Assistant Winemaker

At Farm Collective, we create wines, experiences, and stories unlike any in the world and inspire people through highly-expressive winemaking, sincere hospitality, and cool, creative environments. Our talented winemaking team produces wine for Tank Garage Winery and James Cole Winery. While we may be a small team, we work with a huge range of grape varietals (as many as 40+ per harvest) and produce an impressive variety of red, white, rosé, sparkling and natural wines.

Reporting to the owners and the Head Winemaker, the Assistant Winemaker is ultimately responsible for all winemaking and cellar activities at Farm Collective Napa Valley. Given our small team size, the ideal candidate for this role enjoys being hands-on in all aspects of winemaking, while also demonstrating strong organizational and communication skills. The Assistant Winemaker ensures that cellar operations run smoothly and helps to lead the cellar team, particularly in the absence of the Head Winemaker.

Given the extensive number of grape varieties we work with, harvests here can be intense and long, but the opportunity for learning and mentorship are enormous.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work closely with other winery and vineyard staff in managing winemaking across multiple brands and multiple vineyard sources.
• Direct production workflow under the direction of the Head Winemaker while implementing the highest level of quality in every aspect of cellar practices in conjunction with the Cellar Hand.
• Make sure lab analyses and lot tracking are kept up to date.
• Maintain inventory on cellar tracking software.
• Maintain inventory of dry goods and cellar additives as well as re-ordering and coordinating with suppliers.
• Act as contact person for all bottling material ordering and delivery.
• Actively participate in the management of grapes, juices and wines including chemical and ingredient additions, rackings, transfers, clarification, blends, shipping and final preparation for bottling.
• In partnership with Head Winemaker, ensure that the cellar remains a safe work environment by conducting safety inspections, modeling safe working practices and enforcing safety-related SOPS.
• Drive a class 6 truck for grape and bulk wine movements (commercial license not required).
• Act as Winemaking Team representative at marketing and wine club events as required by Marketing Department.
• Assist in the hiring, training, and management of the harvest and cellar team.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Strong background in premium wine production, with experience from the vineyard to the cellar.
• A good understanding of a range of grape varieties and styles, as well as a hands-on, practical approach to all standard winemaking and vineyard processes.
• Excellent work ethic and leadership capabilities with ability to work both autonomously and in a team environment.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills, both verbally and written.
• Ability to prioritize under pressure, maintain quality and always adhere to safe work practices.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Strong computer literacy.
• Minimum of 4 years previous winemaking experience.
• Must possess a driver's license and be insurable.
• Forklift experience.
• A very solid sense of humor, especially on very little sleep during long harvest hours.
• Must be flexible around harvest, bottling periods and some special events. Ability to work nights and/or weekends on occasion.
• Must be 21 years of age or older.

• Spanish language ability
• Degree in Enology and Viticulture

• Position is on-site in Napa, California
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs (case of wine).
• Must be able to stand, bend, or sit for longs periods of time.
• Must be able to climb a ladder on a regular basis.

• Salary Range: $70,000-$85,000.
• Health, dental, vision and life insurance benefits, with 100% of the employee's premium paid by the Company.
• Simple IRA retirement plan with Company match available.
• Eligible for our flexible and uncapped PTO plan, to encourage a healthy life-work balance.
• Travel & education reimbursement available on a case-by-case basis for training.
• Employee wine allocation and discounts available.
• Actual compensation paid within the range will be determined by assessing a candidate's education, experience, and skills in relation to other candidates, internal peers, and the scope and responsibilities of the position.

• Please submit your resume and a little bit about why you are psyched about this opportunity and would be an awesome addition to our team.
• Applicants must be willing to consent to a background check.