Trainee Winemaker

Position description Apply now

About Us

At De Bortoli Wines, our ethos revolves around a simple philosophy: making great wine, sharing delicious food, and celebrating good friends. As a proud, multi-generational Australian family-owned enterprise exporting to over 64 countries, we blend deep winemaking heritage with a continuous drive for innovation. We don't just sell wine — we build legacy, curate experiences, and nurture high-performing teams. We are looking for a Trainee Winemaker to join our Winemaking team and develop their practical skills and knowledge across both laboratory and cellar operations.

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about wine and looking to build a career in winemaking.

Working closely with our experienced Winemaking team, you will gain hands-on exposure to the practical and technical aspects of winemaking while supporting product development, trials and research projects.

Reporting to the Senior Winemaker, you will have the opportunity to develop your skills across laboratory analysis, cellar operations, blend preparation, wine evaluation and research and development. This role will provide exposure to a broad range of winemaking activities and allow you to build a strong foundation for a long-term career in the industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop practical skills across key laboratory and cellar processes
• Collect samples, prepare laboratory samples and conduct analysis as directed
• Assist with blend preparation, bench trials and wine tastings
• Prepare fining trials involving tannin, acid, oak, cork and other winemaking inputs
• Document and report on trial and research & development outcomes
• Assist with wine evaluation and competitor and inter-winery tastings
• Maintain accurate winemaking records and information
• Prepare, label, pack and despatch wine show and product samples

About You

We are looking for someone who is genuinely passionate about wine and excited to begin developing a career in winemaking. You will be curious, motivated and eager to learn, with a practical mindset and a willingness to get involved across all aspects of the winemaking process.

You will enjoy working in a hands-on environment and be comfortable balancing laboratory-based tasks with practical cellar work. You will be able to follow established processes and instructions while also demonstrating initiative, asking questions and taking ownership of your responsibilities.

As you will work closely with experienced winemakers, laboratory/QA teams and production staff, strong communication and teamwork skills will be important. You will be someone who takes pride in your work, pays close attention to detail and understands the importance of accurate record keeping and following quality and safety procedures.

You will ideally have:

• A keen interest and aptitude for winemaking and winemaking processes
• A practical, hands-on approach and willingness to learn
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to accurate record keeping
• Good communication and organisational skills
• A willingness to undertake a tertiary qualification in Oenology and Graduate degree in Winemaking.

This is a fantastic opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience within an established Australian family-owned winery and build a strong foundation for a career in winemaking.

Please note: As a pre-requisite for employment, prospective candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening.

Position description Apply now