Director of Winemaking

REPORTS TO: Vice President Winery Operations

Expectation Overview:

We are seeking a visionary and highly experienced Director of Winemaking to lead the winemaking team at our cutting-edge facility in support of well over 1 million cases of annual production. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in managing large-scale winemaking operations, with a deep understanding of both vinifera and non-vinifera wines. This individual will oversee the production winery, including harvest protocols, fermentation, blending, and R&D for new innovative projects while ensuring high production standards and driving strategic initiatives to elevate the winerys portfolio. This individual will be the face of the wine program, owning the customer relationships and their experiences and tailoring wine programs to meet the expectations and needs of programs. They will own the preparation and presentation of new product development, proposed blends, and/or concepts with the customers. They will need to able to work collaboratively with customers, be receptive to feedback, and ensure products meet the customers goals and expectations.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Leadership & Team Management:

• There are two (2) direct reports: the senior winemaker and the Winemaker who oversees the production team, which includes the winery admin, cellar team, and laboratory staff.

• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement within the department.

• Oversees department strategy by developing a long-term plan for labor and hiring

• Assigns duties and monitors the quality of work; assures staff conforms to organizational policies and procedures and government regulations.

• Train, mentor, give performance reviews, and provide professional development opportunities to staff.

Strategic Planning & Innovation:

• Collaborate with leadership and customer inputs to define and execute the winerys long-term winemaking vision, considering both traditional vinifera and emerging non-vinifera wine styles.

• Drive research and development of new wine styles, varietals, and production methods, especially exploring opportunities within the non-vinifera wine category.

• Organize weekly customer blend approval tastings for upcoming skus. Periodically organize wine profiling tastings to benchmark against top wholesale brands.

• Works with the Global Sourcing Team on future grape sourcing and vintage contracts.

• Product development for new and existing customers for new brands/blends in line with marketing/sales demand.

• Partner with leadership and sourcing on vineyard sourcing, vineyard management and strategic opportunities of vineyard holdings.

• Develop and manage the winerys annual winemaking budget, ensuring optimal resource allocation for both vinifera and non-vinifera operations while identifying cost and quality improvement areas.

• Responsible for developing and executing strategic initiatives for the department.

Winemaking & Production Operations:

• Directs all winemaking activities, including but not limited to harvest protocols, fermentation, wine blends, storage, stabilization, and bottling.

• Directs cellar, laboratory, and bottling activities to ensure conformance to standard operating procedures and other related winemaking practices.

• Directs technical and research programs, including but not limited to product development and product quality programs, in conjunction with appropriate management.

• Develops and implements operational plans and protocols for all winemaking. Ensure protocols are being followed by viewing them in person or through your staff.
• Works with demand planning and production manager to prepare short- and long-term production plans, grape and bulk wine inventory requirements, annual distribution programs, annual operating budgets, and annual production/inventory plans.

Experience & Requirements:

• Bachelors degree in Oenology, Viticulture, Food Science, or a related field. A Masters degree or advanced certification in winemaking is preferred.
• At least 8-10 years of experience in winemaking, with a minimum of 5 years in a leadership role, ideally in a large or multi-site winery operation.
• Experience with customer-facing product development
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills; able to manage priorities and workflow.
• Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm.
• Able to travel 15% of the time for work-related needs domestically and internationally.
• Exceptional leadership and team-building skills with a focus on mentoring and professional development.
• Experience blending wines from multiple appellations, states, and countries.
• Experience with non-vinifera, RTD, and other than standard alcoholic beverages.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments.
• Experience working with varietals from diverse regions, international and domestic.
• Knowledgeable of Food Safety and Quality Management Systems and related activities, including the FSMA and GMP.
• Proficient in MS Office Suite.
• Proven ability to handle multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to make successful presentations to individuals and/or groups at all levels of an organization.

Physical Job Functions:

• Moderate to heavy physical work.
• Standing for long periods of time (8 hours per day).
• Must comply with all safety equipment requirements.
• Exposure to various chemicals in production areas.
• Exposure to machinery, forklifts, and related production equipment.
• Long and irregular hours during peak periods or on various shifts.
• Extensive walking and lifting of up to 40 pounds.

NexTerra is an Equal Opportunity Employer