WineTalent Classifieds: Director of Winemaking Position in the Central Valley

WineTalent is working with our client, O’Neill Vintners and Distillers, on a Director of Winemaking position at their Parlier, CA location.  O’Neill is a family owned and operated company producing wines and spirits for customers throughout North America.  The company is a premier bulk wine producer with a state-of-the-art production facility and a team of winemakers dedicated to quality production.  This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing company. 

Roles and Responsibilities: 

• Oversee all aspects of wine production.
• Hire, direct and manage winemaking staff.
• Direct winemaking and wine blending to satisfy bulk and bottling programs according to volume, specification and style.
• Develop and maintain consistent wine styles for key customers using sales and production data.
• Interact with Grower Relations team on grape schedules and picking decisions.
• Ensure safe and efficient cellar operations.
• Interact with the Operations team on new equipment and infrastructure needs.
• Work with the sales team to ensure availability of wines for various programs and plan for long-term inventory.
• Ensure strong commitment to customer relationships an involvement in routine customer meetings.
• Winemaking department budgeting, planning, and forecasting. 

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Viticulture and Enology, Food Science, Fermentation Science, Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering or related. 
• At least 7 years of winemaking experience in a winemaking facility.
• Personnel management experience. 
• Proven palate with the ability to evaluate wines with confidence and clarity.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving and analytical skills. 
• Ability to work within a dynamic organization with changing priorities and workflow.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects concurrently. 
• Prior budgeting and P&L management experience.

WineTalent is an executive search firm focused on the wine industry.  If you are interested in applying for this position, please email your resume to amy@winetalent.net.  All communications will be kept strictly confidential.