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Enologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

JOB SUMMARY The Enologist will report to the Senior Winemaker and will be responsible for working day to day with the Winemaking team to build knowledge of the winemaking process, maintaining quality ...

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$17

$22

$27

How much do enologist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for enologist in the United States is $22.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $25.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an enologist do?

An enologist, also known as a wine scientist, specializes in the science of winemaking. They are responsible for overseeing the fermentation process, monitoring wine quality, and managing the chemical and microbiological aspects of wine production. Enologists work closely with viticulturists to ensure the grapes are suitable for the desired wine style and may also be involved in research, development, and quality control. Their expertise ensures that wines meet both industry standards and consumer expectations.

What are some common challenges an enologist faces during the winemaking process?

Enologists often encounter challenges such as managing unpredictable fermentation conditions, ensuring consistent wine quality across different batches, and addressing issues like spoilage or contamination. They must carefully monitor chemical and sensory parameters, especially during harvest and bottling seasons when workloads can be intense. Effective collaboration with vineyard managers, cellar staff, and quality control teams is crucial to overcome these obstacles and produce wines that meet both regulatory standards and consumer expectations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an enologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Enologist, you need a solid background in chemistry, biology, and viticulture, typically supported by a degree in enology or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory analysis tools, wine fermentation equipment, and quality control systems is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with vineyard staff and ensuring wine quality. These competencies are vital for producing high-quality wines and maintaining the integrity and reputation of the winery.

What is the difference between Enologist vs Winemaker?

AspectEnologistWinemaker
CredentialsEnology degree or certification, specialized trainingEnology degree, hands-on experience, sometimes additional certifications
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, wineries, quality control settingsVineyards, wineries, production facilities
Industry UsageFocuses on wine analysis, quality assurance, and process optimizationInvolved in wine production, blending, and overall wine creation

While both roles are integral to wine production, an enologist primarily focuses on analyzing and ensuring wine quality through laboratory work, whereas a winemaker is more involved in the hands-on process of creating and blending wines. The two roles often collaborate but differ in their core responsibilities and work environments.

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What are the most commonly searched types of Enologist jobs?

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The top employers for Enologist jobs are:

What states have the most Enologist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Enologist jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Enologist jobs?

For Enologist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Enologist job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $46,471 per year, or $22.3 per hour.

Enologist - Ripon

Ripon, CA • On-site

Other

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Key responsibilities

  • Assist Winemaking in ensuring wines meet target sensory and analytical quality requirements.

  • Participate in tasting wine at various stages of the winemaking process and verify overall wine quality.

  • Coordinate wines for shipment, verify they meet customer specifications, and work with Winemaking on signing off blends and shipping approvals.


Job description

The Wine Group (TWG) is a leading producer of award-winning wines and alcoholic beverages across 120+ brands. With operations in California, New York and Australia, TWG is an innovator in developing and marketing brands beloved by consumers globally, including Cupcake, Franzia, Benziger, Imagery, Tribute, Chloe, Meiomi, Cooks, 7 Deadly, Cooper & Thief, and more. We produce our products using sustainable practices to create delicious beverages that people can feel good about. Visit us at www.thewinegroup.com.

JOB SUMMARY

The Enologist will report to the Senior Winemaker and will be responsible for working day to day with the Winemaking team to build knowledge of the winemaking process, maintaining quality of wines, and processing flow at a bulk wine facility. Key areas of responsibility include support and facilitation between various production teams (including lab, winemaking, and cellar), ensuring priorities and protocols are achieved, cost effectiveness, accuracy, and safety to all performance standards.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Must have a complete understanding of the enological process from grapes through blending.
  • Assist Winemaking to ensure wines meet target sensory and analytical quality requirements.
  • Direct lab analysis based on wine needs. Must have strong analytical background to run analysis in lab techs absence, or when requested.
  • Participates in short and long-term planning of finishing/blending wines shipped from other TWG facilities. Set priorities according to customer demand. The customer demands can frequently change so flexibility is key.
  • Assist Winemaking to work up process orders and approve prior to giving to compliance tracker for data entry.
  • Complete blending/fining trials, or other experiments as directed.
  • Be able to taste wine at various levels of the winemaking process. Participates in tasting of export wine inventory. Will require traveling to other TWG facilities. Taste inventory samples weekly upon completion of lab running the analysis. Verifies and maintains overall wine quality through different winemaking practices.
  • Have a basic understanding of cellar processing equipment.
  • Makes up tasting sheets and participates in customer tastings as directed by the Winemaker.
  • Participates in creating blends for the export program.
  • Writes process orders for distribution to operations for completion.
  • Coordinate wines for shipment as requested by customers. Verify the wines are in the spec per the customer’s request. Work with Winemaking on signing off blend and shipping approvals prior to wine shipping.
  • Work with operations team on forecasting and ordering of wine additives.
  • Participates in development of new or restructuring of existing blends.
  • In the absence of the Winemakers, may be required to fill in and cover the Winemaker duties.
  • Required to stay current with changes in winemaking procedures and techniques. Will attend training when asked for continual education.
  • Actively participate in all Safety policies and procedures for the site. This includes safety audits, incident investigations, implementation of Company-wide safety policies and relevant safety training. Must lead by example.
  • Must embrace and demonstrate The Wine Group's Vision, Mission, and Values of Long-Term Sustainable Value Creation, while being Relentlessly Entrepreneurial, with Empowered People who are Responsible and Trustworthy and keep them in mind when making all decisions.
  • This job description reflects management’s assignment of general functions; it does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
  • Must be 21 or older at time of hire.
  • BS/BA in Enology/Viticulture, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Food Science, Microbiology, or equivalent education/work experience.
  • Minimum 2 years of winery related experience.
  • Passionate about wine quality while understanding cost associated with processing to help make smart business decisions.
  • Well-developed organoleptic skills.
  • Good understanding of lab and wine processing equipment.
  • Must be able to demonstrate ability to lead.
  • Ability to set priorities and work independently within set guidelines. Good time management skills.
  • Self-starter. Must be able to openly communicate with other departments.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills.
  • Strong attention to detail and the ability to determine the root cause of the problem.
  • A strong sense of urgency and work ethic displayed in a positive way.
  • Computer skills including the use of: Outlook, Word, and Excel.
  • Ability to be a team player and fill in for others in their absence.
  • Flexibility in work hours.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
  • Ability to work at heights up to 45 feet.
  • Possess the ability to work in a fast-paced environment under pressure.
  • Working environment is both indoors and outdoors, with exposure to related equipment and noise levels.
  • Ability to perform tasks requiring bending, stooping, standing, and twisting in a production environment.
COMPENSATION
  • Hiring Salary Range Posted: $70,304 - $81,200.
  • Actual compensation will be based on factors such as experience, skills, knowledge, and abilities, education, and other position-related factors.

At The Wine Group, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristic protected by law.

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Please note that we do not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Recruitment Services Agreement, we will not consider, or agree to, payment of any referral compensation or recruiter fee. In the event that a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement, we explicitly reserve the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency.

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