Assistant Winemaker - Wine Estate Profile Position

A high-profile opportunity is available for an experienced and highly motivated Assistant Winemaker (Reference: AG024) to join one of Stellenbosch's most prestigious and internationally recognised wine estates. This is not an entry-level position. We are looking for someone who has gained meaningful practical winemaking experience and is ready to take on significant responsibility in a demanding, quality-driven cellar environment. Working closely with the Winemaker, the Assistant Winemaker will play an important role in producing premium wines, managing cellar operations, and maintaining the estate's exacting quality and compliance standards.

To assist the Winemaker with all aspects of wine production, cellar operations and related administration, while ensuring that production, quality, compliance and operational standards are consistently maintained.

• Support and coordinate all wine production activities.
• Ensure compliance with SAWIS, IPW and other applicable industry requirements.
• Implement and maintain effective quality-control systems and procedures.
• Ensure accurate and timely recordkeeping and wine production administration.
• Assist with the effective management and coordination of the cellar team.
• Contribute to the consistent production of high-quality wines in accordance with the estate's winemaking philosophy and standards.

• Assist with harvest planning, scheduling and coordination.
• Communicate harvest requirements and schedules to relevant personnel.
• Oversee grape reception and ensure grapes are correctly processed according to winemaking requirements.
• Assist with harvest logistics and the efficient utilisation of cellar resources.

• Assist with all cellar operations throughout the winemaking process.
• Monitor fermentations and wine movements and ensure work is carried out according to prescribed procedures.
• Assist with pressing, transfers, additions, treatments and other cellar operations.
• Maintain accurate production records.
• Ensure cellar equipment and facilities are operated correctly and efficiently.

• Assist the Winemaker with blending and wine preparation.
• Assist with stabilisation and related wine treatments.
• Help coordinate and oversee bottling operations.
• Ensure that bottling runs are properly prepared, documented and executed.

• Oversee and maintain high standards of cellar hygiene and housekeeping.
• Assist with implementing and monitoring quality-control procedures.
• Identify potential quality issues and communicate these promptly to the Winemaker.
• Ensure that cellar procedures comply with established quality, food-safety and operational standards.

• Assist with coordinating and supervising cellar employees.
• Allocate work and monitor task completion.
• Promote a disciplined, safe and productive working environment.
• Assist with training and development of cellar staff where required.

• Assist with procurement of wine-production consumables and other cellar requirements.
• Monitor stock levels and communicate requirements timeously.
• Assist with stock control and ensure accurate records are maintained.
• Liaise with suppliers where required.

• Maintain accurate wine production records and documentation.
• Ensure compliance with SAWIS, IPW, and other regulatory requirements.
• Keep cellar and production records up to date.
• Assist with audits, inspections and compliance requirements.
• Complete all other wine-production administration associated with the position.

• Tertiary qualification in Viticulture & Oenology or an equivalent relevant…