Job Description

Job Description:

Grgich Hills Estate was founded in 1977 by Miljenko "Mike" Grgich and Austin Hills of the Hills Bros. Coffee Company, following the 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay that Mike crafted, which won the history-making 1976 Paris Tasting, beating the best wines of France.

Today, Grgich Hills Estate remains a family-owned and operated business, passionately devoted to the art of winemaking and regenerative farming. Our 100% estate-grown vineyards are Certified Regenerative Organic through the Regenerative Organic Alliance (ROA), a leading force in the Regenerative Agriculture movement worldwide. Referred to as "Organic Plus,” regenerative farming is a science-driven approach focused on no-till soil management, building organic matter to sustain microbial life, incorporating livestock and biodiversity, and caring for people who work in the fields and winery. It is a key component of combating climate change and reducing greenhouse gas pollution. Regenerative farming enables winemaking with minimal intervention and wild yeast fermentation, creating elegant, balanced, and complex wines with a distinct sense of place.

We care deeply about crafting world-class wines that help build a better future for ourselves and future generations, regenerating the earth and fostering peace. We are dedicated to maintaining a safe, friendly, and healthy environment that supports employee well-being by fostering loyalty, pride, trust, and mutual respect. Our values come from Mike Grgich, whose father said, "Every day, do your best, learn something new, and make a friend." We all live these values daily, personally, professionally, and passionately. This is an opportunity to be part of a winery that cares about making the world a better place, one friend at a time.

SUMMARY
The Laboratory Technician / Enologist supports all aspects of laboratory operations and quality assurance throughout the winemaking process. Working closely with the Assistant Winemaker and Winemaker, this position performs analytical testing, maintains laboratory equipment, manages laboratory records, supports blending trials, and ensures accurate wine inventory and data management. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, highly organized, and capable of working independently while collaborating effectively with the winemaking team.

RESPONSIBILITIES
Laboratory Operations
•  Perform routine chemical and analytical testing on grapes, juice, must, fermentations, and finished wines.
•  Maintain, calibrate, troubleshoot, and document laboratory equipment according to established procedures.
•  Prepare, label, and maintain chemical reagents, laboratory solutions, and testing supplies.
•  Maintain laboratory cleanliness and ensure compliance with safety and sanitation standards.
•  Monitor laboratory inventory and order supplies as needed.
Quality Assurance & Winemaking Support
•  Conduct laboratory analysis to support harvest, fermentation, aging, blending, bottling, and quality control activities.
•  Prepare bench trials, laboratory blends, and samples for evaluation by the winemaking team.
•  Assist with sensory evaluations and blend tastings.
•  Perform bottling quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC), including laboratory testing and documentation.
•  Support winery sanitation verification and product quality initiatives.
Data Management & Recordkeeping
•  Maintain accurate laboratory records and documentation in accordance with company procedures and regulatory requirements.
•  Enter laboratory results into winery management software in a timely and accurate manner.
•  Maintain accurate records of bulk wine inventory, wine movements, and production data throughout all stages of winemaking.
•  Assist with generating reports and maintaining production records.
Team Collaboration
•  Communicate laboratory findings promptly to the Assistant Winemaker and Winemaker.
•  Work collaboratively with cellar, production, and bottling teams.
•  Assist with special projects and other duties as assigned to support winery operations.

Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
Required
•  Bachelor's degree in Enology, Chemistry, Biology, Food Science, Microbiology, or another life science.
•  Experience working in an analytical laboratory.
•  Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook).
•  Strong organizational skills with excellent attention to detail.
•  Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy.
•  Strong written and verbal communication skills.
•  Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.

Preferred
•  Experience in winery laboratory operations.
•  Experience with winery management software such as Vintrace, WMDB, Innovint, or similar systems.
•  Spanish language proficiency.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
•  Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
•  Knowledge of laboratory safety procedures and chemical handling.
•  Ability to maintain confidential production information.
•  Ability to interpret laboratory results and communicate findings effectively.
•  Strong data management and recordkeeping skills.
•  Commitment to workplace safety and quality standards.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
•  Stand and walk for extended periods.
•  Lift and carry up to 30 pounds regularly and occasionally more with assistance.
•  Bend, kneel, climb stairs, crouch, reach, and perform repetitive hand movements.
•  Work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, humidity, and wet environments.
•  Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, respirators (when required), and protective footwear.
•  Safely handle laboratory chemicals and understand associated hazards.
•  Work around production equipment, forklifts, pumps, tanks, and moving machinery.
•  Possess sufficient visual acuity to read instruments, labels, and computer screens.

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Job Tags

Full time, Work at office, Worldwide

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