Charlevoix and Lake Michigan. Our unique location and terroir is vastly influenced by
the Great Lakes and glacial drift, making our estate ideal for growing grapes. Our
vineyard is roughly 10 acres and we currently growing 9 different varietals: Marquette,
Itasca, Traminette, Frontenac Gris, Sauvignon Rytos, Auxerrois, Leon Millot, Riesling
and Pinot Blanc, in addition to 10 apple trees.
Blu Dot Farm is seeking an intern for our 2025 season that would consist of 70%
vineyard work and 30% tasting room work. The ideal candidate would have a
background or schooling in viticulture, enology, horticulture OR has prior experience
and knowledge working in a vineyard, has worked a harvest or has had some
customer service experience at a winery.
Must be available the duration of the internship
Must have transportation, valid drivers license
Must be able to lift and carry 50lbs
Must be able to work long hours, in all types of weather
Must be 21 or older
Must enjoy wine!
Assist with vine plantings (if applicable)
Mound and weed plantings
Vineyard pruning and thinning
Vineyard undervine tilling
Grape sampling
Run basic brix and pH chemistry
Prep harvest equipment/cleaning
Prior tractor and forklift experience a plus
Greet guests, create a memorable experience
Pour wine and cider for guests (tastings/glasses)
Describe wines and history of the farm
Assist with overall cleanliness of tasting room
Assist with product stocking
Operate POS system
Sell Wine Club
Prior experience in a tasting room a plus, but can be trained
TIPs certified a plus, but can be trained
Pay: Based on experience
Benefits: Tips, employee discounts
Potential Housing
of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.
Duties, responsibilities or activities may change at any time with or without notice on
a day to day basis.
6781 124th Ave
Fennville, MI 49408
We are a small family-owned and operated winery, vineyard, and tasting room. We produce ~2,500 cases of the finest Michigan wine/cider annually. We’re looking for someone with a passion to learn to join our team in an entry position as Assistant Winemaker.
This role encompasses all aspects of winemaking. All of them. You’ll be working directly with the Head Winemaker on all tasks. Cleaning, bottling, harvest, pressing, testing, decision making, lifting, filtering, machine operation, customer service, wine sampling, etc… and definitely cleaning.
Must have availability for weekends, the occasional holiday, and weird harvest hours. Physically, expect to stand, walk, lift, crouch, kneel, and occasionally smell like wine. Hours and pay will vary based on candidate experiences and enthusiasm. We are willing to work a flexible schedule based on your life situation.
Critical thinking and people skills are, well, critical. If this sounds interesting, and you have a passion for wine and good people, we’d love to hear from you. Let us know why you’d make a great part of our small team!
Contact: Joe Krajkiewcz joe@michiganwineco.com
_________________________________________________________________________
Posted 7/15/2024: General Manager at Modales Winery
Job Title: General Manager
Reports to: Director / Owner
Pay Range: $80,000 – $100,000
Hours of Work: Full time
Job Overview:
The General Manager actively participates in service and oversees all tasting room
operations, marketing, and wholesale sales. This role works alongside department heads to
drive initiatives to drive top line sales and while controlling expenses and COGS to protect
bottom line margins.
Main Duties and Responsibilities (including but not limited to):
Sales and Marketing:
Manage the tasting room experience, including staff, inventory control, and ensuring
exceptional customer service.
Managing sales and inventory. This includes setting sales goals, tracking inventory levels,
and creating sales strategies to promote the winery's products.
Wine club management: Oversee wine club operations, including member enrollment,
communication, and special events.
Develop and implement a comprehensive sales and marketing strategy to increase brand
awareness, drive sales growth, and expand distribution channels (tasting room,
distributors, online sales, etc.)
Ensuring compliance with regulations. Responsible for upholding liquor laws and age
verification procedures.
Human Resources:
Lead and motivate a team of winery staff across all departments (production, sales,
marketing, administration).
Develop and implement human resource policies and procedures, ensuring a positive and
productive work environment.
Oversee recruitment, training, and performance management of staff.
Ability to create and enforce a culture of excellence
Facility Management:
Oversee the maintenance and upkeep of the winery facilities, including the production
areas, tasting room, vineyards (in collaboration with winemaker and field manager), and
administrative offices.
Ensure compliance with all safety regulations.
Qualifications:
Minimum 5 years’ experience in winery management or a related field
Proven leadership skills and commitment to excellence
Proven financial and business acumen; analytical skills, and ability to meet and exceed
set budgets
Ability to respectfully mentor, train, develop, and hold teams accountable to expectations
Must be detail oriented, strong execution skills
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills both written and verbal
Passion for wine, the wine industry, ad building a strong brand
Must have proficient computer and technological skills
Ability to perform physical requirements of position including standing and walking for
extended periods of time, bending, pushing, pulling, lifting and carrying loads of up to 50
pounds, per business need
Able and willing to work flexible scheduling including days, nights, weekends, and
holidays
Familiarity with relevant legal and regulatory requirements for wineries.
VIEW THE LISTING AND APPLY HERE!
