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Head Winemaker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Gecko Hospitality

Head Chef

Temecula, CA · On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

HEAD CHEF Temecula, California About the Opportunity A well regarded winery destination in Temecula is seeking a talented and hands on Head Chef to support the culinary operation of its Spanish ...

Milano Restaurant/

Head Chef

Latham, NY · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

To us, nothing is more satisfying than enjoying handmade pasta and wine with the people who matter ... Prior experience in working as a Head Chef with a reputed restaurant, cruise, or similar ...

The Setai

Wine Runner

Miami Beach, FL · On-site

Assists Head Sommelier with maintaining stock in designated wine areas. Works with Head Sommelier to facilitate Inventory weekly. Keeping sommelier station stocked with wine, sake, premium wine ...

The Setai

Wine Runner

Miami Beach, FL · On-site

Assists Head Sommelier with maintaining stock in designated wine areas. Works with Head Sommelier to facilitate Inventory weekly. Keeping sommelier station stocked with wine, sake, premium wine ...

M Shack

Head Chef

Ponte Vedra, FL · On-site

$52K - $60K/yr

... wine, and cocktails . M Shack is part of the locally owned Medure Brothers Culinary Concepts ... Head Chef responsibilities include supervising team members in food prep and cooking, maintaining a ...

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Head Winemaker information

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$139.5K

$160K

$178K

How much do head winemaker jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for head winemaker in the United States is $159,999.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $150,000.00 and $170,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a head winemaker do?

A Head Winemaker oversees the entire winemaking process, from grape selection and harvest to fermentation, aging, blending, and bottling. They are responsible for ensuring the quality and style of the wine aligns with the winery's vision and standards. The Head Winemaker also manages the winemaking team, makes key decisions about production methods, and often collaborates with vineyard managers. Additionally, they may participate in marketing, public relations, and wine tastings to promote the winery’s products.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a head winemaker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Head Winemaker, you need deep expertise in viticulture, enology, wine production processes, and often a degree in winemaking or related fields. Familiarity with laboratory analysis tools, fermentation control systems, and industry certifications like WSET or sommelier credentials is typically required. Strong leadership, creativity, and excellent communication skills help in managing teams and collaborating with vineyard staff and marketing departments. These competencies ensure consistent wine quality, operational efficiency, and brand development in a competitive market.

What are some common challenges the head winemaker faces during harvest season, and how can they be managed?

During harvest season, the Head Winemaker often faces challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions, coordinating grape picking at optimal ripeness, and managing a large, often temporary, workforce. Effective communication with vineyard managers and timely decision-making are crucial to ensure grape quality and smooth operations. Additionally, the Head Winemaker must balance production schedules and fermentation logistics, often requiring flexibility and quick problem-solving to adapt to changing circumstances.

What is the difference between Head Winemaker vs Winemaker?

AspectHead WinemakerWinemaker
CredentialsTypically requires a winemaking degree and extensive experienceRequires a winemaking degree or equivalent experience
Work EnvironmentOversees entire winery operations and teamFocuses on crafting wine, often under supervision
ResponsibilitiesLeadership, strategic planning, quality controlWine production, blending, fermentation management

The Head Winemaker holds a leadership role overseeing the entire winemaking process and team, while the Winemaker focuses on the hands-on production and crafting of wine. Both roles require similar credentials but differ in scope and responsibility within the winery.

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Head Winemaker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Head Winemaker job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $159,999 per year, or $76.9 per hour.

Cellar Worker (Full-Time) - Turner, OR.

Turner, OR • On-site

WILLAMETTE VALLEY VINEYARDS
Beverage Manufacturing • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about WILLAMETTE VALLEY VINEYARDSexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Description

Willamette Valley Vineyards is searching for an energetic Cellar Worker to join our hardworking production team. We are gearing up for our 2026 Harvest, and are looking for an experienced Cellar Worker to join our team.


*Forklift experience required for this position.

Position Overview:  Perform winemaking activities and support to the lab. Provide assistance to the winemaking team. Maintain and promote a professional attitude, appearance, and work area in accordance with Willamette Valley Vineyards' mission statement.

Willamette Valley Vineyards offers our cellar workers:

-Health, Dental, and Vision insurance, and 401(k) contribution plan after a period of days worked
-A generous employee discount, along with paid time off
-Sick time per Oregon law

Primary Job Responsibilities:
-Assist in cleaning the winery and production area as needed, including pre and post-work sanitation.
-Operate winey machinery in a safe and effective manner.
-Assist in the transfer of wine from tanks and barrels for blending.
-Racking, blending, ingredient adds.
-Fruit handling, sorting, and processing.
-Take all steps to manage the quality of wines.
-Minimize oxygen pickup and help identify quality issues and concerns.
-Perform bottling, topping, sampling, record-keeping, and special project duties.
-Understand and comply with applicable quality, environmental, and safety regulations.
-Recommend safety improvements.
-Report safety violations to the Head Winemaker.
-Take direction from the Cellar Master.
-Participate in winery-related marketing events including barrel tastings.
-Drive company transport vehicle and truck as necessary.
-Maintain a professional, clean, and orderly work area.
-Attend and participate in regularly scheduled production meetings.
-Supports the Company's effort to create a more sustainable, cross-cultural, and "green" environment.
-Ensures all company policies and procedures are followed. Assist in developing policies and procedures as needed.
-Collaborate with all department managers towards profitability and help drive the vision and mission of WVV.
-Other tasks as assigned by the Head Winemaker, Enologist, and Cellar Master.

Requirements


-Valid Oregon Driver's License.

-Forklift experience required.

-Strong work ethic and dependability. 

-Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

-Strong organizational skills and a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.

-Ability to lift and carry 40lbs and navigate stairs and hilly terrain. 

-Stand for long periods & work in a fast-paced environment.

-Work in a flexible & continually changing environment. 

-Tolerate exposure to outside elements (heat, wet and/or damp conditions, cold) 

-Perform heavy physical work, lifting 50 lbs repeatedly, bending, climbing, pulling, or squatting for long periods.

-Work long hours during crush and peak periods (including all shifts). 

-Ability to understand and comply with any and all safety requirements. 

Apply