Winemaker
Deadline for applications: Wednesday, 28th May 2025
The new Winemaker will be joining Marnong Estate in the continuing development of its wine business, which includes the recent completion of their new purpose built, state of the art 2800m2 winery in 2024. The Winemaker will be central to producing consistently high-quality wines and have the opportunity to contribute to the innovation of the portfolio and the brand as it continues to evolve.
Located in Victoria’s Sunbury wine region which borders the Macedon Ranges, the Estate is also just 35 minutes from Melbourne’s CBD. The portfolio showcases not only their focus on classic cool climate varieties such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, but also includes a range of Italian varieties including Sangiovese, Montepulciano and Fiano. Additional planting is underway to expand the 34 Ha currently under vine across their estate vineyard, as well as grower and leased sites.
Reporting directly to the Chief Winemaker, this is a hands-on role that will lead day-to-day winery operations, including the supervision and training of cellar staff and be responsible for laboratory analysis and quality control. Marnong’s new Winemaker will represent the brand at industry, trade and consumer events, with support to advance their professional development.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Oversee and participate in cellar operations
- Supervise and train cellar staff, providing leadership and ensuring safety protocols and best practices are followed
- Conduct regular tastings, quality control processes and analysis, ensuring quality and consistency
- Maintain accurate and detailed records using Vintrace and provide scheduled reports
- Collaborate with the vineyard team, assisting in monitoring grape maturity and harvest planning
- Contribute ideas and assist in innovation projects and trials to enhance the winery’s portfolio
- Participate in brand promotion and representation at industry, trade and consumer events
- Assist in managing the winery site and infrastructure
Job Requirements
- Tertiary qualification in Oenology
- At least 3 years winery experience; diversity in varieties, styles and regions an advantage
- Laboratory experience
- Familiarity with winery software, Vintrace experience an advantage
- Valid forklift & driver’s licence
- Attention to detail and focus on quality
- Efficiency and initiative
- Physically capable of performing operational duties
To discuss this role or receive a copy of the position description, contact Glenn Thompson at gthompson@winenet.com.au or 0438 308 278.
More Information
Winery
The new state-of-the-art, architecturally designed 2,800m2 winery was completed in 2024, built to expand with the ongoing vineyard development plans.
In addition to the high-end winemaking facilities and temperature-controlled cellar, it also includes a private dining room and a commercial kitchen, that will cater to corporate and private events.
Vineyards
The Estate’s first vines were planted in 2016 and ongoing vineyard development work has expanded operations to include sites in Macedon, with a total of 34 Ha currently under vine. Recent additional planting includes an 8000 vines per Ha Chardonnay plot, with further growth plans underway.
The diverse mix of varieties includes Chardonnay, Fiano, Pinot Grigio, Glera, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Sangiovese and Montepulciano.
Marnong Estate
Located just a 35-min drive from the Melbourne CBD and 20-min from the airport, Marnong Estate is a vibrant tourist destination and wine brand. Overlooking rolling hills and farming land, the Estate provides easy access to the city as well as regional towns in Macedon and surrounding areas.
Through ongoing investment, the historic property in Sunbury has been re-developed into an Estate offering a range of hospitality venues from causal to fine-dining, event spaces, a cellar door, as well as accommodation. Further plans to expand operations are underway, with construction of a hotel to begin at the end of the year, followed by two new function centres and a new purpose-built cellar door planned for 2026.
Wine Awards Highlights
2024 James Halliday Australian Chardonnay & Cabernet Challenge
TOP GOLD + TROPHY | 2022 Marnong Estate Chardonnay
2024 Melbourne International Wine Competition
Sunbury Winery of the Year
GOLD | 2023 Marnong Estate Chardonnay
GOLD | 2023 Marnong Estate Pinot Noir
2024 Australian Cool Climate Wine Show
GOLD | 2023 Marnong Estate Pinot Noir
2024 Victorian Wine Show
TOP GOLD | 2023 Marnong Estate Montepulciano
2024 Ballarat Wine Show
TOP GOLD | 2023 Marnong Estate Pinot Noir
2024 Alternative Varieties Wine Show
TOP GOLD | 2023 Marnong Estate Fiano
2024 Cowra Wine Show
TOP GOLD | 2023 Marnong Estate Montepulciano
2023 Melbourne Royal Wine Awards
GOLD | 2022 Marnong Estate Shiraz
2023 Perth Wine Show
GOLD | 2022 Marnong Estate Montepulciano
2023 National Cool Climate Wine Show
GOLD | 2022 Marnong Estate Montepulciano
2023 Royal Queensland Wine Show
TROPHY BEST SHIRAZ OF SHOW | 2022 Marnong Estate Shiraz
GOLD | 2022 Marnong Estate Shiraz
GOLD | 2022 Marnong Estate Miscella Rossa
2023 Single Vineyard Wine Awards
TOP GOLD | 2022 Marnong Estate Miscella Rossa
2023 Ballarat Wine Show
GOLD + TROPHY | 2022 Marnong Estate Fiano