Winemaker - Freycinet Vineyard

Established in 1978 on Tasmania’s East Coast, Freycinet Vineyard is the oldest winery and commercial vineyard in the region. The family owned and run business produces fine, elegant, yet powerful wines that showcase their unique vineyard sites that sit just 12km from the Freycinet Peninsula coastline.

The portfolio includes the Freycinet Vineyard flagship wines – Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling – which are produced from the original 1979 plantings, as well as their highly-awarded Radenti traditional method sparkling wine. All of the wines are grown, made and bottled onsite, from 16 Ha of vines across 4 vineyards, in the 200T winery that sits at the centre of operations.

This is an opportunity to produce classic cool climate wines of exceptional quality, providing a sense of ownership and direction from the vineyard, to the glass. The new Winemaker will be a brand advocate, elevating its industry, trade and media presence. Reporting to the Director, this is a hands-on role that will be responsible for managing all winemaking operations, driving excellence through proactive leadership.

Surrounded by spectacular natural beauty filled with forests, beaches, bays and islands, the area offers a perfect blend of a country and coastal lifestyle. The region offers an immersive experience, whether its fishing for crays and seafood on the pristine beaches, bays and islands, or exploring the ancient forests, mountains and trails – it’s all within a 30-min drive of Freycinet Vineyard. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage all stages of the winemaking process, from harvest to bottling, including tirage and disgorgement

• Coordinate and assist with all day-to-day cellar operations, including quality control procedures

• Manage the winery team, as well as all casual and contract labour, providing technical direction and mentorship

• Contribute to the knowledge and operational planning for vineyard operations, collaborating with the team on processes and direction

• Manage vintage operations, harvest planning and logistics

• Manage the winery budget, delivering forecasts and financial reports

• Review and develop SOPs and processes, ensuring regulatory and workplace health and safety compliance

• Contribute to long-term strategic planning and business development

• Represent and promote the brand with trade, media and consumers, as well as participating in industry events and presentation opportunities

Job Requirements:

• Tertiary qualification in Wine Science, Applied Science, Oenology or equivalent discipline

• At least 5 years’ relevant winemaking experience, including winery management

• Experience with cool climate winemaking styles and varieties, with sparkling winemaking an advantage

• Proficient in production functions, including blending and preparation of wine for bottling and experience in bottling operations

• Solid laboratory and quality assessment skills

• Proven ability in managing budgets and achieving targets

• Excellent organisation, communication and management skills

• Proactive in preventative maintenance and risk mitigation

• Competency with winery management systems, Vintrace experience an advantage

• Valid forklift & driver’s licence

• Ability to work for extended hours when required

• Able to travel domestically

• Physically capable of undertaking cellar duties

To view more information about this role and Freycinet Vineyard, or to request a copy of the position description visit: https://winenet.com.au/recruitment/