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Wine Microbiology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Winery Lab Technician

Acampo, CA · On-site

$21 - $26.75/hr

Plate and monitor yeast and bacterial populations in fermentation and finished wine samples to support microbiological quality control. * Provide support for sanitation verification testing when ...

New

Winery Lab Technician

Acampo, CA

$21 - $26.75/hr

Plate and monitor yeast and bacterial populations in fermentation and finished wine samples to support microbiological quality control. * Provide support for sanitation verification testing when ...

New

Winery Lab Technician

Acampo, CA

$21 - $26.75/hr

Plate and monitor yeast and bacterial populations in fermentation and finished wine samples to support microbiological quality control. * Provide support for sanitation verification testing when ...

New

Enologist - Ripon

Ripon, CA · On-site

$70K - $81K/yr

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 ...

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 ...

Laboratory Technician

Fresno, CA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

... Microbiology or related field preferred; or a minimum of two years experience in wine or food lab and two (2) years related college work. Language Skills Ability to read, analyze, and interpret ...

Laboratory Technician

Fresno, CA · On-site

$18.75 - $25/hr

... Microbiology or related field preferred; or a minimum of two years experience in wine or food lab and two (2) years related college work. Language Skills Ability to read, analyze, and interpret ...

Technician, Utilities 1

Waddell, AZ · On-site

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

Founded in 1972, we've grown organically from a one-person import wine business into an ... Knowledge of mathematics, mechanics, chemistry, biology, microbiology, electrical systems, controls ...

Technician, Utilities 1

Waddell, AZ · On-site

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

Founded in 1972, we've grown organically from a one-person import wine business into an ... Knowledge of mathematics, mechanics, chemistry, biology, microbiology, electrical systems, controls ...

Technician, Utilities 1

Waddell, AZ · On-site

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

Founded in 1972, we've grown organically from a one-person import wine business into an ... Knowledge of mathematics, mechanics, chemistry, biology, microbiology, electrical systems, controls ...

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Wine Microbiology information

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$13

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How much do wine microbiology jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for wine microbiology in the United States is $21.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $23.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in wine microbiology, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in wine microbiology often encounter challenges such as managing unwanted microbial spoilage, ensuring consistent fermentation, and adapting to varying grape qualities each season. These issues require close monitoring of microbial populations, frequent laboratory analyses, and collaboration with winemakers to adjust fermentation strategies. Staying current with advances in microbial detection techniques and maintaining clear communication within the winery team are key to overcoming these challenges and producing high-quality wine.

What is wine microbiology?

Wine microbiology is the study of microorganisms, such as yeast and bacteria, that are involved in the production and spoilage of wine. This field covers how these microbes contribute to fermentation, affect wine flavor, and influence wine stability and safety. Wine microbiologists work to optimize fermentation processes, prevent spoilage, and ensure the quality of the final product. Their expertise helps winemakers produce consistent, high-quality wines while minimizing risks associated with undesirable microbial activity.

What is the difference between Wine Microbiology vs Winemaker?

AspectWine MicrobiologyWinemaker
CredentialsMicrobiology degrees, certifications in fermentation scienceEnology or viticulture degrees, winemaking certifications
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, fermentation facilitiesVineyards, wineries, production facilities
Industry UsageFocuses on microbial processes, fermentation controlOversees entire winemaking process, product quality

While both roles are integral to wine production, Wine Microbiology specializes in the scientific study of microbes involved in fermentation, whereas a Winemaker manages the overall production process, including blending and aging. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and industry expectations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a wine microbiologist?

To excel as a Wine Microbiologist, you need a solid background in microbiology, chemistry, and fermentation science, usually supported by a degree in microbiology, enology, or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, microbial culturing techniques, and analytical tools like PCR and chromatography is crucial. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication help you ensure wine quality and troubleshoot issues during production. These skills are vital for maintaining product consistency, safety, and innovation in the winemaking process.
More about Wine Microbiology jobs
What cities are hiring for Wine Microbiology jobs? Cities with the most Wine Microbiology job openings:
What states have the most Wine Microbiology jobs? States with the most job openings for Wine Microbiology jobs include:
Infographic showing various Wine Microbiology job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,914 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

Harvest Laboratory Analyst

Jackson Family Wines

Santa Rosa, CA • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Jackson Family Wines rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

29th of 435 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Join the Skylane Cellars Team for Harvest 2026!  The individual in this position of Seasonal Laboratory Analyst will be an important member of the laboratory team.  This position requires attention and adherence to laboratory quality requirements, support of quality initiatives, teamwork, professionalism, and a demonstrated work ethic. As a seasonal position, many of the duties will be centered around harvest activities including sampling and monitoring fermentations. Expected months will be from September to December.  

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Perform quality work in a fast paced, team-oriented environment.  
  • Follow laboratory’s Standard Operating Procedures and safety protocols.
  • Perform daily checks and calibrations for safety equipment and laboratory instrumentation.
  • Participate in maintaining the cleanliness and organization of the laboratory.
  • Effectively perform routine laboratory analyses.
  • Enter analytical results into the database.
  • Contribute to and maintain high standards for quality assurance and quality control. 
  • Obtain samples from barrels and tanks. 

Requirements:

  • Excellent verbal and written skills in English.
  • Computer skills (Word, Excel, Outlook, Visio a plus).  
  • Availability to work overtime and flexibility to work varying shifts. 

Additional Experience or Qualifications Preferred:

  • Spanish language skills.
  • Prior production experience in a wine lab environment.
  • Knowledge of wine chemistry, wine microbiology, wine quality, sensory and winemaking.
  • Possession of time management, project management, statistics, and critical thinking skills.
  • Knowledge of HACCP, 5S, ISO9001, BRC, or ISO17025.
  • Experience with a Laboratory Information System (LIMS).
  • Experience in evaluating equipment.

Physical Demands:

  • This position requires continuous standing throughout the shift for operating and moving throughout the laboratory and cellar.
  • Occasionally requires reaching with hands and arms, fine manipulation, sitting, and walking to perform daily checks and calibrations for safety equipment and laboratory instrumentation.
  • It occasionally requires the ability to climb, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, lift and move up to 35 pounds of weight when obtaining samples from barrels and tanks, performing inspection on packaging materials and packaging audits.
Wage Transparency:   
The base pay for this role ranges from $18.00- $22.00 per hour. Compensation will be determined by candidate experience, skills, and location.    
 
Jackson Family Wines is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. All employment decisions are based on merit and business needs.

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