Assistant Winemaker/Viticultural Operator (Wine Jobs: Vineyards & Cellars )

Full Time

  Gibbston Valley Wines

  Gibbston, Otago

Gibbston Valley Wines is a small organic producer in Central Otago. We have 8 diverse vineyards across three sub-regions.

Beyond our exceptional wines, GV offers guests unforgettable experiences, including, wine tours, cheesery café delights, fine dining, a luxurious spa, and premium lodge accommodation. Our diverse offerings make GV a dynamic and engaging workplace, while our unwavering commitment to excellence inspires pride and passion among our team members.

At GV, we live by our values: we pursue excellence in all we do, show stewardship for the land and community, stay authentic to our roots, dream big to drive innovation, and act with honesty to foster trust and respect.

About the Role:

We are excited to offer a newly created, full-time position as Assistant Winemaker/Vineyard Operator. This unique dual-role opportunity is perfect for a seasoned professional looking to contribute to both our winemaking and vineyard operations.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Assist in all facets of winemaking, particularly cool-climate still and sparkling production (Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Sauvignon Blanc).
  • Perform practical vineyard tasks, including machinery operation, maintenance, and calibration.
  • Maintain exceptional hygiene and cleanliness standards for equipment and facilities.
  • Collaborate on organic farming and production methods.
  • Conduct record-keeping, with experience in Vintrace winery software preferred.
  • Host and support customer-facing tastings and events as needed.
  • Serve as a company safety officer, ensuring health and safety compliance.

About You:
You’re a motivated and adaptable professional with a passion for wine and sustainability. You bring expertise, initiative, and a sense of humour and a great taste in music. 

Skills & Qualifications:

  • Tertiary qualification in Wine Science, Oenology, or relevant related field. 
  • 5+ years of winery and vineyard experience, with expertise in cool-climate winemaking. 
  • Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities.
  • Proficient in vineyard machinery operation and practical vineyard work.
  • Excellent mathematical, laboratory, and record-keeping skills.
  • Experience with organic farming practices and environmental consciousness.
  • Domestic and international winegrowing knowledge 
  • Confidence hosting tastings and engaging with guests.
  • Well-developed olfactory prowess 
  • NZ-accredited forklift license and operational skills.
  • Physically fit, with the ability to perform repetitive tasks safely.
  • Own transport and accommodation required.

Location: Gibbston Valley Wines - Otago, Gibbston Valley

Employment type: Full-time permanent position with minimum of 40 hours per week 

Salary: $70 000 per Annum 

Why Join Us?
At Gibbston Valley Wines, you’ll be part of a tight-knit team in a dynamic, inspiring workplace. If you love wine, care deeply about the environment, and thrive on creativity and innovation, we’d love to hear from you!

*We are only seeking applications from candidates with unrestricted work rights in New Zealand.  Gibbston Valley is a popular place to work – we will only contact candidates who have been shortlisted. 

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