_________________________________________________________________________
Posted 7/15/2024: Winery Technician at Lake Michigan College
Are you passionate about Wine Science? Are you interested in shaping the future of Michigan’s Wine Industry? Lake Michigan College is seeking a Winery Technician to support winery operations and assist in the instruction of the Wine and Viticulture Technology Program.
Our unique, hands-on curriculum provides students with a fully immersive wine industry education packaged neatly within a fully accredited associate degree from Lake Michigan College. Over the course of the program students manage vines at our teaching vineyard operated in association with Michigan State University Extension, learn the ins and outs of wine production at our fully licensed teaching winery, Lake Michigan Vintners, and gain insight to the sales and marketing of wine at our public tasting room.
The Winery Technician fills a vital role in supporting our mission to educate the next generation of wine industry professionals in the Midwest.
Essential Job Functions:
1. Conduct wine tastings and serve wine at the LM Vintners Tasting Room.
2. Support public and private events, extended education programs, and Wine and Viticulture Technology course programming.
3. Manage inventory by stocking tasting room shelves, coolers, and storage areas.
4. Utilize the Point-of-Sale system for wine sales transactions and promote growth of the Wine Club.
5. Teach ENOL 190 – Enology Co-Op I and ENOL 191 – Enology Co-Op II.
6. Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of the winery and all winery equipment.
7. Perform Harvest activities such as vineyard sampling, receiving, crushing, and pressing grapes, making additions, conducting fermentation, and transferring wine between tanks and barrels.
8. Perform Cellar activities such as racking, topping barrels, filtration, and finishing wines.
9. Perform Bottling tasks such as filling, corking, labeling, and packaging wines.
10. Conduct routine lab analyses to achieve values related to Brix, pH, Titratable Acidity, SO2, ABV%, and Volatile Acidity.
11. Perform Cellar and Harvest related activities as needed outside of Co-Op Classes.
Job Requirements:
– Associate’s degree in the field and/or a combination of education, training, and tested experience.
– Relevant Certificates and/or Licenses in Viticulture and Enology, Fermentation Science, Horticulture, Chemistry, and Biology preferred.
– Equivalent of two (2) years relevant, full time, non-teaching work experience. Previous experience in a tasting room or winery setting is highly desirable.
– Strong communication and customer service skills. Knowledge of wine production processes and wine tasting techniques.
– Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and evenings.
– Frequent walking, standing, climbing, lifting, stooping, or carrying of equipment and materials may be required. Incumbents may be required to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
– Incumbent may be exposed to extreme temperatures, close quarter situations, high and precarious places, moving mechanical parts, and vibrations.
– Ability to work collaboratively with faculty and staff
Interested applicants should visit https://lmc.simplehire.com/
_________________________________________________________________________
Posted 8/14/2023: Experienced Winemaker Wanted in Southeast Michigan
WINEMAKER AD:
Are you a passionate winemaker with a penchant for crafting exceptional wines? Do you dream of creating distinctive, high-quality vintages that leave a lasting impression? Look no further – an exciting opportunity awaits you at our boutique vineyard in the heart of scenic south-east Michigan!
Position: Skilled Winemaker
Experience: 5+ years preferred; experience-appropriate candidates welcomed
Type: Part-time/contractual (with potential for expansion)
The Vineyard: Nestled in a prime location between the vibrant college town of Ann Arbor and the charming city of Dexter, our boutique vineyard promises a unique and invigorating experience.
What Sets Us Apart: As pioneers in our township, we are poised to establish the very first tasting room, bringing a touch of sophistication and relaxation to our community. With licensing and permits well underway, we are on the brink of a new era in local winemaking. This is your chance to be a part of history, to lay the foundation for a legacy that will resonate for generations.
Your Role and Impact: As our winemaker, you will be the heart and soul of our winemaking process. From grape to glass, you will have a pivotal role in shaping our wines. Your expertise will guide decisions on equipment, techniques, and wine styles, ensuring each bottle bears the mark of your creativity and skill. We value your insights and believe in a collaborative approach, fostering a sustainable environment where innovation flourishes.
Cold Climate Grape Knowledge: Familiarity with or experience working with cold climate grapes is a strong advantage. Our unique location presents an exciting challenge – one that you will relish, as you harness your expertise to create wines that capture the essence of the region.
Why Join Us:
- Be at the forefront of a groundbreaking venture, setting the tone for winemaking excellence in the township.
- Work in an idyllic setting surrounded by nature’s beauty, fostering creativity and inspiration.
- Influence and shape the direction of our vineyard, from grape selection to winemaking techniques.
- Collaborate with a dynamic and passionate team that shares your dedication to exceptional wines.
Location: Conveniently located 30 miles from both Detroit and Windsor, near a top 10 college town, and thriving local communities surrounding us, you’ll have access to a rich tapestry of cultural experiences and opportunities.
If you’re ready to embark on a journey of innovation, craftsmanship, and community building, we invite you to apply. Show us your passion, knowledge, and creativity as we join together to bring the art of winemaking to life in this vibrant bustling corner of Michigan.
Contact Lori at lori@herron.us