coordinating wine samples for clients and would suit a qualified winemaker who no longer wishes to be involved in the production side of winemaking but is looking to apply their expertise in a more administrative and client-focused capacity. We are looking for someone who is self-motivated, target-driven, diligent, and has outstanding interpersonal and communication skills.

POSITION INFO:
A recent professional profile photo is to accompany your application
EMPLOYMENT TYPE    :           Permanent
SECTOR                          :           Production
BASIC SALARY              :           Market related
START DATE                  :           A.S.A.P

REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum of five years’ winemaking experience in a similar environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience with Sage accounting software.
• Grade 12 or equivalent qualification.
• Relevant degree or diploma in Winemaking.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Must show initiative, be target-driven, and self-motivated.
• Diligent work ethic and strong attention to detail.
• Solid knowledge of viticulture, wine, and winemaking processes.
• Excellent record-keeping skills.
• Exceptional wine tasting skills.
• Valid driver’s license.

• Blend new wines for new products or contracts in collaboration with the sales team; liaise directly with clients and the market when required.
• Prepare all samples for tastings, wine shows, new business opportunities, new vintage approval, third-party sample/style approval, and analysis approval.
• Ensure wine samples sent for bulk or bottle approval meet required specifications.
• Collaborate with the Winemaker and Production Manager to sign off on the sensorial quality of all bulk wine and bottled products prior to loading/filling, and monitor post-production sensorial quality.
• Prepare and submit entries for prominent wine competitions and maintain accurate records of all entries and accolades received.
• Request, schedule, taste, and evaluate producer stock monthly (services) and quarterly (contracted).
• Organize, manage, and capture data for internal comparative tastings, production tastings, and allocation tastings.
• Taste and evaluate all retention samples after 12 months.

• Set up SAGE wine specifications based on approved sample analyses and NPI’s.
• Establish SAGE wine specifications for all third-party wines using information from BRSs.
• Set up SAGE wine specifications for all non-South African wines and international bottling sites.
• Prepare all technical (Fische) sheets and techniques as required.
• Maintain accurate and clear records of all signed-off wines, tastings, and feedback received.
• Capture and update blending records, including components used and styles submitted and approved.

• Adhere to QMS standards and procedures.
• Follow QMS protocols as described in procedures.
• Comply with GMP protocols.
• Participate in various quality seminars as required.

• Follow the company’s protective clothing policy.
• Adhere to all company and statutory Health & Safety policies and procedures.
• Collaborate with the safety representative to ensure safe work practices.
• Ensure all employer-provided equipment and tools are safe and properly maintained.
• Maintain housekeeping standards, ensuring all areas of responsibility are clean, neat, and organized.

• Monday to Friday: 08:00 – 17:00