VINTAGE ASSISTANT WINEMAKER

When vintage arrives at Sandalford, the winery comes alive. Grapes roll in from the vineyards, the team is in full swing, and every day brings something new.

Sandalford’s vineyards span the Swan Valley and Margaret River regions, producing an award-winning portfolio of premium wines, including the Prendiville Reserve, 1840, Estate Reserve, Margaret River Range and Winemaker collections.

We are seeking a motivated Vintage Assistant Winemaker to join our winemaking team at the Sandalford Estate in Caversham on a four-month, full-time contract. This is an exciting hands-on experience in premium wine production, working alongside experienced professionals throughout the vintage period.

The Role

You’ll be right in the thick of vintage, working shoulder-to-shoulder with the Senior Winemaker as fruit arrives and the winery gets into full swing. Your days will be a mix of practical cellar work, supporting winemaking activities and helping keep the vintage process running smoothly.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Assisting with grape receival, sampling, weighing, crushing, destemming and pressing.
• Supporting fermentation management, including monitoring progress, pump-overs, rackings, wine transfers and additions.
• Conducting routine laboratory work, collecting samples and performing basic wine analysis to assist with monitoring quality.
• Recording laboratory results accurately and communicating findings
• Operating and assisting with the cleaning and maintenance of winery equipment, including pumps, presses and tanks.
• Maintaining accurate records and completing vintage documentation.
• Ensuring high standards of cleanliness, hygiene, quality control and workplace health and safety.
• Assisting with other winery duties as required throughout the vintage period.

About You

You’re practical, reliable and ready to get involved. You take pride in doing things properly and understand that vintage requires energy, flexibility and a willingness to roll up your sleeves.

You will have:

• Previous winery, cellar and laboratory experience

• A qualification or studies in winemaking, viticulture, wine science or a related field, would will be highly regarded.

• Good attention to detail, particularly when collecting samples, recording results and following procedures.

• The ability to balance laboratory tasks with practical, hands-on cellar work.

• A willingness to undertake physically demanding work in a fast-paced environment.

• A strong commitment to cleanliness, quality and workplace health and safety.

• Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively within a team.

• Flexibility to work varied hours, including early starts, weekends and additional hours during peak vintage.

• A current Australian Driver's Licence, forklift licence and a Police Clearance Certificate (issued within the last six months).

• Full Australian working rights.

What We Offer

• Exposure to premium winemaking processes from grape receival through to fermentation and cellar operations just 30 minutes from Perth CBD.
• The opportunity to learn from an experienced team.
• A supportive, collaborative workplace where you can build your practical winemaking skills.
• Staff discounts on food, beverages and accommodation across the Prendiville Group.
• Free onsite parking at our Caversham estate.

How to Apply

If you’re enthusiastic about winemaking, enjoy hands-on work and want to be part of the action during vintage, we’d love to hear from you.

Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and interest in the role.

This is a four-month, full-time fixed-term opportunity. Shortlisting will commence immediately, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.