Job Description
Job Description:
Assistant Winemaker – Rhonemus Cellars
Rhonemus Cellars is a new and groundbreaking winery located in Lancaster, Ohio just outside of Columbus. Nestled in the center of a breathtaking and newly redesigned 18-hole golf course, Rhonemus Cellars is positioned to be one of the premier wineries in the Ohio River Valley. We are looking for a full time Assistant Winemaker to start mid-summer 2024 who is self-motivated and excited to be a key part of setting up the new winery with all new winemaking equipment. This position will be a critical team member in all aspects of the business from assisting in the vineyards, cellars, as well as the hospitality center. This position will be reporting directly to the owner of Rhonemus Cellars, with a dotted line to our consulting winemaker, Nova Cadamatre MW, who heads up production. The varieties utilized in the portfolio will provide exposure to Riesling, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Seyval, Traminette, Arandel, Aromella, Chardonnel, and more. The four-acre vineyard is one year old and more varieties are planned as the winery grows into the full production. This position is a great opportunity for someone to grow with the winery as it evolves over time.
Key responsibilities include:
- Basic cellar activities such as wine movements, topping, additions and filtration.
- Cleaning, sanitizing and sterilizing all winery equipment and facilities
- Forklift operation.
- Barrel work (cleaning & sanitation, receiving, tracking, filling, topping, racking, etc.)
- Harvest operations: fruit receival and processing, cap management, additions, inoculations, pressing and barrel downs.
- Manage bottling operations.
- Train and Supervise Harvest Intern.
- Basic equipment maintenance (hose repair, maintaining pumps, etc.).
- Assist in maintaining an accurate inventory of wine and winemaking supplies
- Assist with warehouse operations and organization of case goods
- Maintain a clean safe working environment.
- Assist Consulting Winemaker in tastings, blending trials, and quality control
- Contribute to and participate in trials, experiments, and other winery research
- Visit vineyards and take Brix and berry weight measurements pre harvest.
- Assist with coordinating harvest between vineyard teams and winery teams
- Keep inventory of winemaking supplies and move supplies between processing sites as needed.
- Monitor and/or perform grape sorting, inoculations, additions, maceration, racking, draining, pressing, barrel filling, and lab analysis.
- Taste fermentations and manage fermentation monitoring and analysis tracking. The tasks include:
- Monitor fermentation health through Brix tracking.
- Create and maintain spreadsheet to track harvest dates, analysis, additions, and rates of additions.
- Assist at tasting lounge and make deliveries as required.
- Other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Other Requirements:
- Self-motivated, professional, reliable, energetic, positive attitude, and a team player with the willingness to adapt and weather adversity.
- Able to perform physical labor and work long hours, including nights and weekends, during peak times of the year (harvest).
- Able to stay focused and perform tasks efficiently and with great attention to detail, with a focus on safety and quality of work
- Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions.
- Operate a forklift with confidence and competence.
- Good communication skills and the ability to train and supervise seasonal staff during harvest
Minimum Qualifications
- Successful candidates will demonstrate a strong passion, sincere interest, and curiosity for wine.
- An appreciation for hand-crafted, premium wines along with a desire and mindset to produce the best wines possible.
- Bachelor's degree in Fermentation Science, Plant Science, Enology, Food Science, Wine Business, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Molecular Bioscience, Biology, Viticulture,
Biological Engineering, Winemaking or Chemistry.
- Minimum of 2 years winery production experience
- Required to lift and move up to 45 lbs.
- Able to climb fixed stairs with handrails and vertical ladders.
- Required to be 21 years of age or older.
- Have valid driver’s license and a clean driving record.
- Be able to work in the US.
- Experience computing mathematical formulas and basic computer skills.
- Required to work evenings, weekends and holidays when necessary.
- Be able to speak and write clearly in English
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Excellent organizational skills with the experience managing multiple assignments.
- Interest in Golf helpful but not required.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
- Inside/Outside conditions: During Crush, work estimated at 80% (but not limited to) outside, with weather of varying types.
- Wet/slippery conditions vary and may include work in rain.
- Required to lift and move up to 45 lbs.
- Applicant must be able to climb fixed stairs with handrails and vertical ladders.
- Noise levels may vary. May be in situations where ear protection is required.
This is a full-time salaried position. Rhonemus Cellars offers a competitive compensation package including paid leave + holidays, medical insurance and retirement plans. Sign on Bonus potentially available for the right candidate. Applicants must be able to work in the US. Pay: DOE
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Job Tags
Holiday work, Full time, Summer work, Internship, Seasonal work, Relocation bonus, Night shift, Afternoon shift,