If you’d like to be part of winemaking history, it’s time to think about making your way to the Granite Belt, Australia’s highest altitude wine region, towering more than 1000m above sea level at its highest point.

Established in 1932, Ballandean Estate Wines is Queensland’s oldest family-run winery, home to some of Australia’s oldest shiraz vines and a proud pioneer of rare and alternative wine varietals in Australia.

OUR WINERY

• Wine has been made on the Estate since 1932, while the cellardoor was opened to the public in 1970.
• Ballandean Estate blends the history of five generations with modern winemaking methods.
• The winery is well established with 35 hectares of grapes and over 20 varietals.
• Contract production is also an integral part of the business which can mean production of up to 40 wines per year.

Ballandean Estate is seeking an experienced, hands-on winemaker to join our boutique winery. We’re seeking someone who can craft exceptional wines from our sustainable vineyards, while upholding excellence in existing traditional Ballandean winemaking styles. And yes, you will be taking the reins of wine style direction. Experimentation and innovation underpin all that we do.

WHAT WE ARE SEEKING IN A WINEMAKER

You’ll be working with a well-established portfolio of single-vineyard premium varietals, and a warm, friendly vineyard team. Our new winemaker will be involved in vineyard directives, harvesting schedules and quality assessments in conjunction with our Vineyard Manager, Production Manager and winery team.

This position is ideal for a hands-on winemaker with the ability to lead and work with a small team of passionate wine professionals. You’ll soon discover why Ballandean Estate’s cool climate, high altitude and granitic terroir deliver national and international award-winning wines.

WINEMAKING AND OPERATIONAL FUNCTIONS

• Guide the development of wine style direction
• Drive quality and growth through creative innovation
• Kickstart your creativity with a swag of alternative Strange Bird varietals
• Lead onsite wine production with modern winemaking equipment
• Work with the Production Manager to coordinate bottling volumes, timing and analytics for production
• Manage all winemaking systems
• Perform all lab duties and lab analysis
• Responsible for overseeing the preparation of samples and blends for various clients
• Manage quality control
• Involvement in vineyard direction and fruit assessments

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Tertiary qualification in Oenology
• Relevant winemaking experience (minimum 5 years)
• High level of technical expertise
• Great communication skills, strong work ethic and positive attitude
• Be dynamic and energetic with confident negotiating skills
• Be highly organised
• Ensure quality and safety are the highest priorities
• Ensure a high level of hygiene is maintained in all areas of the site

Make your mark on Queensland’s small but exciting wine industry. This is an opportunity to live in Queensland and take over our award-winning wine styles.