Senior Production Winemaker

Description

CHEERS! Founded in 1981, Deutsch Family Wine and Spirits markets quality wines produced by prestigious families from major wine regions of the world. With our headquarters in Stamford, CT, DFWS is the 4th largest wine company with one of the fastest growing spirits portfolios. With our family values and unique culture, DFWS was recognized as one of the Top Workplaces in the U.S. in 2022, 2023 and 2024.

Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits is currently seeking a Senior Winemaker to join our California-based team and possess the below qualifications.

This is a remote position in the Santa Rosa, CA area. The Senior Winemaker will be responsible for production and winemaking for several of our brands including Josh, Honest Thief and The Calling.  This position will report directly to the Head of Production. In addition, the Senior Winemaker will support our production cost accounting function and will deal directly with our supply partners, co-packing partners and vendors.

Responsibilities:

• Manages all aspects of preparing wines for bottling.
• Ability to work independently and to complete tasks in a timely manner.
• Manage bulk shipping and receiving schedules.
• Ensure wines are stable and approved for bottling with the correct state of process established.
• Work with the Head of Production to ensure the bottling schedule is achievable and wines are prepared on time.
• Quality driven winemaker with outstanding knowledge of winemaking techniques and processes.
• Manage fermentation tanks as needed.
• Experienced sensory capabilities and able to work collectively as part of the winemaking team.
• Lead the relationship with our supply partners to ensure that all projects are planned and completed in a timely fashion.
• Maintain accurate production and manufacturing records.
• Interface with the Head of Production on any issues on a regular basis.
• Interface with other departments (Supply Chain, Brand, Marketing Services) on issues associated with thorough winemaking and production processes.

• Strong interpersonal skills to develop relationships with our supply and service vendors and inter-departmental teams.

Qualifications:

• 5-10 years’ experience as a winemaker.
• Operational winemaking experience is critical.
• 4-year Bachelor of Applied Science (Enology).
• Working ability with ISO9000 or equivalent quality management system.
• Knowledge of production costing methods.
• Thorough knowledge of TTB rules and regulations.
• Willingness and ability to drive and spend extended time at remote winemaking and production facilities.
• Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be able to manage a highly paced production environment.
• Strong sense of urgency to meet winemaking and production deadlines.
• Must have outstanding wine blending skills.
• Must possess a complete understanding of the wine manufacturing and wine production process.
• Ability to problem solve and troubleshoot in order to avoid issue escalation.
• Computer skills and to be familiar with wine data management software.
• Ability to work at remote co-packing facilities.
• Willingness to embody company values: Passion for quality results, Professionalism, Project Ownership, Teamwork, Zeal for Learning.

What We Offer:

• Competitive compensation
• Career development opportunities
• Medical, dental, vision and life insurance, PTO
• 401 (k) match
• Product allowance to enjoy on DFWS products
• Tuition Reimbursement and a Pot Secondary education scholarship program for employees’ children
• Gym reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program

We Value Diversity

At DFWS, we believe that our differences are our strengths. We embrace and celebrate the diversity of our team members, our customers, and our communities. We strive to create a work environment that fosters inclusion, respect, and collaboration. We are constantly learning and growing from our diverse perspectives and experiences. Inclusion and diversity are not just goals for us, but the core of all we do. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates as we foster a culture of inclusion that provides fair and equal opportunities for all.

About Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits

Initially called W.J. Deutsch & Sons Ltd., the company was founded in 1981 by Chairman Bill Deutsch to market quality wines produced by prestigious families from major wine regions of the world. In 2009, it announced the expansion of the award-winning company to include a Spirits Portfolio. Today the company is renowned for its brand-building prowess and its ability to meet the needs of the modern consumer. Bill's son Peter Deutsch is CEO; thus two generations of the Deutsch family work side by side in their continuous quest to build strong brands and relationships throughout the wine and spirits industry.

The portfolio includes award-winning wines from Australia: [ yellow tail ], [ yellow tail ] Pure Bright; California: Bellacosa, Force & Grace, Josh Cellars, Josh Cellars Reserve, The Calling; France: Beau Joie, Cave de Lugny, Fleurs de Prairie, Hob Nob Vineyards, Sauvion et Fils; Italy: Barone Fini, Villa Pozzi; New Zealand: The Crossings; Portugal: Quinta Do Vale Meao; Argentina: Clos de los Siete; and award-winning spirits: Redemption Whiskey, Bib & Tucker Bourbon, Masterson's Rye, Gray Whale Gin, Luksusowa Vodka and Cantera Negra Tequila.

Learn more about Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits at www.deutschfamily.com

Qualifications