Winemaker

Job Description:

Southwest Michigan offers numerous wineries and breweries, beautiful Lake Michigan beaches, charming small towns, and easy access to Chicago just 1.5 hours away—making it a wonderful place to live and work.

Founded in 2006 in the heart of the Lake Michigan Shore AVA, Gravity Vineyards & Winery is located just seven miles from Lake Michigan. Our rolling sandy loam hillsides produce exceptional vinifera and French-American hybrid grapes across 30 acres, including Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Lemberger, Chambourcin, Zweigelt, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Traminette, Seyval Blanc, and Vignoles.

We are seeking a passionate, driven Winemaker to join our full-time team. This is an exceptional opportunity to build on our 20 years of history while helping shape Gravity’s future. The Winemaker will support all areas of winery operations, work closely with the Production Manager, and gradually assume some of his responsibilities.

Key responsibilities include:
• Managing harvest activities, including destemming, pressing, cap management, fermentation monitoring, and racking.
• Performing cellar work, including topping, racking, washing and filling barrels and tanks, making wine additions, and cleaning.
• Operating a forklift.
• Maintaining equipment and facilities.
• Organizing tanks, barrels, cased goods, and winery supplies.
• Setting up, operating, sanitizing, and monitoring quality on the bottling line.
• Managing lab work and analysis.
• Maintaining records and creating and updating SOPs and checklists.
• Conducting and evaluating blending and laboratory trials with the owners.
• Providing monthly wine training for tasting room staff.
• Supporting vineyard work as needed, including pruning, canopy management, monitoring, and harvest.

The ideal candidate will bring:
• A sincere passion for wine and winemaking.
• Coursework in Viticulture & Enology or a related science field.
• Prior winery experience.
• Forklift experience.
• Flexibility to work varied hours, especially during the September and October harvest season.
• A strong work ethic, positive attitude, and willingness to learn.
• Ability to perform physically demanding work.
• Ability to work independently while communicating clearly and maintaining strong attention to detail.

This is a full-time, year-round position, with compensation based on experience.

We look forward to learning about your background, experience, and passion for winemaking. To apply, please email your resume and cover letter with salary expectations.

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