About Pikes
Pikes are a long established and respected family business based in the beautiful Clare Valley of S.A. Premium wine and viticulture are our core operations and we market our products throughout Australia and to international destinations. At Pikes we are dedicated to providing a safe and supportive working environment where all team members feel valued and rewarded for their contributions.

About the role
We have an exciting opportunity for a passionate and enthusiastic individual to join our existing Winemaking team!

This is a permanent full time position, reporting directly to the Chief Winemaker and based at our 100ha Polish Hill River estate. Our vineyard has 18 different varieties, providing an opportunity to learn about different winemaking approaches.

Since 1990, Pikes has also teamed up with the Joyce family in Adelaide Hills to produce the Pike and Joyce label off of the 25ha Lenswood Vineyard. This vineyard is planted to Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Gruner Veltliner, Shiraz and Nebbiolo, all fruit being hand harvested and brought to Pikes Clare Valley winery for processing.

The Winemaker will establish close working relationships with both the Winery and Vineyard teams. You will contribute, understand, execute and manage the day-to-day winemaking requirements in conjunction with the Chief Winemaker taking on a key role in wine blending decisions.

Responsibilities will include:

• Assist in managing the cellar to the highest standards
• Take an active role in the continuous improvement of winery and processes
• Manage, coach and mentor winery staff. Including working with the Chief Winemaker to plan workloads for the cellar outside of, and during vintage
• Act as a representative for the company on industry programs or events where there is direct benefit to the company and as agreed by Chief Winemaker
• Have responsibilities for implementing the winery health and safety management system as an integral part of day-to-day operations
• Managing compliance and developing standards and systems
• Ability to host customer-facing tastings, visits, and events when required
• Assist in our continuing journey for Sustainable Winemaking practices.

Benefits on offer

• A competitive annual salary + super and additional hours payable during vintage will be offered commensurate with the skills and experience of the successful applicants
• Great employee perks such as Wine/Beer/Restaurant Allowance, Health & Wellbeing Allowance, Clothing Allowance, as well as discounted rates on our company products
• Exceptional work/life balance
• Salary sacrifice options
• On the job training and development opportunities

Excellent work environment and team culture – join a transparent, positive and supportive company that values your commitment and hard work.

Skills and experience

The successful candidates will ideally have proven industry experience, excellent communication, strong interpersonal skills and attention to detail is a must.

Working in a small and flexible team, there will be a requirement to work shift work and weekends for the period of Vintage annually (February until late April) is essential.

• A formal qualification in Oenology is essential for the Winemaker position, ideally in a supervisory role
• A high risk forklift licence and confined space certification
• You will have had experience in day-to-day winery management, it is essential that you have well developed people and interpersonal skills and be able to communicate clearly across all levels of the organisation
• You will possess a demonstrated understanding of Wine Quality Management systems
• A team player, motivated, proactive and a quality focus are all key personal attributes to be successful in this role

You will be someone with a passion for wine, be reliable, self-motivated, have good communication skills and possess a strong work ethic. In return, you will be given the opportunity to work closely with our skilled Winemaking team, in our ‘hands on’ approach to the winemaking process.

How to apply

If this sounds like you, please click on the apply button and follow the prompts.

We anticipate that interviews will be conducted mid October, we will get in touch if you are shortlisted for this opportunity. If you would like to learn more, please contact Abbie Pikes People, Culture & Sustainability Manager on 88 434 370.

This permanent full time opportunity is only open to applicants currently residing within Australia with permanent working rights.