Latitude 32 is more than a traditional wine brand, it is a dynamic wine business that spans wine, hospitality, experiences and innovation, led by entrepreneurial founders Emma and David White. Located in the Hunter Valley, Latitude 32 produces high-quality wines shaped by regional tradition and site expression, guided by modern Australian winemaking.
The Latitude 32 portfolio focuses on estate grown Hunter Valley classics Shiraz, Semillon and Chardonnay, while the Duck Hollow wines explore alternative varieties Fiano, Falanghina and Aglianico. The Latitude 32 cellar door, 100-tonne winery and vineyards were acquired from the former Mistletoe Wines estate, a long-established and award-winning Hunter Valley producer.
Entering an exciting new stage in its evolution, Latitude 32’s new Winemaker will be at the centre of growth and development plans. This is a rare opportunity to help shape a modern Australian wine business with influence beyond the winery, from the vineyard to new product development and brand building. As a brand advocate, you will be actively involved in promoting Latitude 32 with trade, media and consumers, including activities to support export market expansion.
Reporting to the Director, this is a hands-on role that will be responsible for all winemaking operations and work collaboratively with all areas of the business and external stakeholders. The Winemaker will also lead Sustainable Winegrowing Australia certification and related programs for the winery and vineyard.
Key Responsibilities
* Manage all winemaking operations, ensuring operational excellence
* Represent the brand with trade, media and consumers, actively participating in advocacy and promotional activities
* Drive wine style and quality, maintaining standards and records
* Prepare a production plan to meet forecasts, style, quality and budget
* Complete cellar operations, laboratory analysis and quality control procedures
* Develop barrel strategy to ensure efficient use of barrels based on vintage plan
* Coordinate and manage bottling and ensure label compliance for domestic and international markets
* Oversee and complete contract winemaking, maintaining strong client relationships
* Coordinate and lead vintage plans, including casual labour
* Develop and manage winery operating budget and forecasting
* Ensure regulatory compliance & company policies are met, including workplace health & safety standards
* Work closely with the Vineyard team, progressing viticultural plans and liaising on fruit supply and quality
* Manage a proactive maintenance plan
* Develop and implement continual improvement strategies in winemaking and business operations
* Assist in growth projects for the winery and vineyard, including product development
* Organise and oversee general grounds management
* Contribute to other areas of the business as required
Key Requirements
* Tertiary qualification in Oenology or equivalent
* Relevant winemaking experience, including commercial and/or contract winemaking
* Strong technical knowledge and proficiency in production processes
* End-to-end planning experience, with high attention to detail to operations, compliance and record keeping
* Well-developed wine sensory and quality assessment skills
* Broad understanding of domestic and international wine styles, with previous Hunter Valley experience an advantage
* Commercially minded
* Strong communication and people leadership skills
* Ability to work autonomously and in a small team, within a founder-led entrepreneurial business
* Ability to represent the brand and engage confidently with consumers, trade, and media
* Driven to achieve outstanding results, with a proactive and creative approach
* Physically capable of performing operational duties
* Valid RSA, forklift and driver’s licence
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