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

Under the direction of the Winemaker, the Assistant Winemaker assists in all activities related to winemaking, cellar, and laboratory operations. This position is responsible for tracking cellar activities, maintaining bulk wine inventory, assisting with cased goods, and packaging inventory tracking, and Quality Control (QC). The Assistant Winemaker in coordination with the Winemaker and Cellarmaster assists in the improvement of cellar, lab, bottling and harvest operations, with a focus on quality, efficiency, and safety.

The Assistant Winemaker has three direct reports: the Lab Technician, Production Coordinator, and the Quality Control Lead.

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.

 Improve the Quality of Seghesio Wines

• Supervises wine movements, cellar operations, bulk wine inventory, cased goods, and packaging in Vintrace and Teams. Ensure that the Production Coordinator is accounting for all transactions accurately and timely. 
• Supervises and executes harvest activities including weigh scale, daily fermentation management, additions to wines, and wine movements. This is done through close cooperation with the Cellarmaster and his crew. 
• Maintains an efficient work order system to communicate cellar activities.
• Interprets laboratory analysis and assists with scheduling and prioritizing cellar activities.
• Collaborates closely with Winemaker and Cellarmaster to facilitate winemaking activities and cellar functionality.
• Tastes and assesses wines to reach blending decisions with Winemaking team.
• Assists Winemaking and Facilities to make sure maintenance items are communicated and addressed in a timely manner or addressed promptly.

Management Responsibilities

• Approves timecards and time off requests for direct reports.
• Ensures all payroll submittals are accurate for direct reports.
• Develops and oversees the performance of direct reports: update job descriptions yearly, develop goals, deliver annual performance appraisals, provides recommendations on performance-based rewards.
• Applies effective management techniques to enhance the performance of direct reports including regular 1:1’s providing coaching and feedback and holding regular team meetings.
• Prepares succession plans for all direct reports and self.

Harvest and Bottling

• Manages the Bottling QC Lead to ensure that packaging specifications are documented.
• Ensures wines bottled are compliant with TTB regulations and meet internal quality and stability requirements. Monitor the accuracy of the bottling schedule and the bottling report.
• Manages Lab Tech and interns during harvest to execute inoculations and additions.
• Supervises the quality control of wines including monthly sulfite levels monitoring.
• Research, order, and maintain stock of cleaning chemicals, wine additives and general cellar supplies. Provides recommendations for selection of products with a focus towards quality, cost-effective and environmentally responsible options.
• Assists in equipment research and stays in tune with technological advancements.
• Acts as a liaison for outside technicians in support of cellar equipment, helps to train cellar staff in operation of new equipment.
• Oversees the seasonal hiring process, orientation, and training of new employees.

Leadership at the Estate

• Leads in safety and accident prevention; active participation in the estate Safety Committee to ensure that safety practices are followed in accordance with CAL OSHA and Crimson standards.
• Actively participates in one of the Crimson Wine Group Committees, including Carbon Council, Employee Engagement and Diversity and Inclusion; and support the company’s efforts across all committees.
• Participates and engages in the company’s Leadership Development Program to enhance managerial abilities.
• Practices budgetary accountability, record keeping, general purchase orders and inventory control.
• Assists with events and acts as an ambassador of the brand towards trade and the public.

Qualifications

• Education: BS in Viticulture and Enology or Fermentation Science, or related science degree.
• Years of Experience: 5 or more years’ experience.
• Knowledge of winery database systems, specifically Vintrace.
• Requires strong interpersonal skills and the ability to supervise employees.
• Previous management experience and the ability to motivate a team towards a shared goal.
• Strong laboratory skills and an exceptional knowledge of wine analysis.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 
• Interest in continuing to challenge knowledge and improve skills in all areas of wine production, including conducting experiments/trials. 
• Demonstrates strong attention to detail and a structured approach. 
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage priorities and workflow. 
• Ability to execute tasks independently.
• Ability to collaborate with all levels of management.
• Developed sensory evaluations skills.
• Computer proficiency with iOS, Windows, and MS Office, especially Excel.
• Must be able to work on ladders and on catwalks at heights up to thirty-five feet.
• Flexibility to work overtime, nights and weekends as required for harvest, bottling, special events and travel. 
• Must be certified to drive a forklift, ATV and other equipment as required for harvest.
• Spanish language skills a plus.
• Physically able to lift 50 pounds using safe procedures on a repetitive basis and have no allergies or restrictions that would preclude handling, with proper safety equipment, materials such as SO2 or chlorine or any other material routinely present in an operating winery or laboratory.
• Requires a valid driver’s license.

All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to all federally and state protected classes.

The projected base pay range for this position is $80k to $90k per year in addition to annual bonus potential. 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.