At Crimson Wine Group, we are the guardians of 1,000 acres of pristine vineyards, iconic estates, forests, and wildlife habitats along the West Coast. Our success stems from the wide range of perspectives that our team brings to every single one of our wines – from vine to bottle and beyond. Our portfolio is cultivated to elevate any occasion and to simply make life better.

At Crimson Wine Group (CWG), we are dedicated to building an inclusive environment with a culture of belonging. We strive to create an inclusive environment where all our team members feel connected, engaged, and can live their true identities at work. Here at CWG, we celebrate the value that comes with inclusivity and different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, which all help foster a culture of collaboration and creativity with the wine industry as a whole.

Position Summary

The Lab Technician I position contributes to the overall wine production team at Chamisal. Under limited supervision of the winemaking team, the Lab Technician will perform the necessary analysis required for juice and wine at all stages of the winemaking process. This position possesses a working knowledge of the different laboratory analysis. Responsibilities will increase with skill level.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

The following 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 accommodations or other reasons.

• Complete analysis of all grapes and wine as per the Lab Analysis schedule. Analyses include Ethanol, TA, pH, VA, TSO2, FSO2, YAN, ML and RS.
• Manage Vintrace winemaking software and all related data entry.
• Follow all Chamisal Vineyards HACCP protocols.
• Basic interpretation of lab data for communication to winemakers.
• Standardization of lab chemicals and calibration of equipment to ensure accuracy of analysis.
• Sampling of grapes and wine for analysis.
• Organize analysis by external labs where required.
• Ensure all wines are ready for bottling: Bentonite trials and other fining trials, Cold Stability testing, Filterability, SO2 adjustments, Verifying DO and CO2.
• Prepare weekly tastings and assist with setup of blending sessions for Winemaking staff.
• Maintain inventory and ordering lab supplies and preparing reagents when needed.
• Maintain facility records for sustainability program.
• Maintain a clean and organized lab. 
• Maintain monthly topping routine and writes SO2 additions as needed. 
• Assist with prepping and adding wine additions.
• Assist winemaking with monitoring fermentations.
• Assist with winemaking tasks in the cellar when needed.

Qualifications

• Education: High School diploma or equivalent.
• Years of Experience: One or more years of previous lab experience required, wine specific experience is ideal. 
• Experience with Vintrace is preferred, but not essential. 
• Experience with Admeo Analytical Systems is preferred, but not required.
• Requires attention to detail, and flexibility to changing conditions and priorities. 
• Candidates should accurately carry out written and verbal instructions. 
• Proficiency in reading and understanding English is required. 
• Demonstrated responsibility and ability to collaborate effectively with team members. 
• Capability to execute job functions within a typical winery environment, including handling sulfur dioxide, ammonia-based sanitizers, and mild organic acids. 
• Physical agility to walk, stoop, and bend repeatedly. 
• Ability to perform regular strenuous physical tasks. 
• Comfort working on ladders and catwalks at heights up to 35 feet. 
• Ability to operate all required equipment: Spectrometer, pH meter, DMA, DO Meter, Auto-Titrator, pallet jack, hand jack, forklift, filters, pumps, and barrel washers. 
• Capacity to repetitively lift and carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds, such as cases of wine or wine barrels. 
• Flexibility to work a varied schedule, including long hours, overtime, and different shifts during harvest and bottling seasons. 

The projected hourly pay range for this position is $22 to $24 per hour. This is the projected compensation for the position however the actual compensation offered may vary based on job-related factors such as (but not limited to) candidate qualifications, related experience and education, candidate work location and market data. Crimson Wine Group reserves the right to modify the pay range/rate at any time in the future.