Position Summary: Burgess Cellars is seeking an assistant winemaker to work directly with the production staff to produce wines of the highest quality. This position requires a skilled employee that exhibits leadership, attention to detail and effective communication skills. Applicant must be capable of performing all job duties listed below independently in a competent and professional manner. Manages and directs permanent and temporary employees in the execution of cellar operations. Completes reviews and submits required documentation. The assistant winemaker will guide our estate grapes through the fermentation process, routine maintenance, and finally to bottle while maintaining quality standards. This is a dynamic position that requires many skills and the ability to work autonomously at times.

Burgess Cellars is a family owned and operated winery on the Western slopes of Howell Mountain in the Napa Valley. We are dedicated to producing ultra-premium, handcrafted wines from our three estate vineyards that produce Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, and Syrah.

Reports To: Supervisor

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Oversees cellar functions including but not limited to sanitation, forklift operations, harvest activities, equipment maintenance, filtrations, bottling activities, and wine movements
2. Review all production and QC analysis for accuracy and potential wine quality issues
3. Ensure cellar sanitation is in line with current industry standards and that cellar staff operate in accordance with all mandated safety procedures
4. Coordinate daily harvest operations including grape receiving, primary fermentation, cap management, and press operations
5. Maintain accurate rack and top schedule
6. Monitor and maintain wine quality, ability to perform simple lab procedures
7. Assists with routine inventory requests and participate in inventory tasting and blending sessions
8. Perform other tasks as required by the supervisor
9. Work with supervisor to fulfill staffing needs in the cellar
10. Plans, prioritizes and directs daily work load
11. Write cellar work orders in consultation with supervisor
12. Complete monthly pesticide use reports and submit to Napa County

Qualifications:
1. Bachelors or Master’s degree in Enology and or Food Science
2. 3-5 years related experience with knowledge of high-end red winemaking methods
3. Excellent oral and written communication skills
4. Fluent with Excel, Word, and Outlook
5. Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills
6. Quality conscious and organized
7. Ability to manage priorities and workflow
8. Ability to problem solve and implement solutions
9. Forklift experience
10. Able to lift and carry 50 pounds
11. Willing to work flexible and extended hours when necessary
12. Strong sensory evaluation skill for both quality attributes and flaws

jobs@burgesscellars.com