Description

SUMMARY: Using a varied skillset, the Assistant Winemaker is responsible for assisting in winemaking, laboratory, cellar, and administrative duties for Silver Oak Cellars’ Alexander Valley location. Assists Silver Oak Winemaker in making technical and stylistic decisions in the production of ultra-premium Cabernet Sauvignon. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

· Assists Winemaker with the technical and stylistic decisions necessary to produce the highest quality wine in keeping with winery’s mission statement and values. Uses critical judgement in making winemaking and business decisions when necessary. 

· Assists in the production of wines produced at the Alexander Valley facility from harvest through bottling to meet established stylistic, quality, and volume goals. Communicates actively and openly with relevant stakeholders throughout this process. 

· Recommends new methods, equipment, and procedures to improve operating efficiencies and improve wine quality.

· Oversees all laboratory analysis. Collaborates with other internal resources to manage workload and throughput in the laboratory. Assures accuracy and timely reporting of all analysis and makes informed winemaking decisions based on results. 

· Works with Winemaker, Grape Supply Manager and Viticulturist in providing feedback, scouting, and sampling for Silver Oak vineyard holdings and growers.

· Responsible for administrative duties, including but not limited to: 

· Assist Winemaker with operating and capital budgets for Alexander Valley Production

· Ensures licensing and permitting are kept up to date on local, state, and federal levels. Prepares reports for various agencies as required.

· Records and reports bulk wine, barrel, cased goods, and dry goods inventories as needed.

· Responsible for ensuring care and maintenance of cellar, lab, winery-related equipment in collaboration with Silver Oak Facilities and Maintenance Department.

· As requested, attends company functions and meetings.

· Represents Silver Oak in local and national markets and events as requested.

· Assists management to provide safe and healthy working conditions at all times.

· Immediately reports all unsafe conditions, work-related accidents (including by outside parties), and illnesses to Safety Coordinator and supervisor.

Leadership 

· As a leader of Silver Oak Cellars, champions cultural values of mutual respect, collaboration, humility, accountability, curiosity and sustainability. 

· Provides leadership, vision, and team-focused attitude to Silver Oak staff. 

· Manages the Alexander Valley Production Team including Cellar Lead, Cellar Workers and Enologist. 

· Develops subordinates, delegates responsibilities as needed, acts as a mentor and teacher to direct reports.

· Builds a high performing team that is motivated, engaged, goal oriented, and provides exceptional service to internal and external customers.

· Defines clear expectations and levels of accountability for the team. Assigns responsibilities, empowers others, delegates, removes obstacles, allows for and contributes needed resources and monitors progress.

· Manages the team’s performance on an on-going basis, providing feedback and coaching in a timely manner. Provides opportunities for growth and development. Documents performance via company’s performance management program.

· Demonstrates leadership through sound business decisions, high ethical standards, accountability, values, and behavior. Builds trust within their team and other departments.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

· Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) in Fermentation Science/Viticulture/Enology/Horticulture or related field preferred.

· Minimum of five years of on-the-job production winey experience.

· Thorough understanding of vineyard management practices and their effect on wine quality. 

· Experience with laboratory environment, equipment, and safety procedures.

· Proficient in MS Office suite, Vintrace, and AgCode (desirable).

· Ability to work largely unsupervised and independently but with high levels of accountability.

· Excellent written and oral communication skills.

· Strong organizational, creative problem-solving, and analytical skills; able to manage priorities and workflow.

· Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within shifting priorities with enthusiasm.

· Acute attention to detail.

· Proven ability to handle multiple projects and meet deadlines.

· Strong interpersonal skills.

· Ability to deal effectively with a diversity of individuals at all organizational levels.

· Creative, flexible, and innovative team player.

· Working knowledge of data collection, data analysis, evaluation, and scientific method.

· Ability and willingness to represent winery in the professional community.

· Bilingual, English/Spanish skills a plus.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to do the following:

· Walk, kneel, bend, and stand.

· Taste and smell.

· Lift up to 35-50 pounds.

· Reliably detect wine aroma and taste characteristics and defects.

· Ability to work at heights, i.e. catwalks.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

· A percentage of work time may be spent in a wine warehouse or cellar where temperatures are cool and noise level is usually moderate.

· A percentage of work time is spent outdoors in vineyard conditions.

· Occasional exposure to caustic or hazardous substances, such as sulfur dioxide or ozone. 

The above reflects management’s definition of essential functions for this job but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.