Hartford Family Winery
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
We have an exciting opportunity for a laboratory role at Hartford Family Winery. We are looking for an experienced, talented, and fun individual who is engaged in wine analysis, special projects and is excited to be working on high end wines. The role is based in Forestville, CA.
POSITION SUMMARY:
Under the general direction of the winemaker at Hartford Family Winery, this position will primarily focus on performing all necessary analysis on juice and wines, as well as collecting the data in BIMS and other laboratory spreadsheets. The goal of this position is to run the lab and assist with BIMS data entry and special winemaking processes like trials and yeast buildup.
IMPORTANT RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:
- Manage all tank and barrel sampling for in house and outsourced analysis.
- Perform routine and/or emergency analysis on all juice, wine and grape samples as required by winemaking team.
- Assist in the tracking and monitoring of all wine lots, including primary fermentation, malolactic fermentation, and sulfur levels during ageing.
- Follow SOP’s and Safety Procedures.
- Manage and maintain the laboratory including all laboratory equipment and machinery.
- Manage all analysis, bottling record keeping and data entry in BIMS and spreadsheets.
- Order all laboratory supplies and chemicals & assist in ordering of wine additives like nutrients.
- Co-ordinate QC on all packaging.
- Perform QC during bottling.
- Manage planned experimental trials.
- Assist in entering work orders for cellar work performed.
- Buildup of yeast starters for slow or stuck lots, or for sparkling wine tirage bottling
- Assist if needed with cellar operations and special projects as assigned by supervisor.
- Operate a forklift and pallet jack as needed.
- Occasionally work at wine events like wine club parties and outside wine tasting events.
Future tasks may include:
- Assist in management of barrel topping schedule and selection topping wines.
- Assist in planning and executing of bulk wine or juice shipments.
- Assist in balancing bulk wine inventory.
Background and Experience:
A bachelor’s degree in Enology, Fermentation Science, Chemistry, Microbiology, or related field is preferred. Two years’ experience in laboratory/wine production required. Supervisory experience and knowledge of current viticulture research and literature preferred. The qualified candidate will be well organized detail oriented and possess strong analytical skills. The capacity to work independently and with others at all levels of the organization is required. Intermediate to advanced computer skills in Word and Excel are required. The willingness to work extended hours is expected, particularly during harvest. The position requires the ability to stand for long periods of time, occasionally reach with hands and arms, occasionally sit, walk, climb, stoop, or kneel, as well as be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
Wage Transparency:
The base pay for this role ranges from $27-$32 per hour. Compensation will be determined by candidate experience, skills, and location.
Benefits:
- Health Benefits – Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability & Life insurance
- 401k with employer match
- Vacation accrual; 12 paid holidays; 72 hours for Health & Wellness
- Paid volunteer time - 16 hours per year
- Learning & Development opportunities
- Modern Health virtual mental health & coaching visits
- Wine discounts!
At Jackson Family Wines, we respect, celebrate, and take pride in each other’s differences. Together we nurture a culture that embraces fairness, acceptance and belonging. We believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion drive our best innovation, enrich our employees, and connect us to our customers and global community. We aspire to evolve in our commitment for a better future and one that is rooted for good.
