Associate Winemaker & Vineyard Manager - $10000 Hiring Bonus

Job Description:

Established in 2002 and acquired by its current owners in 2020, Oak Creek Vineyards & Winery is a boutique, family-owned estate in Cornville, Arizona — just minutes from Sedona in the heart of the Verde Valley wine country. Set at 3,400 feet elevation on 11 acres of volcanic soil with access to one of Arizona's purest aquifers, we produce approximately 3,000 cases annually across 20 distinctive varietals and blends, including Tempranillo, Syrah, Merlot, Zinfandel and Barbera. We also manage approximately 50 tons of fruit annually through custom crush arrangements.

This is a rare opportunity to be the creative and operational force behind an acclaimed boutique winery in one of America's most exciting emerging wine regions. From soil to bottle, you'll impact the shape of our wines and the direction of the estate.

Key Responsibilities include:
- Manage wine production from crush to bottling, including fermentation management, blending decisions, barrel aging, and quality control
- Manage cellar operations, including barrel inventory, sanitation protocols, and equipment maintenance
- Conduct regular quality testing and analysis (Brix, pH, TA, etc.) and make data-driven production decisions
- Comply with TTB regulations, maintain accurate production records, and manage inventory.
- Produce annual Federal and State Production Reports
- Manage vineyard operations including pruning, canopy management, irrigation scheduling, pest and disease management, and harvest timing
- Optimize vine health and fruit quality through soil management, nutrient programs, and sustainable viticulture practices
- Monitor crop load, conduct yield estimates, and make crop-thinning decisions to achieve quality targets
- Manage irrigation systems drawing from our 425-foot aquifer well, ensuring efficient water usage
- Maintain vineyard equipment, tools, and infrastructure in excellent working condition
- Contribute to annual production plans, harvest schedules, and vintage forecasts
- Manage winemaking and vineyard budgets, including bottling supplies, equipment, and labor costs
- Mentor seasonal vineyard workers and cellar assistants

Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Viticulture, Enology, or equivalent experience
- 3–5 years hands-on winemaking experience; minimum 2 full vintage cycles in a leadership role
- Demonstrated vineyard management experience across the full annual viticultural cycle
- Ability to operate vineyard equipment (tractors, forklifts, skid steers) and lift 50+ lbs
- Pesticide Applicator and Public Water System certificates (or ability to obtain)
- Valid driver's license; willingness to travel to Southern Arizona
- Experience with warm-climate viticulture and Rhône, Italian, or Spanish varietals preferred
- Strong technical knowledge of fermentation science, wine chemistry, and cellar operations
- Experience with small-batch, boutique winery operations (under 5,000 cases annually)
- Physical capability to perform demanding outdoor work in Arizona climate (e.g. temperatures exceeding 100°F); ability to regularly lift and carry 50+ lbs (wine cases, equipment, barrels); comfortable with repetitive tasks such as bending, kneeling, climbing ladders, and working in confined spaces.
- Experience with warm-climate or high-elevation viticulture and winemaking, knowledge of Arizona wine industry, AVAs, and regional growing conditions are assets but not required
- Not afraid to get dirt under your fingernails or spend long days in the vineyard during critical periods.
- Adaptable & resilient
- Genuinely loves wine and enjoys sharing that passion with guests.

What makes this role unique:
- Work with distinctive Arizona terroir featuring volcanic soil, high-desert elevation and proximity to Oak Creek's natural water
- Be part of Arizona's dynamic wine community on the Verde Valley Wine Trail, surrounded by fellow innovators and craftspeople
- Live and work in one of Arizona's most beautiful settings, with stunning red rock views and proximity to Sedona with access to world-class hiking, mountain biking, and outdoor recreation
- Small-town Arizona living with lower cost of living, than major wine regions (Arizona's overall cost of living is approximately 30% lower than California)
- 300+ days of sunshine and exceptional year-round weather
- Direct relationship with owners who are passionate about wine and deeply invested in quality

How to Apply
If you're excited about this opportunity to help shape the future of Oak Creek Vineyards & Winery, we'd love to hear from you. Please submit the following:
- Current resume detailing your winemaking and viticulture experience
- Cover letter explaining your interest in this position and what you would bring to Oak Creek Vineyards with a brief description of your winemaking philosophy and approach to warm-climate viticulture
- Contact information for three professional references

We look forward to meeting candidates who share our passion for exceptional wine, sustainable viticulture, and creating memorable experiences for our guests.

Oak Creek Vineyards & Winery
1555 N Page Springs Road | Cornville, AZ 86325
Oak Creek Vineyards is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion.

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