Head winemaker

About the Role

Mari Vineyards is currently seeking an experienced Head Winemaker to lead our cellar team in the production of our estate red and white wines. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, creative, hands-on, and experienced in working with multiple cool climate varieties.

The Head Winemaker is a key leadership role responsible for the direction and execution of the winemaking program, ensuring the production of high-quality wines that reflect our style and standards. This individual will lead a small team of cellar staff, collaborating closely with our farm staff, tasting room managers, wine club, and marketing department to coordinate and achieve the winery's strategic objectives, including regular support of hospitality and sales initiatives.

Winemaking Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee all aspects of the winemaking process, from harvest through fermentation, aging, blending, and bottling, maintaining and continually improving our world-class wine standards
• Balance traditional winemaker techniques with innovative processes and technology, working with a multitude of varieties, styles, and both single varietal and blended wines
• Lead the cellar team in quality control and sensory evaluations such as barrel tastings, blending bench trials, and technical sheet creation
• Manage, mentor, and train cellar staff to ensure that all winemaking activities are performed safely and efficiently
• Foster a positive and productive work environment amongst different work styles and personalities
• Conduct performance reviews, identify training needs, and support the professional development of team members; interview and hire new staff as needed
• Do typical cellar hand work as needed, such as bottling/labeling, blending, racking, testing, topping, filtering and sanitizing, etc
• Report bi-weekly in management meetings (or as needed) to the management team regarding farm and cellar updates, market trends, production projections, and overall goals and needs

Viticulture Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with the Vineyard Manager on all viticultural operations, ensuring grape quality and quantity to meet the winery's standards and production goals
• Analyze annual climate and weather trends to determine vineyard goals and hoop house timelines
• Participate in vineyard walks and assessments, contributing to decisions regarding canopy management, harvest timing, spray programs, and other key viticultural practices
• Foster strong communication and collaboration between the winemaking and vineyard teams

Strategy and Financial Management

• Continue and constantly improve upon the annual production plan in conjunction with the tasting room and ownership, aligning with the winery's overall business objectives
• Oversee the financial performance of production, including farm costs, cellar equipment and vessel purchases, repairs and maintenance, and labor
• Develop and continually refine long-term vineyard and winemaking strategies, maintaining house standards and quality benchmarks

Administration and Compliance Responsibilities

• Ensure the proper administrative functioning of the winemaking operations, including TTB reports and filings
• Maintain accurate records of all winemaking activities
• Coordinate scheduling, proofing, and ordering of wine labels to remain compliant with TTB regulations
• Distribution, DTC, and Marketing Responsibilities
• Foster existing distributor relationships and lead expansion in this area as able, working with Michigan, Chicago, New York, and limited Texas distribution channels
• Collaborate with the tasting room, wine club, events, and marketing managers to promote Mari’s wines both on and off-site, such as representing the winery at industry events, media engagements, trade account visits, house events, and more
• Support the tasting room team by interacting and hosting guests as time allows
• Work with the individuals responsible for staff training to educate servers on our farming, winemaking, and stylistic approaches, as well as general wine knowledge and history
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with vendors, suppliers, and key customers such as wine club members

Experience

• Degree in Winemaking/Enology/Viticulture, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in a winemaking program, preferably leading a team
• Experience working with both red and white cool climate varieties, preferably in an estate grown and produced environment
• Experience with winemaking equipment, including crushers, presses, tanks, barrels, and bottling lines, etc
• Excellent leadership, communication, and coordination abilities amongst the cellar team and interdepartmentally
• A strong sensory ability to accurately access wine quality and descriptions
• Organizational and analytical skills regarding both data entry and the overall wine program
• Adaptable to unexpected changes and conditions with the ability to multitask on concurrent projects and initiatives
• Able to work long hours under physically demanding situations
• Able to move and/or lift 50 pounds, sometimes repeatedly for extended periods
• Able to work on wet, slippery floors that include obstacles such as hoses and pumps
• Able to tolerate physical conditions such as heat, cold, and wet
• Experience with operating a forklift helpful but not required
• Proficient in Vintrace or other winemaking/inventory software

Benefits

• Salary commensurate with experience
• Simple IRA with employee matching
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off

To apply, please send a resume and letter of interest to Sherry Yeager - [email protected]

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person