Enologist / Winemaker / Vineyard Manager

Job Description

Job Description

About Us

River Crest Vineyard & Still LLC is a small, family-owned estate winery in Central Pennsylvania. With 7 acres under vine, a tasting room, event space, and a growing regional presence, we are entering a phase of expansion and modernization. We value craftsmanship, curiosity, integrity, hard work and pride in the product we create.

Position Overview

This role is ideal for a hands-on winemaker and viticulture leader who thrives in a small-team environment. You will manage vineyard operations, winemaking and oversee harvest, while maintaining cellar operations, drive quality improvements, and represent the winery professionally. We want someone excited to manage the entire winemaking lifecycle from stem to bottle.

Vineyard Management Responsibilities

• Oversee estate vineyard operations year-round

• Execute pest and disease control programs

• Manage canopy, soil health, and fruit load

• Monitor vine nutrition through testing

• Maintain and operate vineyard equipment

Winemaking & Enology Responsibilities

• Lead harvest, crush, press, and fermentation

• Conduct daily wine monitoring and analysis

• Maintain lab records and cellar logs

• Manage barrel program, racking, and stabilizing

• Oversee blending and style development

• Ensure cellar sanitation and safety

Bottling & Production

• Plan and manage bottling schedules

• Oversee bottling line operations

• Maintain production inventory

• Track volumes, losses, and yield efficiency

Required Qualifications

• Degree in Enology, Viticulture, Winemaking, or related field (or equivalent experience)

• 3+ years winemaking & vineyard experience

• Strong lab skills (pH, TA, SO2, Brix)

• Ability to operate vineyard & cellar equipment

• Excellent organizational skills

• Physically capable of cellar and vineyard work

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in cool-climate viticulture

• Familiarity with hybrid varieties

• Small/mid-size winery experience

• Creativity in blending and style development

Who You Are

• Passionate about owning the process from stem to bottle

• Motivated, meticulous, and hands-on

• Excited to grow grapes and make wine

• Ready to shape the future of a growing winery

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience

• Optional on-site housing (if available)

• PTO plan

• Long-term growth opportunities

• Creative freedom in winemaking and vineyard strategy

• Bonus structure for wine awards and business performance