Posted 9/1/2023: Winery Apprentice (Northern Michigan)
Left Foot Charley is located in the former Northern Michigan Asylum in Traverse City, Michigan. LFC is a Michigan version of an Austrian Heuriger – a place where aromatic and flavorful wine is an everyday event. Locals and visitors alike have come to realize that the non-traditional setting pairs perfectly with the atypical fruit sourcing and old-style winemaking that defines LFC. Left Foot Charley has a committed focus on red and white wine varietals, hard cider, and sparkling wine.
Description:
This is a 2 year Apprenticeship program which will include 299 hours of related technical instruction and rotations in the cellar (~1 year), the tasting room (~6 months), and the vineyard (~6 months). A winemaker, also known as an enologist or vintner, oversees the entire production process of creating wine, including grape harvesting, crushing, fermentation, aging, blending and bottling. They combine scientific concepts with practical experience to alter a wine’s chemical composition and make key decisions based on the levels of acid, sugar, sulfur and sulfite within a wine.
Winemakers also supervise the work of viticulturists, the grape growers who work for a winery or independently owned vineyard. In the case of smaller wineries, a winemaker’s responsibilities begin with grape vine planting and extend through to the marketing and selling of the final product, including tasting room operation and management.
On the Job Training:
On the job training to include but not limited to:
Sanitation/Sterilization of tanks and working areas and how to use the chemicals properly.
Training in how to properly utilize winemaking equipment such as pumps, filtering equipment, tractors, fork lifts, bottling machines, disgorging, presses, bottling lines etc.
Training in how to properly package wine including sterilization of bottles, quality of wine entering bottles, troubleshooting bottling problems etc.
Wine appreciation training including understanding the basics of wine flavor profiles, sensory analysis of wines, identifying common wine faults, identifying common wine varietals etc.
Winery Maintenance and management training including maintaining cellar, lab and bottling information, cellar work and maintenance as needed, and safety and training manuals.
Lab analysis training including use of proper tools, performance of simple lab tests, monitoring, controlling, and documenting fermentations by sensory data analysis, and microorganism identification under a microscope.
Winemaking formulations/additions training such as performing calculations to determine additions of general additives such as sulfur dioxide and performing bench trials on wines.
Vineyard and grape knowledge and maintenance training including vine training, pruning, tying, weed control, crop estimation, rootstocks, disease/pest observation and diagnosis, sampling techniques etc.
Tasting room training in how to properly serve wine in a public setting, discuss wines being served, discuss winemaking techniques, compliance with alcohol laws, customer service, stocking and inventory management, POS software and customer tracking etc.
There is a physical requirement of the ability to lift 50lbs.
There is an educational requirement of a high school diploma or GED equivalency.
There is an age requirement of 21 years of age or older.
A valid driver’s license is required.
There is a requirement of overtime during harvest season (October and November).
Note: This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position. It is not exhaustive or comprehensive of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties. The responsibilities, tasks, and duties of the position may differ from those outlined above and other duties may be assigned as necessary or required by business needs.
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Kristy McClellan
Director of Sales
Left Foot Charley
231-620-1170 (Mobile)
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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 [email protected]