SUMMARY :

Performs routine analysis of grapes, juice, wine, water, and other related material. Maintains and manages daily wine analysis records and spreadsheets. Assists in preparing wine for bottling. Performs bottling QC checks and trains interns and other staff when required. Sets up wine trials as needed by winemaking. Adheres to Cline’s operating procedures and safety practices.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: :

General Laboratory: :

Perform all lab analyses in a timely manner, including analysis for routine barrel and tank work, bottling, and other cellar samples. Routine chemical analyses: free and total sulfur, pH/TA, alcohol, DO, CO2, turbidity, and enzymatic analysis for acetic acid, glucose/fructose, malic acid, YAN, and NH3

Timely and accurate data entry into logbooks, Excel spreadsheets, and NAV database

Timely communication of key analysis to the Winemaking Team. Rapid notification when results indicate potential quality issues.

Write and issue routine sulfur addition work orders to maintain wine quality.

Perform daily lab instrument start-up and shut-down, maintain daily records of equipment calibration and standardization, and report any equipment problems

Routine tank sampling for wine monitoring and analysis throughout the aging process.

Routine barrel composite sampling for lot analysis, blending, and winemaker tastings

Create lab blends for blend trials as needed

Heat and cold stability checks in preparation for bottling

Prepare and standardize lab solutions

Maintain a clean and safe work environment

Use appropriate PPE and follow safety rules; report any unsafe conditions immediately

Demonstrate dependability, initiative, and interpersonal skills; be flexible and willing to rapidly adapt to change

Perform other tasks or analysis as required by the Enologist

Perform additional tasks as required by the production team, including filling and emptying barrels, barrel topping, cleaning and sanitizing cellar equipment

Harvest: :

Perform analysis on grape samples, including Brix, TA, and pH

Crush vineyard grape samples for analysis and maintain a clean setup; communicate grape analysis to Winemakers

Monitor fermentations daily with Brix and temperature checks, as well as sensory analysis

Assist with harvest cellar tasks as needed, including bin washing and making additions to fermentations

Bottling: :

Assures the bottling tank matches winemaking specifications each morning on bottling days: appropriate sulfur, dissolved oxygen, and CO2 levels

Perform bottling QC checks; including line startup, bottle capacity, in-bottle DO and CO2, verify corks and screwcaps are applied correctly and effectively, analysis of wine in-bottle, label and packaging checks

Assist with bottling tasks on the line if needed, including emptying glass onto bottling line, carrying out QC inspection of wine bottles, packing finished goods into cases, and stacking finished goods

QUALIFICATIONS: :

Experience, Knowledge, and Skills :

Bachelor’s or Associates degree in Chemistry, Fermentation Science, Enology, or equivalent

Previous harvest experience

Advanced English communication skills, including reading and writing

Verbal Spanish communication a plus

Competent math and analytical skills

Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Word and Excel

Experience with Microsoft Navision (NAV) a plus

Self-motivation, attention to detail, strong ability to prioritize and multitask in a rapidly changing environment

Positive attitude with a commitment to accuracy, organization, and open communication

Weekend work required during the harvest season

Physical Demands :

Ability to intermittently lift and/or carry 0-50 lbs.

Ability to intermittently push and/or pull 0-50 lbs.

Ability to work in an environment that can fluctuate between cold and hot and is noisy

Intermittent sitting and standing, occasional walking on level surfaces and intermittent walking on unlevel surfaces

Intermittent bending, twisting, and climbing

Intermittent reaching above and below shoulder

• Intermittent grasping, squeezing, and fine hand manipulation

Benefits and Perks:

• Medical, Dental, Vision

• Life Insurance

• FSA (Flexible Spending Accounts)

• 401k Matching

• PTO (Paid-Time-Off)

• Paid holidays

• Employee Company Discounts

Pay Range: $20 - $24/hour (Depends on Experience)

• Please note that actual salaries may vary within the range based on factors including, but not limited to, education, training, experience, professional achievement, business need, and location.

Cline Cellars provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.